Michael Schmitt
Managing Member
Round Rock, Texas, United States
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Summary
When Michael Schmitt founded Central Tox LLC in 2014, doing business as Semper Fi Labs, he set out to prove that a laboratory could deliver reliable results while meeting the highest standards of quality and compliance in a heavily regulated industry. Building that company required more than scientific know-how. It demanded thoughtful organizational design, disciplined processes, and a long-term commitment to improvement.
One of his defining decisions was to build rather than buy. Instead of relying solely on commercial software, he led development of Elevate, a proprietary laboratory information system designed around the company's operations, compliance obligations, and customer needs. The custom platform gave Central Tox flexibility, workflow efficiency, and the ability to adapt as technology and regulation evolved.
His approach centered on systems that scale without sacrificing quality. He established repeatable processes, clear accountability, and a culture where operational excellence was the standard rather than the exception. The results speak in terms government evaluators recognize: Central Tox is the only SDVOSB that holds a National MOU and an Interservice Security Agreement, and it has earned multi-year Exceptional CPARS ratings on active VA contracts, ratings completed by contracting officials that measure quality, schedule, cost control, management, and compliance.
Michael later founded PHI Fortress, extending his focus into health information technology and interoperability for the Department of Veterans Affairs. PHI Fortress is the only SDVOSB operating within the AWS GovCloud VA enterprise space, and in 2026 his work in the field earned the FORUM Innovation Award for a production-ready interoperability solution.
His entrepreneurial instincts were sharpened long before his first company. A 20-year Marine Corps career built his leadership foundation, and top-performing roles at Pfizer and Medtronic taught him to operate successfully inside strict regulatory frameworks. He holds two bachelor's degrees and an MBA, and he supports the Wounded Warrior Project, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and the ASPCA. For Michael, building a company has always meant building something that performs when it counts.
Experience
2023
Mar
-
Present
Managing Member
Semper Fi Labs
Central Tox and Syncly Direct were each envisioned, build and lead by me to strengthen the clinical and data‑exchange infrastructure supporting federal healthcare. Central Tox delivers secure, reliable toxicology and blood testing under a national Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Interconnection Security Agreement (ISA) with the VA. Although our laboratory is based in Texas, we also hold a New York clinical laboratory license, placing us among a small group of labs authorized to perform testing outside New York’s borders an uncommon distinction that reflects our commitment to rigorous standards.
Through a governed commercial relationship, Central Tox utilizes the power of Syncly Direct, a vendor‑agnostic AWS GovCloud platform designed for secure, standardized healthcare interoperability. Syncly Direct’s cloud‑native environment can be used by any laboratory, imaging center, or community care network seeking compliant, modern connectivity with federal systems while maintaining full operational independence.
Central Tox remains responsible for all laboratory operations, quality systems, and clinical reporting. Syncly Direct remains responsible for its platform, security controls, and infrastructure. The separation is intentional, compliant, and aligned with federal expectations for SDVOSB governance.
My mission was simple: build a secure, modern, Veteran‑led solutions that improve access, reliability, and trust across the VA ecosystem. From advanced toxicology including an AI oral fluid testing platform for telemedicine to cloud‑native interoperability that removes barriers for community partners, both companies operate independently but share a commitment to strengthening care for those who served.
Through a governed commercial relationship, Central Tox utilizes the power of Syncly Direct, a vendor‑agnostic AWS GovCloud platform designed for secure, standardized healthcare interoperability. Syncly Direct’s cloud‑native environment can be used by any laboratory, imaging center, or community care network seeking compliant, modern connectivity with federal systems while maintaining full operational independence.
Central Tox remains responsible for all laboratory operations, quality systems, and clinical reporting. Syncly Direct remains responsible for its platform, security controls, and infrastructure. The separation is intentional, compliant, and aligned with federal expectations for SDVOSB governance.
My mission was simple: build a secure, modern, Veteran‑led solutions that improve access, reliability, and trust across the VA ecosystem. From advanced toxicology including an AI oral fluid testing platform for telemedicine to cloud‑native interoperability that removes barriers for community partners, both companies operate independently but share a commitment to strengthening care for those who served.
Present
Founder
Central Tox LLC
2006
Jul
-
2009
Sep
Territory Manager
Medtronic
Worked with healthcare providers and surgical teams to deliver advanced medical technologies. Earned recognition as a top sales performer and developed knowledge of medical devices, clinical operations, and patient-care needs.
2004
Sep
-
2005
Sep
Sales Consultant
Pfizer
Worked in pharmaceutical sales within a regulated healthcare environment. Earned multiple awards for sales performance, relationship building, and consistently exceeding expectations.
1984
Sep
-
2004
Sep
Leadership roles
United States Marine Corps
Managed personnel, coordinated complex operations, made critical decisions in high-pressure environments, and mentored Marines. Developed expertise in leadership, planning, accountability, adaptability, and team development.
Education
Florida Institute Of Technology
Master of Science - MS, Acquisition and Contract Management
George Mason University
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Skills
