Check Out Raymond Furel and Ramel Spruill’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raymond Furel and Ramel Spruill.

Hi Raymond and Ramel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The story of Rise and Shine EMS began long before the business itself, back in 2012 at the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Academy. That’s where co-founders Raymond Furel and Ramel Spruill first crossed paths. Both New York natives raised in Jamaica, Queens and the Bronx we naturally connected from day one. The Dekalb County Fire Rescue Academy was known for its intensity, living up to its reputation of pushing recruits to their limits in order to produce top-tier first responders. It was a demanding year filled with rigorous training, testing, and preparation to earn national certifications in Fire and EMS . During that time, what started as a shared experience quickly grew into a brotherhood built on accountability, trust and pushing each other to succeed. I went on to serve with DeKalb County Fire Rescue for seven years until an unfortunate injury brought my career to an unexpected end. Meanwhile, Ramel continued to rise through the ranks in the fire service, eventually earning the distinction of serving as a State appointed Fire Chief under Governor Kemp. His career also includes roles as a Fire Marshal, Fire Inspector, and Fire Chief for several different counties in the state of Georgia. The idea for Rise and Shine EMS came unexpectedly. One day I came across a podcast where a guest was discussing the process of owning an ambulance service, how to get started and the impact it could have. Inspired, I immediately called Ramel to share what I had learned. That conversation sparked something bigger than either of us could have imagined. With the full support of our families and a shared commitment to building something meaningful, Rise and Shine EMS was officially established on September 11, 2024. The journey hasn’t been easy, but as we step into our second year of operation, we are truly finding our place in this industry. Today, we serve families, medical facilities, hospitals, and employ a growing team that depends on us every day. Through it all, we remain grounded in the same core values we built over a decade ago in the fire academy rooted in discipline, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road of entrepreneurship is rarely smooth, and ours has been no exception. There were moments when the weight of it all felt overwhelming, when I questioned the process and even whether starting this business was the right decision. Ramel and I came into this journey as experts in saving lives and protecting property but not as seasoned business owners. We had no formal background in business, no business degrees, no blueprint for managing a company of this scale. We just had vision, faith, over two decades of EMS experience and a unmatched work ethic. In our first year, one of our greatest hurdles was securing the startup capital needed to purchase and properly equip our trucks to meet state inspection standards. Beyond that, we faced the challenge of sustaining ourselves financially while waiting for the business to generate revenue. By the time we were compensated for our first transport, we invested close to six figures in making this vision a reality. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my wife and Mother. They believed in us when the outcome was uncertain and made real sacrifices to help bring this dream to life. That kind of support is something I will never take for granted. Along the way, we’ve had to grow quickly, learning how to manage payroll, build effective systems, hire qualified EMTs, and navigate the complexities of taxes and operations. Every challenge became a lesson, and every lesson made us stronger. Today, we continue to evolve, not just as business owners, but as leaders. We are committed to educating ourselves, refining our systems, and building something that not only succeeds, but makes a lasting impact. This journey has not been easy but I’m grateful for every step.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Rise and Shine EMS is a premier non-emergency stretcher transportation company proudly serving the west side of Atlanta. We specialize in providing reliable stretcher transportation for patients in need. Our services include dialysis transportation six days a week, doctor’s appointments, medical screenings, pre- and post-operative visits, and hospital discharges. In addition, we dispatch highly trained EMTs to provide on-site medical standby for sporting events, tournaments, festivals, concerts, film productions, and other events requiring medical personnel. While Atlanta is home to many transportation companies, we have worked hard to set ourselves apart. Over time, we’ve built a strong reputation for exceptional customer service, punctuality, clear communication, and professionalism. At the core of everything our company stands on a simple principle, treating every patient with the dignity and respect they deserve regardless of their age or circumstances. One of my proudest accomplishments is simply taking that first step. The original idea and business plan for Rise and Shine EMS started as notes written on a piece of paper. To now see that vision come to life is truly a blessing. It serves as a daily reminder that with hard work, discipline, and belief, a vision that was once imagined can become reality if you are not scared to take a leap of faith. What also sets me apart in this industry is my perspective and growth as a young business owner. In my mid-thirties, I’m often one of the youngest individuals in the room when meeting with doctors, hospital administrators, clinic staff, patients’ families and employees. That awareness has pushes me to hold myself to an even higher standard. I’m intentional about how I communicate, how I present myself, and how I conduct business. I always ensure that my level of professionalism exceeds expectations. This mindset, combined with our commitment to service, continues to drive Rise and Shine EMS forward as we grow and expand our impact on the community.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Throughout my journey, I discovered a deep love for reading. Since then, books, podcasts, and digital content have played a major role in shaping my mindset, discipline, and approach to success, both personally and professionally.
The books I gravitate toward focus on mindset, business growth, and wealth building. A few that have had a lasting impact on me include:
• The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
• As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
• Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
• The Wealth Cure by Hill Harper
• You Deserve to Be Rich by Rashad Bilal & Troy Millings

Each of these books has helped me better understand discipline, purpose, and how to navigate both challenges and opportunities in life.

In addition to reading, I consistently tap into digital content that keeps me motivated, informed, and evolving:

• Les Brown (YouTube) – Timeless motivational wisdom
• Earn Your Leisure Podcast – Financial literacy and wealth-building insights
• Eric Thomas (Podcast & YouTube) – High-energy motivation and discipline
• The Jay Shetty Podcast – Mindfulness, purpose, and relationships
• The Diary of a CEO (YouTube) – Honest conversations with high-level thinkers
• Social Proof (YouTube & Instagram) – Entrepreneurship and real-world business game

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.riseandshineemsga.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riseandshineray and https://www.instagram.com/riseandshineems
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/K0t8eIOe5Y