Speech and Language Pathology Clinic Finds HR and Marketing Success
Overview
Alyssa Fairchild, owner of Katy Speech and Language, began her journey with the Fort Bend SBDC in late 2020 when she requested assistance hiring a full-time employee in preparation for her first physical location. She was already working with contracted therapists, but she wanted to begin building a full-time team so her office could comfortably increase and maintain its patient base.
Growing the Team
“Initially, I used [the] SBDC to help me understand contracts and marketing,” says Fairchild. “These were not topics that I felt comfortable with at that time. As the company grew and I needed to hire employees and wanted to purchase my first clinic, I used my advisor for HR and marketing/area research...”
Her advisor at the time discussed a few HR topics, such as contract vs. full-time employees, payroll differences, etc., and offered to create a cash flow statement to determine if hiring would be the most appropriate step to achieve her business goals. They also referred her to the SBDC’s HR specialist for additional guidance.
By early 2021, Fairchild successfully hired her first employee, and the SBDC continued to offer HR and marketing support over the next few years, from developing HR policies to researching target markets.
The SBDC has played a valuable role since the formation of my business and continues to help me expand and serve more patients... The SBDC has provided me with so much valuable information throughout my journey as a business owner. I have and will continue to recommend this wonderful resource to fellow business owners.
Alyssa Fairchild, M.S., CCC-SLP
Owner, Katy Speech and Language, LLC
Preparing for Expansion
Fairchild took the resources and advice the SBDC offered and successfully grew her business over the next few years—so much so that in March 2023, she sought assistance from the SBDC on acquiring funding to open a second location in Richmond. By this point, Katy Speech and Language had made over $1 million in revenue.
Fairchild’s new advisor, Robert Johnson, recommended a few loan and grant options for which her business could be eligible. He then assisted her with gathering information to form a business plan to be included with her loan application.
Due to her efforts and the support of the SBDC, Fairchild secured a business loan from a commercial bank, which led to her acquiring a clinic in Richmond and further growing her staff with 20 employees.
Continued Growth
“When I needed guidance on marketing to local professionals and families, SBDC was where I turned for help,” Fairchild says. Johnson also connected her with the SBDC’s marketing specialist to advise on her marketing campaign and target market for the new location.
As the business grew, Johnson recommended that Fairchild apply for the SBA THRIVE program for professional development. It was a great opportunity to learn various topics in entrepreneurship and owning a business, so she submitted her application, which was approved. Once she was enrolled in the program, Fairchild says that it was “informative and thought-provoking. [She] learned so much and met valuable contacts that helped [her] grow.”
The SBDC continues to offer Fairchild guidance for the clinic. She says, “The SBDC has played a valuable role since the formation of my business and continues to help me expand and serve more patients... The SBDC has provided me with so much valuable information throughout my journey as a business owner. I have and will continue to recommend this wonderful resource to fellow business owners.”
Aries Payne - Communications Coordinator
August 1, 2024
