Jacey Bullock: From Speech Therapist to Business Owner
In Episode 4 of the “How I Built My Speech Path Business” season, Kim and Mary talk about the inspiring journey of Jacey Bullock, a speech therapist who transformed her passion into a thriving business. Jacey shares her story of founding KLC Pediatric Therapy, revealing the challenges and triumphs of starting and growing her own practice.
Read below for some summarized highlights of our interview with Jacey, or click on the photo above to enjoy the entire episode on The Speech Source Podcast!
And don’t forget, we would really appreciate if you could take the time to subscribe to our podcast and leave us a review. Just click this link and click on the checkmark to follow, and then scroll down to the link under reviews to “write a review.” We want to know what our listeners are liking and what they want to hear more of. Thanks for your support!
How did Jacey begin her journey into speech therapy?
Jacey was introduced to the field of speech pathology by a friend during her undergraduate studies at the University of Oklahoma. Her love for working with children and her passion for speech pathology led her to pursue further education at the University of Tulsa for her graduate degree. After moving back to Texas for her husband's job, Jacey started working for Aledo ISD, where she thought she'd stay until retirement.
What inspired Jacey to start her own practice?
With the birth of her third child, Jacey sought a career that allowed her more time with her family. The limitations of part-time work in her district led her to explore other options, eventually starting KLC Pediatric Therapy from her dining room. Her desire was to maintain a balance between her professional and personal life as her family grew.
How did KLC Pediatric Therapy grow from a home-based practice?
Jacey's initial plan to see a few kids on the side quickly turned into a full-fledged practice. Despite the challenges of starting a business while being pregnant, her dedication and the unexpected influx of referrals led to the establishment of her first brick-and-mortar location just months after starting.
How did Jacey manage to expand her practice?
The growth of KLC Pediatric Therapy is attributed to Jacey's strategic planning and community involvement. Collaborations with local pediatricians and leveraging social media platforms played a significant role in spreading the word. Furthermore, finding a shared office space right outside her neighborhood made the expansion feasible and practical.
What makes KLC Pediatric Therapy unique?
KLC (the initials of her kids :)) stands out for its dedication to providing personalized and flexible therapy solutions. Therapists at KLC are given the autonomy to specialize in areas they are passionate about, ensuring high-quality, specialized care for their clients. The practice also emphasizes the importance of a supportive and collaborative work environment, which has been key to their success.
How does this flexibility benefit the practice and its clients?
This personalized approach benefits not just the therapists but also the clients they serve. By matching therapists with cases that align with their interests and expertise, KLC Pediatric Therapy ensures that clients receive high-quality, specialized care. Therapists who are passionate about their work and have control over their schedules are more likely to provide exceptional therapy.
What were some marketing strategies that worked for KLC?
Jacey utilized social media, specifically Instagram, and community platforms like Facebook moms pages to promote her services. However, the most effective strategy was word-of-mouth from satisfied clients and being an active member of the community, which helped establish trust and credibility for KLC.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jacey Bullock's venture into creating special community events stands out, particularly the sensory-friendly Santa experience she organized. This initiative showcases her dedication not just to her practice, but also to serving the broader needs of her community, especially families and children requiring a more considerate approach to holiday traditions.
What inspired the sensory-friendly Santa experience and how was it executed?
Recognizing the potential to create a welcoming, inclusive holiday event for children with sensory needs, Jacey, with the help of her sister, set out to replicate this thoughtful initiative in her community after hearing about a similar event that was held in a different state.
The event was thoughtfully planned to cater to children who might find the traditional Santa visit overwhelming due to high sensory needs or who simply needed more time to warm up to the experience. Jacey arranged for a private, calming environment where each family had an individual slot with Santa, eliminating the stress of long lines and loud noises commonly associated with mall Santa visits.
Jacey's journey from a speech therapist to a successful business owner is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and community support. Her story provides valuable insights for anyone looking to navigate the challenging yet rewarding path of entrepreneurship in the healthcare field.
Jacey's approach to hiring and managing her team at KLC Pediatric Therapy reflects a broader trend in healthcare towards more personalized and flexible work arrangements. By prioritizing the well-being and professional growth of her therapists, Jacey not only enhances the quality of care provided to her clients but also sets a new standard for employment practices in the industry. This model has the potential to attract a highly motivated and skilled workforce, ultimately benefiting the practice and the families it serves.