Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory*

Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory of Little Rock prides itself on community service. “It’s just something that’s part of our corporate culture,” said Melissa Snell, vice president of business development. “We encourage all of our employees to get involved in community service on some level.”

Founded in 1911, Snell specializes in custom-made and fitted prosthetic or orthotic devices from artificial limbs to braces. It also creates foot gear for arthritic and diabetic patients.

To mark the firm’s 95th anniversary, Snell’s 50 employees completed 9,500 hours of community service. Snell said the employees are encouraged to volunteer in their community, churches or hospitals.

Snell has nine offices across the state with annual revenue of $13 million. Snell also has been a corporate sponsor for several organizations such as Easter Seals Arkansas, the American Diabetes Association and the Baptist Health Foundation. Not only will Snell sponsor events, but Snell’s employees will volunteer at the benefits.

The philosophy to help the community is “just something that has been instilled in the company for as long as I can remember,” Snell said.

Snell said the company also donates equipment. She said Snell has given doctors going on mission trips artificial limbs or braces to take and distribute. And Snell will help the Humane Society. Snell once made a wheeled device for a paralyzed cat.

Snell said the company was honored to win the Arkansas Community Foundation Corporate Philanthropy Award. “It means a lot that people want to recognize us for the work that we do,” Snell said.