Houston McDowell’s Climb: From College Captain to Biologics Leader

How a Former Soccer Captain Became a Force in Wound Care Innovation

When you meet Houston McDowell, his calm presence doesn’t scream “sales leader.” But talk to him for a few minutes, and his focus becomes clear. “If you put patient outcomes first,” he says, “success will find you.” That mindset has taken him from college athletics to the forefront of biologics and wound care. And the journey wasn’t always smooth.

McDowell is now the Vice President of Sales at Restorative Biologics, but his story starts in Memphis, Tennessee—where discipline, competition, and family values shaped his path.

Early Life: Soccer, Grit, and Mentorship

Born to Gary and Mary McDowell in Memphis, Houston was the older brother to Farris. “We were close, even though she was four years younger,” he says. “She always pushed me to stay sharp.” Houston played high school soccer and joined elite travel teams, including the Olympic Development Program. Sports weren’t just an activity—they were training grounds for life.

At Collierville High School, he stood out on the field. That success followed him to the University of Tennessee, where he played for the men’s soccer team and became team captain as a junior. During college, he even took up amateur boxing. “I needed something to challenge me mentally and physically. Boxing humbled me,” he recalls.

He studied hard, trained harder, and graduated in 2004. But he didn’t head straight into medicine. That came later.

Career Beginnings: Finding a Path in MedTech

After college, McDowell joined Stryker Endoscopy. The job was fast-paced and technical. “It felt like athletics all over again,” he says. “You’re on a team, and every case matters.”

From there, he landed at Arthrex, a leader in sports medicine. McDowell thrived as a territory manager and was eventually invited to the company’s national advisory board. He earned several Territory Manager of the Year awards. But success wasn’t just about numbers. “I learned to listen to surgeons like I listened to my coaches,” he says. “They tell you what works, and you adjust.”

At Arthrex, he got a real-world education in orthopedics, product training, and business relationships. It also planted a seed—he wanted to build something of his own.

Launching ProCure Health: A Leap into Leadership

In 2021, McDowell took that leap. He launched ProCure Health, a wound care company that tackled one of medicine’s under-served problems: chronic wounds.

The move wasn’t easy. “I had a challenging business partnership that failed,” he says. “It took me a year and a half to untangle everything.” He doesn’t shy away from the lesson. “That failure was a gift. It gave me the clarity to build something better.”

ProCure Health operated for three years. During that time, McDowell worked with care teams and suppliers to modernize wound care treatments using biologics. He helped doctors better understand which solutions helped patients heal faster. “It wasn’t about products,” he says. “It was about outcomes.”

Restorative Biologics: Leading at Scale

Today, McDowell is VP of Sales at Restorative Biologics, a growing player in advanced biologics. He now oversees sales teams and strategy in a space that’s changing fast.

What sets him apart? According to peers, it’s his focus on people and outcomes. According to McDowell, it’s simple: “You build trust when you show up and do the hard things—especially when no one’s watching.”

He applies this philosophy both in the field and in leadership. He’s passionate about orthopedics, wound care, and regenerative medicine, but he doesn’t see himself as a technical expert. “I’m a connector,” he says. “I help smart people solve real problems.”

Outside the Office: Family, Golf, and the Lighthouse Project

McDowell now lives in Nashville, TN, where he raises his family and gives back to his community.

He co-hosts a podcast, “The Lighthouse Freedom Project,” with friend Chad King. It’s a space where they talk openly about leadership, resilience, and personal growth.

Houston’s son, Hudson Brooks McDowell, is already making headlines of his own. In 2024, Hudson won the Junior State Golf Championship as an individual medalist and helped Page Middle School secure back-to-back team titles. “Watching him win, watching him lead—it reminded me of college,” Houston says. “But he’s already better than I ever was.”

McDowell also sponsors the Mid South Junior Golf Tour and donates yearly to Fable Farms, an animal recovery sanctuary. His hobbies—wake surfing, camping, and traveling—keep him grounded.

Leadership Lessons: What Business Taught Him

When asked what drives him, McDowell doesn’t talk about money or market share. He talks about his grandfather. “He was a great family man and a sharp businessman,” he says. “He took me under his wing and taught me how to think long-term.”

That legacy shows in how McDowell leads today. Patient-first. Team-focused. Clear-eyed.

“Business is hard,” he says. “But it’s not complicated. Do the right thing—even when it costs you. Especially then.”

A Steady Voice in a Fast-Changing Industry

Houston McDowell’s career hasn’t followed a straight line. It’s had big wins, tough turns, and a few hard resets. But through it all, he’s stayed grounded in values that don’t change.

If you’re watching the future of biologics, orthopedics, or wound care—keep your eye on Houston McDowell. He’s not the loudest in the room. But he’s the one people trust when the stakes are high.

And that, in this business, is what leadership looks like.

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