A new building is under construction on CR 1, in the Airport Industrial Park on US 224. When completed later this spring, it is to be the new home of Ohio Hearing Professionals, which currently is operating inside Tiffin Walmart. Owner Andrea Young is excited about this new venture.
"We've been out there seven years. We're running out of room in Walmart," Young said. "It's been in the works for a couple years, but I wanted to have all my ducks in a row before doing this."
Unable to find a suitable existing building that was for sale, Young bought the two-acre parcel when it was auctioned in 2011. She liked its proximity to the original site. Clients should be able to find it easily. The building is large enough to accommodate another medical practice of some kind, so Young is looking for a tenant.
Article Photos
PHOTO BY MARYANN KROMER
Chris Hemminger of Clouse Construction builds the frame for an interior wall at the future location of Ohio Hearing Professionals at Airport Industrial Park on CR 1.
"I designed the layout, but Clouse (Construction) did the overall architecture for it," she said.
The 3,700 square feet is about 10 times larger than her current office. When Young started working for the parent company, she did not anticipate the opportunity to advance so quickly. In 2010, she bought the Tiffin practice.
"It all just kind of fell into place. When I started working there in 2006, I had worked for the big franchise and I didn't know I would have the opportunity to buy it. I never even dreamed it," Young said.
She has an associate's degree in business from Owens Community College and is working on a bachelor's in audio prosthology through the University of Cincinnati. Young also has an optician's license. Young said Ohio Hearing Professionals had its best year in 2012.
Last year, Beth Montgomery, Young's mother, obtained a license and started working with her daughter three days a week. Both are lifelong residents of Seneca County and graduates of Hopewell Loudon High School. Many clients know Young's mother. Both women have busy schedules at work and at home.
"I think a family business is good. We work really well together, but I don't see her a lot," Young said.
"We've done really well while we were in Walmart, but I do think that some people don't come to our office because we're in Walmart. They think that I work for Walmart. I've heard that comment a few times. I think it will be a lot more professional being out here," Young said.
Brian Renninger of Clouse Construction said the project began between Christmas and New Year's. Young said she did a survey of her clients to get their opinions about the possible move. Only one household objected to the change of location. Young plans to bring equipment from the old office to the new one and add more new items. Right now, a storage unit is holding her furniture and equipment.
The grand opening is tentatively set for early May with a ribbon-cutting and open house. The phone number will remain the same. Young said a Saturday receptionist is to be moved to full time. A few other people may be needed to staff the new office. Customers are to receive letters announcing the move.
"It's a dream come true for me. I didn't imagine 10 years ago that this would be what I'm doing," Young said. "I go by here twice a day, every day, and keep watching it grow."
Ohio Hearing Professionals fits and sells Unitron hearing instruments, but they can repair products from any other company. The phone number is (419) 443-0710.
