Who We Are
From small start-ups or large OEMs, manufacturing, or clinical settings, Wolf has been there, and can help!
When you choose to partner with Wolf Orthopedic Development, you’re working directly with your medical device engineer. You know who is working on your project and can communicate directly with them, increasing efficiency and ensuring your project is completed according to your specifications.
Bret Hartzell
Bret is the Owner & Consultant of Wolf Orthopedic Development, a biomedical company based in Canal Fulton, Ohio.
Hartzell has over two decades of experience in the orthopedics industry and possesses a diverse knowledge and expertise base. He has worked for various Orthopedic OEM companies and was actively involved in the complete product development process across multiple departments.
His roles have ranged from Product Development Engineer to Director of Product Development. The Ohio native was responsible for the design incubation of surgeon ideas during his tenure at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic.
With multiple system launches under his lead, Hartzell understands the aspects of going from concept to clearance. His vast experience in medical device manufacturing, particularly forging and machining, balances his perspective of vendor relationships, cost reduction, and efficiency. The knowledge he has gained in his multiple roles over his career in orthopedics provides fresh and unique approaches to a wide range of orthopedic specialties.
Throughout his career, Bret has found that he enjoys working on design concepts and prototypes, and using his wealth of knowledge to mentor and work with new engineers. Bret’s expertise and holistic approach to orthopedic design often generate questions that lead to new critical design inputs sooner, streamlining processes and boosting overall efficiency.
His visionary perspective can revolutionize your design journey from the onset. With Bret's expertise, you can discover new possibilities, save valuable time, and elevate the impact of your next medical device design project.
Owner & Consultant
David is a Consultant at Wolf Orthopedic Development, bringing over three decades of expertise in manufacturing and the orthopedic and arthroscopic medical device industry. With a career spanning major orthopedic OEM companies in the US, Koogle has led innovative design projects from initial concept to FDA clearance and market release.
Throughout his career, Koogle has progressed from roles such as designer to senior design project engineer and manager of a custom instruments manufacturing shop. His manufacturing experience, and hands-on experience working directly with surgeons has enabled him to develop specialized instruments that enhance surgical outcomes.
His contributions to the field are notable, with 12 US and EU patents related to orthopedic and sports medicine industries to his name as an inventor or co-inventor. His extensive knowledge in medical design and manufacturability is a valuable asset, ensuring successful and cost-effective design processes.
Passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers, Koogle is dedicated to sharing his insights and helping teams deliver unique design projects that meet the needs of surgeons and ultimately benefit patients.
David Koogle
Consultant