Meet THE BASA Awards JudgeS

Dr. Rod Segnini

The BASA Awards is proud to welcome Dr. Rod Segnini to the Independent Judging Panel. We caught up with him to explore his insights on small business success, his career journey, and what he’ll be looking for as a judge this year.

Can you describe your job in just one line?


I help healthcare companies earn the trust of providers by turning complex science into clear, credible conversations.


What makes a small business stand out?


Small businesses need recognition, especially from the communities they serve. That recognition often comes not just from delivering excellent services, but from ensuring people know about it. Big brands benefit from decades of visibility; small businesses have to earn it through word of mouth, quality delivery, and consistent outreach.


"Small businesses don’t have the luxury of legacy—so they need to work twice as hard to build trust and visibility."


What are some of the biggest challenges small businesses face in the healthcare sector today?


The first hurdle is profitability. Many startups begin without deep funding, and they might be bootstrapped or relying on credit so, they need to become viable within a year or two. The second challenge is scalability. To grow sustainably, businesses need to find ways to increase their margins—often by leveraging technology to enhance their offerings. But before you grow, you need to survive.


Was there a tipping point in your career where you felt things begin to change?


I believe any career is like walking up an escalator that’s moving down. You have to keep working just to stay where you are. That said, key turning points for me came through mentors who endorsed or guided me at critical moments, and from unexpected life experiences that became assets. You never know which past experience will become valuable down the line, but when combined, they create something powerful.


"Collect experiences—even the ones that seem insignificant. They might become your greatest assets in the future."


As a BASA judge, what do you hope to see in a winning entry? And do you have a word of encouragement for applicants?


What will make me happy as a judge is seeing clear differentiation. If your entry reflects what everyone else is doing, it will be difficult to justify recognition. But if there’s something unique—an idea, an approach, an impact that sets you apart, that’s what deserves to be celebrated.

And to all the applicants: the fact that you’re entering means you’re already aiming to stand out. That’s the first step toward building something remarkable.


"If you’re applying, it means you’re ready to be seen—so be bold and show us what makes you different."


WRITTEN BY
Anna Stella - Best of America Small Business Awards

MEET THE JUDGES