Name: Roy Berger
Title: President and CEO
Company, city: MedjetAssist; Birmingham, Ala.
Number of employees: 26
Recent project: I organized my 60th birthday celebration, called “60 for 60,” bringing together 60 people from all chapters of my life. Guests ranged from elementary school friends and high school acquaintances to current colleagues and family. Having my wife, children, parents and early friendships in the same room was deeply moving and highlighted how the different parts of my life have come together over the years.
First job: Summer camp counselor
Little-known fact about you: Every January I attend a major league baseball fantasy camp. For a week I play ball with fellow enthusiasts and former major leaguers — many of us out of shape, a few even more so — and enjoy the camaraderie and competitive spirit.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: Surround yourself with people who know their roles better than you do. That approach lets you coach, guide and support instead of micromanage, and it leads to stronger teams and better results.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: I believe in being open, honest and fair with both members and employees. Taking the high road consistently builds trust and loyalty, and those values ultimately show up in sustained performance and reputation.
Yardstick of success: For me success is measurable improvement: better financials and enhanced organizational performance year over year, achieved while always doing right by our members and our owners.
As a Traveler
Most important item I pack: Workout clothes. Staying active while traveling keeps me energized and focused.
How I spend time on board: I use flights to read and catch up on periodicals. They pile up, and travel offers the rare uninterrupted time to work through them.
Favorite restaurant in the world: Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach
Favorite destinations: London and Maui
About Your Brand
What travelers can expect from MedjetAssist:
Members can expect a steadfast commitment to their needs. We focus on delivering the service we promise and support members when they need it most.
How MedjetAssist differs from travel insurance companies:
MedjetAssist is a program membership rather than an insurance policy. We operate a “hospital of choice” program: when a member meets transport criteria, they choose the facility where they prefer to continue their inpatient care. That member-centered choice contrasts with programs that prioritize the closest appropriate medical center and place decision-making in the hands of the program rather than the individual.
What is the most challenging aspect of attracting new members?
The biggest challenge is conveying the value of membership and overcoming the “it won’t happen to me” mindset. While many people assume they won’t face a medical emergency, these events occur regularly. Planning ahead with protection in place gives travelers and their loved ones peace of mind, which is the practical foundation for membership.