TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY

We just had a two year celebration here at Chears. The time has gone fast. Was it easy? NO way! Has it been all fun? Nope. For the most part, however, I have loved coming to work everyday, everyday everyday. I haven’t called in sick and I haven’t left early because I hate it here. I love my boss… oh wait that is me! Freedom has been my first and most valued benefit in my business. When I need to leave early for my kids, to volunteer at the school for book club or visit with a teacher, watch the mile run or just go bring them something I can. I can bring them to fix a brace or even pick up on a rainy day. Again I can’t say enough about freedom and being there for my children!

Another important aspect about being at Chears is that we have helped so many people hear better. This is one of the most rewarding feelings ever. When a person respects their hearing and appreciates what we can do for them is like a feeling of elation. Not only is it making someone happy but also allowing them to live life to the fullest. I value a great conversation and I know most people do. Isn’t communication so important in everything we do? If you don’t hear direction or someone’s thoughts, or political opinion, a deep insight or whatever is being said how horrible you can feel. And those with hearing troubles know the frustrations. I thank all the people who appreciate their hearing and that trust us to help them. Wow that feels good.

Chears has allowed me to go into the community and help educate on hearing as well. Education is key to understanding what people need. We need to be careful when presenting, to have clear speech for those who have difficulty, we need to be careful of noise around us, to protect our hearing, and we need to understand the environments which are difficult to hear in and how to strategize on communicating and getting the message in these complicated environments. And sometimes it is impossible as some people don’t understand. For instance, new trendy restaurants are not turning down the volume. We still have our work cut out for us, don’t we?

We at Chears have helped organize a non-profit for hearing better in large venues, like churches, theaters, libraries and even yes.. St Louis park city hall! It is in the infancy and already we have been so successful. What a pleasure it has been to work with this team who are dedicated to making speech accessible to all! Rick, Ross, Monique, Jim, Steve, Tony, Dick and our newer members, I think you all are the greatest and I love hanging out with you! Go Loop Minnesota!

Networking is fun! I know it is good for business and what is amazing is meeting all these new people I would never have met in my normal life! I am even chairing a business council meeting and have met people like city officials, SLP superintendent, past president of Benilde- St. Margaret, park Tavern owner, real estate owners, school board members, council members, and twin west chamber members and so many more! If I can help them hear better great, and if I can help them with anything else even better! Being connected and supporting the community is another feel good benefit.

Although I could write on and on, I will end it here with the last benefit. Having support staff/ friends who support Chears in a trustworthy way is everything to success. Susan you are amazing and I hope you stay until we are done! Roxy I can’t say enough about you! Joe, thanks for a lovely web site and maintaining it! Vivien, you are up there on the steps! Holly at Great lakes medical you are so talented. Mom, Rick and kids your support has been everything! Love you.