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From cold calls on a kitchen floor to building a "destination business" in healthcare, my entrepreneurial journey reveals what it really takes to thrive as a business owner in the hearing healthcare industry.

When I borrowed $15,000 to start an industrial hearing testing business, I had no idea the obstacles I'd face—or overcome. Banks that wouldn't lend to "just an audiologist," ENT partnerships that went sour when I started making "too much money for a woman," and the devastating 2008 financial crisis that nearly destroyed everything I'd built. Each challenge taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and smart business management.

My husband David and I worked side-by-side for 36 years, navigating the delicate balance of marriage and business partnership. The secret? Clear roles (someone has to drive the business), communication, and a healthy sense of humor—including those "soundproof booth" lunch breaks we still laugh about today! Working together transformed our lives, enabling travel opportunities and a comfortable retirement lifestyle most healthcare professionals only dream about.

The most powerful lesson from my journey might surprise you: "If you don't own the business, it's not yours." I learned this the hard way after building successful practices within other systems before finally establishing my own. When I finally had complete control, my practice flourished, attracting clients from 60 miles away—something almost unheard of in healthcare.

Whether you're a healthcare provider considering entrepreneurship or already running your own practice, my story offers practical wisdom about financial management ("you can't have more month than money"), strategic partnerships, and building a business that serves your life goals rather than consuming them. Want to build a thriving practice while maintaining work-life balance? It's possible—I'm living proof.