Julie Duensing from Professional Hearing Services says:
Investing in our team is most important! When they are appreciated and motivated it helps us to continue to deliver the very best in patient care. I encourage team members to work from their heart and find ways to make every patient feel special. Our type of patient care requires us to be in person, so we spend a lot of time together as a team. Because of this, we need to understand the uniqueness of each team member and empower them to use their talents and skills. Our patients feel how much we care for them! It’s so rewarding to be able to help improve patients’ quality of life through better hearing!
What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Dr. Kasewurm’s Professional Hearing Services
Who are the owner(s) and/or principals in this company?
Julie Duensing
Business Contact Information
511 Renaissance Dr. Ste. 100
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269-399-5495
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
10
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
Entering into Dr. Kasewurm’s practice takes you a bit by surprise. Whether it be the waiting room with a view, almost like you’re sipping coffee, outside a French cafe. Or perhaps the smell and sights of fresh basked cookies. Take your pick. Chocolate chip, macadamia nut, m&m, or oatmeal cranberry. Virtually no wait time with friendly and consistent care,
In your own words, why do you think this company deserves to be declared to be one of the 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest?
I’m the newest member of the team @ PHS and I started 6 months ago. Most everyone else who works there are pretty much, “lifers!” The longest time is almost twenty years, if that tells ya anything about coming into a new job, knowing no one, let alone a place where everyone, truly is like family. BUT I was welcomed and treated like part of the team, from the start. I can hands down say I’ve never been worked at a place quite like this! We are always getting recognized for our hard work. Most recently, We ALL recently received a text, in a group chat, from our boss and owner of PHS, who said “self care is like the fuel inside our lantern and we’re not able to help make other’s shine without fueling ours first.” So she treated us to an afternoon of self care, at Affinity Spa.. that’s unheard of! #BestDayEver
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
I’m proud to work @ PHS because of how impactful each member of our team is to our patients. The moment you step into our office, you should feel at peace, ease and comforted.
Let’s pretend you’re writing a review for Google or Indeed. Give us your best recommendation for the nominated company that would make the rest of us wish we worked there, too.
Most people work and spend more time with coworkers than they do at home and with family. Which is why PHS is always finding new ways to encourage teamwork and team bonding. What better way to do that?.. Than a group dune buggy ride, packed in like sardines. It’s important to grow as a team but also as an individual and Julie makes it nearly impossible to fail. She’s always building us up and helps us see our full potential.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
1. Passionate
2. Innovative
3. Patient
As a Best Places to Work company “Super Hero,” what are the two most magical “Super Powers” this company seems to have on a day-to-day basis? (i.e., Ability to read minds, fly, invisibility, etc) And why?
– “American hEARoS” helping struggling people, hear the best they possibly can
– “Cookie” Crusaders” providing a bottomless platter, of warm and fresh cookies.
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? Always staying cool, calm and collected. Making every day and opportunity to learn and grow.
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? No idea is a bad idea. Keep people guessing, talking, learning and researching.
C] Keep communications open? Morning huddles… not a day goes by that we don’t acknowledge the elephant in the room. Baby to mama size, we discuss.
Explain a specific “wow!” moment in this company’s history that is virtually “Hall of Fame” or “Best Practices” worthy, as an example to other companies in the region.
Joy Jar! This is a jar at PHS filled with gift cards from local breakfast places. Thornton’s, Dinos, Crimson Cafe, etc. Anytime we see a patient, that recently celebrated a bday, anniversary, retirement, we surprise them and let them ad they leave by asking them to choose from Jar Joy. This truly, brings us and them So. Much. Joy!
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard, but also for playing hard.
A] How does the nominated company honor or reward success? Employee of the month; you get a very sought after and special parking spot
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? We bond over snacks. Most of the time whenever we meet for a meeting, someone brings a charcuterie board and we always seem to be more productive.
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? We enjoy volunteering at local blood drives, play sponsorships, duck duck run, it’s important for us to see our patients in the wild and we’re always happy to say hi
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? Outrageous Act of Kindness is a goal, each of us has to make monthly. It’s something you do for a patient or family member of a patient. Something they wouldn’t expect and usually something extremely heartfelt during a family hardship. Most recently, one of our patients lost their mother. We sent a personalized wind-chime, with hummingbirds, since we knew her mother loved those.)
What one thing is special about your nominated company that most people in the community have no idea actually happens there, but should be shouted from the rooftops because it’s that cool?
It’s important for us to offer free hearing screenings, for everyone. Most of us haven’t had our hearing tested since grade school and an up-to-date baseline test—is necessary to show any inconsistencies.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
1. Did I mentioned.. fresh baked cookies
2. We decorate the office in abundance for Xmas
3. 3 office bathrooms— need I say more lol
Anything else you’d like to mention about this company, its’ leadership, etc?
Our leadership is big on personal growth, communication style, empathy, and learning how to understand and approach each-other— using enneagram tests and I think she’s on to something. ❤️ We are a really strong, yet dynamic team and we work hard to help our patients.
