Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angie Lederman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Angie, appreciate you joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I have been an audiologist for almost 30 years, working in a variety of settings including ENT, VA hospital, private practice. I was unhappy working places that did not put patient satisfaction first and decided I could do it better myself. So I took a chance and opened my practice inside of an ENT office. My thoughts were it was a stepping stone and I would open my own office once business started to grow. I was able to do that much quicker than I expected. My husband quit a good job and we took a chance on starting our own business in January 2020. Our doors closed in March 2020 for over 2 months due to COVID lockdowns. It was a terrifying time, no income, no unemployment (we did not qualify for any of the assistance being offered). When we opened back up May 2020, we put strict policies in place to ensure our and patient safety. Business grew quickly. We hired 2 support staff. We are all about doing things right in our office and it reflects in our success. We use Best Practices when fitting hearing aids, ensuring the best possible outcomes for people with hearing loss. We have built a relationship with the local Veterans Affairs dept and help veterans with Nexus letters to get benefits they are entitled too. We partner with a local Children’s hospital to assist children needing hearing aids if the hospital does not work with their insurance. We offer tinnitus management for people suffering with tinnitus. We offer cerumen (wax) removal. In the last 2 years we have been voted Detroit Free Press Best of the Best Audiologist and Hearing Aid Center. We are very active in our community, especially for veterans events. We just expanded, building out the suite next door, doubling our office space. We hired another audiologist and hearing aid trainee. Our culture is such that patient referrals remain one of our top referral sources! Having your own business is exhausting but rewarding. I am constantly attending continuing education events to stay at the top of my game. To anyone thinking of starting their own business: there is so much more knowledge needed than you think. Surround yourself with good people (accountant, financial advisor, etc). Be willing to constantly listen and learn from others.

Angie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into audiology to help people hear. When asked what I do for a living, I proudIy say “I change people’s lives’. I am most proud of the team I have built. Everyone follows my lead of using Best Practices. Our patients come first, their satisfaction is what keeps our doors open. We treat everyone with respect and kindness. Many of our patients tell us they feel at home in our office. That is success to me!

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Maintaining high morale and a positive workplace has been a priority for me. I decided right away that I want my employees to feel valued and appreciated. Employee engagement and satisfaction means the office runs smoothly. We have special perks for our employees. I buy lunch for our staff meetings. We take turns selecting the restaurants. We celebrate birthdays and holidays, decorating the office is something staff looks forward to doing together. We understand work life balance is important and make sure we are flexible with our staff, realizing they have families and obligations outside the office. We include all staff members in bonuses. All staff members are of equal importance, whether you answer the phone or see patients, you are a valuable member of our team. Happy employees mean a happy business owner!

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

More than training and knowledge, what is critical to be successful as an audiologist is kindness and empathy. I frequently tell staff, I can train you to do any task in the office, what I cannot train is your outlook on life. I feel we are put here to help others and that has been my mission since I opened. We treat each and every person who comes through our door w kindness and an open heart. If you do not have those qualities, you will not be successful as an audiologist!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hearnowcenter.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/hearnowaudiology?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearNowAud/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/hearnowaud
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGaua27rzMVlFOmZt7i4bdQ