The Weatherford Democrat, June 8, 2006
Anne’s Hearing Aid Center
Happily helping Parker County hear a little better
Christina Childs
cchilds_news@yahoo.com
The small blue cottage on South Main Street may seem a little out of place among the fast food chains and super-sized store buildings, but inside, Anne and Jim Winquist are right at home helping people hear a little better everyday. |
Anne Winquist , a licensed hearing specialist, works hard to find the best fit for each individual client who visits her center. |
Anne’s Hearing Aid Center has called the smoky-blue building home since 2005.
. And from the first day they opened the doors, the Winquist’s have worked hard to maintain the cottage’s outward homey appeal in their indoor dealings as well.
After working for many years in the hearing aid industry, Anne, co-owner and licensed hearing specialist, wanted to create an at home, easy-going environment, which she hoped would enable all her customers to have a pleasant, positive experience when they visited the center.
“I saw a lot working at other hearing centers,” Anne recalled. “I really wanted to up the customer service and create a more personable environment.”
The interior of the small set-up offers up a quaint waiting area complete with a mantel, fresh coffee and the center’s claim to fame, Buck the Talking Deer.
Not only is Buck a beautiful wall hanging, the automated deer also assists in calling patients back for their appointments and general entertainment for waiting room patrons.
“It’s just fun,” said Jim, the proud co-owner of both the shop and Buck. “We do things a little differently here. We like it to be fun and relaxed. We’re on a first-name basis with most of our patients and they get a kick out of it.”
Jim, known fondly as “Wink” to many visiting clients, helps out with the shops supplies, orders, advertising and general customer service needs.
Anne, who got her start more than 10 years ago, works closely with each patient to determine the type of assistance needed. She starts by asking a number of questions to determine what type of hearing aid would best fit each individual client’s lifestyle.
The center conducts hearing tests, fits and dispenses hearing aids and takes in repairs on most models. The Winquists also strive to keep up with the latest technologies and advancements in the field.
The duo resides in Granbury, but enjoys the 28-mile commute into Weatherford. A place both say they are very fond of.
They plan to continue to offer hearing help with a little bit of fun and an extra friendly approach. And although the center is a business, both Jim and Anne find joy in dealing with their many customers and, both added the work is extremely rewarding.
“Hearing aids enhance life,” Anne said. “There is a high degree of satisfaction in being able to help people.”
Jim added, for them, it’s more about the people they meet than the amount of products they sell.
“We don’t need to make a fortune, because we are making a lot of friends,” he said.
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