Audiology Industry Innovator Departs Sonus Launches Consulting Practice

Randall E. Drullinger, Vice President of Operations at Sonus announced his imminent departure from this leading hearing healthcare provider and consolidator in North America. His immediate plans are to offer consulting services to private practioners, hearing product manufacturers and cooperatives. Services will include improving practice management, business and marketing plan development and business sales services to those seeking to enter, exit or negotiate within the industry. Drullinger will continue a relationship with Sonus as a consultant to the Sonus Network, which has over 1,000 affiliates throughout the United States.

'At Sonus we have achieved the goals that I helped set -- to create a company that focuses on providing a total solution for hearing health, said Drullinger. 'It is time for new leadership to continue taking Sonus to the next level, and it is time to explore new challenges, sharing the fruits of this experience with others in the Audiology industry.'

Drullinger and Sonus Chairman Brandon Dawson were the original architects behind an innovative strategy to combine/consolidate disparate Audiology practices into a North American brand that focused on providing total hearing health services, rather than simply selling hearing aids. Since its founding in late 1995 Sonus has acquired 104 Audiology practices, established an additional network of over a 1000 practices and through its HEARPO division, established contracts with various health maintenance organizations that cover the hearing health needs of more than 71,000,000 Americans.

'Our industry is in the midst of an era of dynamic change', said Drullinger. 'The aging Boomer population will demand even more from the impressive technological product and service innovations that we've seen in the past decade. To help meet that demand, I believe that I can offer more to the industry as an independent consultant.'

Before his efforts in helping to create Sonus, Drullinger spent 12 years in every facet of the industry, including dispensing, acquisitions, and consulting. Previously, Drullinger ran a consulting service in conjunction with a major manufacturer in Minneapolis. Here he worked with a multitude of business owners across the country, to develop and implement key strategies that would help them realize the true profit potential of their practice. In addition he represented many business owners in buy/sell negotiations. Clients from this consulting business became the foundation for creating Sonus.

Drullinger stated, 'With the vast changes the industry has gone through in the few short years since the inception of Sonus, I believe that these type of services are more critical today than ever before. The private practice owner faces many different obstacles today that may impede the growth and profitability of his or her practice. There is a need for experienced leadership to help navigate this ever-changing industry landscape.'

Until new offices can be established, Mr. Drullinger can be reached at (1.503.944.0801). (Rdrullinger@msn.com).