Twelve years ago, James Marlin stood at a crossroads. After a 25-year career in the medical field, primarily in orthopedic sales and surgical roles, he found himself facing a personal health crisis that would ultimately lead to a groundbreaking business venture. Diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), a rare and chronic liver disease, James struggled with debilitating symptoms, depression, and a lack of viable treatment options.
James Marlin, CEO
James was stuck in a cycle of unhealthy habits. “I was in a huge depression because I didn’t feel well,” James recalls. “When I tried my first vitamin IV, it was a turning point. That night, I felt something I hadn’t felt in years—hope.”
Inspired, James partnered with a registered nurse and embarked on a year of intensive research. He traveled across the U.S., meeting physicians and experimenting with IV therapies, learning firsthand what worked and what didn’t. In 2016, he launched IVRS Wellness Center in Lubbock, Texas, making it the first concierge IV vitamin therapy business to enter the West Texas market. A year later, they treated their first patient, marking the start of what would become a transformative journey in wellness care.
From the outset, IVRS set itself apart. At a time when IV therapy was often dismissed as a luxury or gimmick, James and his team focused on educating their clients about the consistent benefits of vitamin infusions for overall health, rather than just acute illnesses. They were among the first to emphasize proactive health care, encouraging monthly treatments to prevent issues rather than just addressing them as they arose.
James’ pioneering spirit didn’t stop there. Within six months of launching in Lubbock, the company expanded to Amarillo, introducing the region’s first IV therapy clinic. Over time, IVRS evolved from a concierge service delivering treatments to homes and offices to a network of clinics offering comprehensive care.
Having already created a program that improved the quality of life in long-term care facilities through specialized programs delivering hydration and vitamin therapy, James was driven to further expand this program during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilities across multiple states. “During COVID, there were so many uncertainties about how to treat patients,” James says. “We weren’t afraid to keep pushing on because of my deep belief in what vitamins and hydration do for the body. We were driving and flying across states, working around the clock to provide solutions in nursing homes. We wanted to be a part of a solution when there wasn’t one.”
This program, which started with a handful of facilities in Amarillo, quickly gained traction and was rolled out to homes across multiple states. It was a lifesaving initiative that addressed critical gaps in care during one of the most challenging times in recent history.
The success of the nursing home program caught the attention of a Chicago-based company providing similar services in long-term care facilities. Through a collaborative merger, James helped scale the initiative to seven additional states, setting a new standard for IV therapy in long-term care. While the partnership eventually concluded, it underscored IVRS’s commitment to innovation and adaptability.
“Being first isn’t just about launching a new service,” this visionary founder notes. “I wanted to provide the value, even when there’s skepticism. We heard it all—‘IV therapy is just expensive pee.’ We’ve gathered data and built programs that show real clinical improvements. That’s what keeps us moving forward.”
What sets IVRS apart is its commitment to addressing the root causes of health issues. James insists this ethos extends to every employee, many of whom have their own lived experiences with chronic conditions. “Most of our team members have been through their own health journeys or have cared for someone who has,” he says. “That personal connection to our mission is what makes our approach authentic.”
IVRS employs a comprehensive model, incorporating mid-level practitioners, nutritionists specializing in gut health, and personalized treatment plans. Their focus extends beyond IV therapy to tackle systemic issues like chronic migraines, high blood pressure, and gut-brain health. “We’re not just masking symptoms—we’re addressing the ‘why,’” James emphasizes. “For example, consistent hydration can alleviate migraines or improve blood pressure. These are small changes that lead to significant improvements in quality of life.”
Today, thanks to James’ passion, IVRS Wellness Center operates clinics in Lubbock and Amarillo in Texas, as well as Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, continuing to push the boundaries of integrative care. As the IV therapy industry has grown, James Marlin remains focused on the core values that set IVRS apart: education, consistency, and compassion. He consults with other companies in the integrative wellness space with the same mission to better the industry, making it more accessible to all. He reflects on this education-first mission, stating, “I want to shift the narrative from reactive to preventive care, empowering people to take control of their health.” That’s what has made James different from the start, and that’s what will keep him and the clinic different in the future.
