Renowned Audiology Business Expert Dr. Kathy Foltner Joins Sonus Franchise Sales
Minneapolis, Minn.- February 23, 2011 - Sonus, a division of Amplifon USA, announces the hearing industry's first audiology-based franchise model. Sonus now offers audiologists the opportunity to own their own practice, with all of the benefits and support of a franchise system, in an effort to create a more entrepreneurial hearing health industry.
Dramatic changes are happening within the hearing health industry—the market is steadily growing due to the demographic change;hearing aids are becoming a commodity;and consumers are more educated on industry trends and skeptical of high-priced recommendations. Because of these changes, Sonus has made a commitment to support audiologists to be successful and allow them to focus on the individual patient, improving satisfaction and providing long-term professional care, instead of focusing solely on products, technology and promotions.
To lead this historic franchise effort, Sonus has hired renowned hearing care business leader, Dr. Kathy Foltner to serve as Vice President for Franchise Sales -East. "Dr. Foltner is one of the most knowledgeable and successful leaders in the hearing care profession," said Michele Fusco Senior Vice President, Medical Business Operations. "Her experience and business expertise will be a tremendous asset to Sonus and to our new franchise owners."
Dr. Foltner rounds out Sonus impressive new franchise team working side by side with Dr. Thomas Tedeschi, Vice President for Franchise Sales West."
In her new role, Dr. Foltner will share insights from over 30 years of experience in the audiology industry with Sonus Franchisees. Her role will be to expand Sonus through assisting new and experienced audiologists with entering, expanding or exiting a private practice.
"The Sonus Franchise is what has been missing in our industry. It provides the professional structure, support and resources to reduce the risk that many fear about private practice, it provides the tools to manage and expand existing private practices and it allows seasoned practice owners a great method to transition a private practice to a new audiologist owner," said Dr. Foltner, " I am very excited to be part of the team of professionals at Sonus that provide substantial support and resources for audiologists with the desire to enter, expand or exit private practice!"
Sonus is committed to making all of their franchise locations successful. From branding and marketing assistance to the industry-first medical franchise model, they will provide all the tools necessary to run a business more effectively, efficiently and profitably.
For details on the franchise agreement, contact Dr. Kathy Foltner at 312-286-7888 or kathy.foltner@amplifon.com.
About Sonus:
Sonus is a leading provider of hearing aid solutions, offering a wide variety of brands and styles that range in prices combining the right amount of features and value for each patient. It was founded in 1992 on the principle of high patient focus and loyalty. In 2002 Sonus was acquired by Amplifon USA Inc., the global leader in hearing services, and research.
Based in Italy, the parent company Amplifon S.p.A. operates in 18 countries and paved the way for markets in Australia, New Zealand and India. With an international network of 3,500 locations and over 3,500 service centers. Amplifon has become the largest distributor of hearing aids in the world. Amplifon is actively involved in audiological research and sponsors a number of projects through the CRS Amplifon (Amplifon Centre for Research and Study), a non-profit institution devoted to research, development and education in the audiological and otological fields.
For more information, please visit www.sonus.com.
About Dr. Foltner:
Dr. Kathy Foltner speaks from experience. Her accomplishments are many and include: starting, managing, and selling a profitable business;transitioning to and succeeding in "Corporate America";and achieving financial freedom through the sale of a company and making the right decisions. After over 30 years in the audiology industry, she currently serves as Vice President of Franchise Sales - East for Sonus;teaches classes in business and practice management at PCO and Rush University Medical Center;helps audiologists with many practice management issues, and remains a strong advocate for the profession of Audiology.
Dr. Foltner has a Master's degree in audiology from Michigan State University, and an Au.D. from PA College of Optometry-School of Audiology. She has been a speaker at professional meetings for 30 years and authored numerous professional and business articles, chapters, and a book "Success is A Decision of the Mind".
