AIS Celebrates 35 Years of Excellence in Medical Imaging Services
WICHITA, KS. | Associated Imaging Services (AIS), a leading name in diagnostic imaging equipment and service, is celebrating a remarkable milestone this spring: 35 years in business. From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted imaging partner across more than a dozen states, AIS has stayed true to one driving mission – being “Committed to Customer Care.”
AIS Founder Mark Spangler, whose name is synonymous with integrity in nuclear medicine service, launched the company on April 1, 1990, after years of working in the industry. “I didn’t want any employees or a big company,” he said with a laugh. “I just wanted to work hard enough to make a good living.”
Of course, that plan quickly changed. Inspired by his entrepreneurial father-in-law and motivated by faith and a loyal customer base, the founder pivoted fully into nuclear medicine, leveraging years of expertise and relationships. Within months of starting AIS, a breakthrough came when Sopha Medical Systems hired him as a contract engineer, ensuring continued training and a steady revenue stream. That partnership lasted more than a decade.
“Honestly, my faith in God and His blessing are what got us through these 35 years,” he said. “It’s amazing and hard to believe. I feel very blessed.”
AIS began growing steadily in the 1990s and 2000s. The company added ultrasound service through a sister brand in 1993, hired its first salesman in 2002, and built its own office and warehouse in 2004. The company now has 16 full-time employees, partnerships with global imaging manufacturers, and operates across the Midwest, Texas, and the Southeast, including states like the Carolinas, Kentucky, West Virginia, Georgia, and nearby regions.
Yet the journey wasn’t without its bumps – or leaks. “In the early years, I bought a beat-up box truck from a mobile imaging company. On one trip, my helper was catching rainwater with pans in the front seat because of a leak. Another time, the headlights failed, and we drove down I-70 at night using a flashlight to see,” he recalled.
That scrappy persistence laid the groundwork for a legacy.
Under the leadership of Grant Norris and Mike Shepherd in recent years, AIS has doubled its customer base and revenue. Construction is now planned for a 7,500-square-foot warehouse expansion, supporting anticipated growth in staff and service.
Still, the soul of the company lies in its client relationships. For Brian Phipps, COO of Line Medical in Wichita, Kansas, AIS has been a cornerstone of imaging care for more than 25 years.
“AIS isn’t just an imaging service provider; they’re a true partner,” Phipps said. “Their commitment to excellence and deep industry knowledge has helped us deliver high-quality care to the communities we serve. They bring solutions quickly, and they always have our best interest at heart. Congratulations to AIS on 35 years of excellence!”
Midwest Nuclear Services is based in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. CEO Jon Thoreson, CNMT, praised AIS and its ability to provide fast quality service.
“AIS has grown these past 35 years to what they are today for all the reasons I expressed, dedication to perfection, knowledgeable staff, professionalism, promptness, and they always go above and beyond the call of duty,” Thoreson said.
Julie N. Miller, CNMT, a manager in nuclear medicine and PET at Memorial MRI & Diagnostic in Houston, Texas, echoed those sentiments. “What started as a trusted professional relationship has grown into something truly special. They’ve become like extended family.”
Miller praised AIS for its hands-on leadership, transparency, and rapid responsiveness – qualities that turned a difficult equipment situation into a trusted partnership. “AIS is a powerhouse in imaging services and diagnostic equipment, delivering fast, reliable solutions with unmatched responsiveness and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction,” she said.
She described a time when AIS stepped in after another provider sold her facility a poorly refurbished camera. “They flew in a specialist multiple times to get it working. And when repair costs mounted, Grant waived some fees – charging only for parts. That’s the kind of integrity that defines AIS.”
Her praise didn’t stop there. “Tristan, one of their Texas engineers, is incredibly thorough and communicates each step clearly. Tiffani in sales always delivers exactly what we need. AIS really goes above and beyond – they treat clients like partners and family.”
“The AIS staff has always been willing to go above and beyond to get your equipment back up and running. When you are dealing with one room departments this has always been a priority for us. They’ve always been very dependable, professional and go above and beyond,” Thoreson said.
Thoreson has more than one example of the outstanding service AIS provides.
“On more than one occasion we’ve had to have equipment moved from one site to another or just de-installed on short notice,” he explained. “AIS has ALWAYS been able to deliver on our timeline and never once has faulted on their commitment. Secondly, just recently we’ve been told by another contract vendor that the system is not repairable, but being concerned about the cost of replacement I called AIS for a second opinion. On both occasions the systems were repaired, calibrated and back up in one day. It’s examples like this that convinced us to use AIS service contracts for all of our equipment. “
As AIS marks this milestone, the message is clear: its success is built not just on cutting-edge imaging technology, but on enduring values.
“You can’t have one without the other,” Spangler said. “Our AIS family and our loyal customers – we thank you. Here’s to 35 years, and many more ahead.”
Associated Imaging Services wants to be a resource for you on all your nuclear medicine and ultrasound needs. Contact us today, you’ll be glad you did!