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Our Company
Wolverine Orthotics, Inc. began its journey December l, 1995 in Novi, Michigan. The company had two employees, the owners: Ernst "Ernie" and Melissa Bastian. Ernie as the certified Orthotist and Melissa the business mind. Wolverine was small all the way around. The office and lab was a total of 240 sq. feet and was the employee entrance for the building which Wolverine was renting from. It was challenging, but the trade off was worth while: the amenities were abundant for the orthotic patients, a building full of health professionals, friendly individuals and low overhead! It was as though the inner workings of Wolverine Orthotics, Inc were performed in a closet, while patients were seen in clean spacious rooms shared with the physical therapy clinic. In less than 6 months a full time receptionist was needed to assist Ernie and allow Melissa the flexibility to work from home while caring for their two year old daughter and the arrival of their second daughter. After six years of operating in the above situation Ernie and Melissa decided to move to an office of their own that contained a larger lab, a separate office area and their own patient rooms. It was a risky move that worked out exceptionally well for them. They truly appreciated how the business began and grew. The facility continued to meet the ABC accreditation requirements and began an Orthotic Residency sight for future certified Orthotists, technicians and other staff were added to meet the needs of the business. Wolverine outgrew the office in 4 years and moved to the current location on Haggerty in Novi.

Wolverine is dedicated to providing outstanding care to YOU as long as YOU want to receive professional assistance with your bracing needs. Wolverine does not favor any manufacturer of patented braces due to discounts, endorsements or trade. We provide what is best for each diagnosis by knowledge and experience of what works. With Wolverine you are being fit by a Certified Orthotist or an Orthotic Resident that has been educated in Anatomy, Physiology and of bracing the human body, NOT someone making a commission or someone fitting you with something they have in stock. It does matter how a brace fits! Wolverine continues to offer a warm cheerful environment with friendly staff and quality care as they would want their own family treated. Yes, Wolverine is a business but it is an extension of the Bastian family.

Ernie W. Bastian, C.O.
President of Wolverine Orthotics, Inc.

Ernst Bastian was born the tenth child of 11 children, and as traditional and wise as his given name, he has made many great accomplishments throughout his personal and professional life.
For those that know Ernie, all will attest that he is a sports fan. It is obvious by looking at the decor of Wolverine Orthotics, as well as through Ernie's past and present involvement with athletes. He attended Albion College for his freshman year on a baseball scholarship and played on the Cleveland Indians Farm Team as a catcher. Then a hit and run accident ended the dream of baseball. That misfortune did not stop him from attaining his goals and he transferred to the University of Michigan with plans to attend medical school. During a summer job, he happened to cross paths with a Certified Prosthetist. At that point, Ernie constructed his own degree of Gerontology and presented it to the board at the University of Michigan with their approval. Ernie worked in in the field of O&P for one year after he graduated with a BA from the University of Michigan in Gerontology, until he attended Northwestern Medical School in Chicago for Orthotics. Once he finished at Northwestern, Ernie was employed by an O & P company for a year and a half before he opened Wolverine Orthotics, Inc. While balancing his career and family, Ernie always made time to coach high school baseball and currently coaches elementary and middle school softball teams.

Ernie loves helping his patients and truly enjoys seeing individuals for their bracing needs. You will never hear him list his many accomplishments or hear how busy he is. He treats each individual as though it is his only responsibility; giving each his attention and best treatment possible. Ernie stays educated with advancements in Orthotics by attending accredited conferences and classes and also provides lectures and in-services to physicians, physical therapists and college classes. Ernie strives to provide the best quality of care to patients by listening to patients, providing the most functional orthosis (brace) for the diagnosis and educating patients and their families on the proper care and protocol for their brace.

Accomplishments:

• Ernst W. Bastian, C.O. is a contributor in the book, Fibromyalgia: The Complete Guide from Medical Experts and Patients, by Sharon Ostalecki, PhD., Jones & Bartlett Publishers, Inc., 2008. {Chapter 21: The Importance of Foot & Ankle Alignment in Fibromyalgia.}
• BA from the University of Michigan (Gerontology) [ 1991 ]
• Orthotic Certification from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago [1992]
• Continues his education of the advancements in Orthotics by attending accredited conferences and classes.
• Director of Orthotic Evaluation, College of Manipulative Therapy in Farmington, MI.
• Resident Director: Wolverine Orthotics, Inc.
• Lecturer at: The Michigan Osteopathic Physician Conference, COGMET—Michigan State University Osteopathic Resident Education, Botsford Hospital Resident Education, Providence Hospital Family Practice, Beaumont Hospital Physical Therapy, Eastern Michigan University and Henry Ford College.
  
  
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