From Napkin to Nation’s Leader: ReproTech Turns 35
The Early Days of ReproTech
ReproTech was first conceived on the back of a napkin during a flight home from a meeting. The idea was simple but groundbreaking: a facility dedicated solely to storing reproductive tissue—without running a processing lab. This would help IVF clinics better manage their storage inventory and reduce liability.
Becky Bierbaum came up with the name ReproTech, and in the beginning, the staff consisted only of Becky and Russ. In those first few years, storage client data was tracked on handwritten file cards. As demand grew, the team outgrew that system, moving to QuickBooks and building a custom storage inventory module—a challenging but necessary leap forward.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Although Russ and Becky were confident in the need for their services, IVF clinics were hesitant at first. Many feared a loss of revenue from storage fees and were reluctant to ship reproductive tissue all the way to Minnesota.
But some clinics quickly recognized the benefits. They needed a partner who could track down patients with unpaid storage fees, manage shipping requests, and reduce liability. Word of mouth spread, and ReproTech became a trusted resource.
One turning point came when clinics began moving from hospitals to private facilities. Hospitals often retained the storage contracts, leaving clinics searching for a trusted partner to take over. ReproTech stepped in to fill that need—securing long-term relationships that still define the company today.
Memories That Still Make Us Smile
Founders Becky and Russ often laugh about the times they moved tanks of reproductive tissue themselves—in the back of rental trucks and vans.
One winter trip from Dayton, Ohio to Minnesota stands out. Russ remembers opening the tanks the next morning, alarmed that no vapor was visible. After a moment of panic, he realized the air was simply so cold that no condensation could form. Relief quickly followed.
Another memory came during a move from Seattle to Reno, when they transported tanks in a rental minivan—the very first inventory for ReproTech’s Reno facility. They parked under the brightest light in the hotel lot, keeping their “precious cargo” safe until morning.
Even outside of work, conversations about ReproTech sparked smiles—and sometimes awkward silence. When asked about their company at late-night gatherings, Becky and Russ often gave a “short version” of the story, depending on how comfortable people were with the topic!
What We’re Most Proud Of
Looking back, Becky and Russ are proudest of the people who built ReproTech alongside them. From the earliest employees to partners Brent and Keri Hazelrigg, the company grew on a foundation of respect, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Providing jobs with livable salaries and benefits was a point of pride. That same commitment to people—employees, patients, and clinics alike—remains at the heart of ReproTech today.