Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Schmit.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been in the hearing aid industry for almost 30 years. I started as an apprentice with my parent’s practice in Illinois. I went on to work with ENT and the largest corporate owner of hearing aid centers opening over 15 different offices.
In 2001 I went to work for Siemens Hearing Instruments (now known as Sivantos) as their field representative in South Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Bermuda. In 2005 I was promoted to the Regional Director of the North Eastern Regi0n. I was hired by Starkey Labs in 2006 to manage their Eastern Region. In 2008 I founded an office Sandwich and expanded to Plymouth, Vineyard Haven, West Lebanon, NH and Concord, NH.
I found that a lot of my clients were asking me to travel to their homes as it was difficult for them to come to me. In 2010 I sold my offices to a National chain and developed my present business model. In 2015 I opened up At Home Hearing Healthcare with the focus on serving clients in the safety and security of their residence. I presently hold free monthly clinics at over 12 Assisted living communities and 6 Council on Aging centers. Due to my model and lack of overhead, I am able to pass the savings on to my clients and find my quality of service to be much higher than others with pricing being significantly lower.
Great, 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?
Navigating the corporate structures, state regulations have been challenging but nothing compared to getting contracted with the many insurance companies. I am now an authorized provider for most insurance companies including MassHealth.
My previous business was not nearly as successful due to a high level of expenses associated with brick and mortar offices. While my revenues were much higher the profitability just wasn’t there. With this model, I do very little marketing and rely on word of mouth and referrals from other caregivers, communities, and previous clients. The savings are tremendous which allows me to lower my prices and I don’t need to see as many clients be profitable. This, in turn, allows for much better service. I am able to respond to calls for assistance immediately and can usually schedule an appointment within 1-3 days.
Please tell us about At Home Hearing Healthcare.
I am a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist. Most of my competitors have been consolidated with larger corporate entities which are usually owned or controlled by a hearing aid manufacturer. What sets me apart is my high level of experience with all 6 of the major manufacturers. I am an independent dispenser and am able to offer the clients the product that best suits their needs and offers the best product and service. I am extremely honored every time someone sends me a referral as this is the ultimate confirmation that I am satisfying my clients.
Very rarely can you offer high levels of service combined with the lowest prices. Seeing others try to copy my business model is a great compliment. luckily they have not been able to completely understand how I keep my expenses so low and can’t compete on price.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My older brother has Cerebral Palsy I think growing up with him helped to shape who I am. He could not be stopped and didn’t listen when someone told him he couldn’t do something, which happened constantly. I have drawn a lot of strength from him. If he could do anything, so could I. This has driven me all of my life. now matter how difficult the task, I am game!
Pricing:
- Typically my prices are $1,500 less than the competitors and the same products.
Contact Info:Address: Mobile service covering the South shore from Braintree to Cape Cod and The Islands
- Website: https://www.athomehearinghealthcare.com/
- Phone: 508-250-9324
- Email: mschmit@athomehearinghealthcare.com
- Facebook: @athomehearingaids https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=at%20home%20hearing%20healthcare%2C%20llc
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/at-home-hearing-healthcare-pembroke
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
