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Dr. Nathan Ortiz
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Joe and I first met in 2010 while attending Texas Tech University, where we were both enrolled in the Audiology doctoral program. At the time, I was a first-year graduate student, and Joe was entering his second year. Like many audiology programs, the class was predominantly female, so we naturally gravitated toward one another early on.
What began as a simple connection between classmates quickly developed into a strong friendship. Through long hours of coursework, clinical training, and shared experiences within the program, we gained a deep respect for each other’s work ethic, integrity, and commitment to the profession. Those early years laid the foundation for both a lasting friendship and a professional partnership built on shared values and dedication to patient care.
In 2013, while we were both stationed in San Diego, the idea of starting a hearing conservation business in Texas first came up. We both had a passion for audiology and saw a real need for specialized hearing care, especially for workers exposed to hazardous noise.
As hearing conservation audiologists ourselves, we knew we wanted to make a difference to even more people across Texas and beyond.
Joe took the initiative to research the market and stumbled upon Precision Hearing Conservation. At the time, the owner wasn’t ready to retire or bring on new staff, so the idea of taking over or being involved in the business was shelved. We still had years left on our military contracts, and the timing simply wasn’t right.
But sometimes, the best things are worth waiting for.
The Leap: Choosing a New Path
Fast forward to 2018. Joe and I were both approaching pivotal moments in our naval careers, with promotions on the horizon.
Promotions in the military often come with added years of service, and we both started thinking seriously about our long-term futures. After discussing the idea with our wives, we decided it was time to explore life beyond the Navy.
Joe still had the contact information for the owner of Precision Hearing Conservation. He reached out again, and this time the timing was perfect: The owner was ready to retire and was excited about the prospect of two naval audiologists taking over his business.
We knew the process of separating from the Navy wouldn’t be quick, so we asked if he could wait until July 2019. Thankfully, he agreed.
Joe’s family is from Austin, just a short drive away, while my family is from South Texas and my wife’s family is in Dallas. So this move also brought our children closer to their grandparents, which meant the world to us.
Purchasing Precision Hearing Conservation felt like a blessing. The business was everything we had dreamed of, and its location in San Antonio was ideal.
Facing the Unknown: COVID-19 Hits
Less than six months after taking over the business, the world changed. The COVID-19 pandemic hit, and with it came a wave of uncertainty and fear.
I remember thinking, “What did we do? Was this a huge mistake?” In the Navy, we had steady paychecks, health insurance, and a sense of security. Suddenly, all of that was gone, and I felt like a total failure.
We stopped taking our salaries, which were modest to begin with. Our operating cash flow was limited, and with jobs being canceled left and right, our trucks weren’t generating any revenue.
I started searching for any work I could find at universities, clinics, you name it, but nobody was hiring. With restaurants closed and people staying home, I even signed up to drive Uber, just to bring in a little extra money.
On top of the financial stress, I was struggling with severe depression and a lingering back injury from my Navy days. The VA wasn’t providing the care I needed, and the weight of responsibility for my family, Joe’s family, and our team felt overwhelming.
Thankfully, within a few months, our prayers were answered.
The Turning Point: A Lifeline from Toyota
Around June or July of 2020, we received a call from Toyota’s private clinic in San Antonio. Their medical director explained that, due to COVID-19, they couldn’t use their audiometric booth for hearing screenings.
With a surge in hiring and a desperate need for pre-employment screenings, they needed our help. We jumped in to assist, and little did we know how much that would change the course of our lives.
We started by providing screenings once a week for a month. That quickly doubled to twice a week, and eventually we held the contract for 18 months, working at their facility three to four days a week.
This opportunity was a lifeline for our business, allowing us to keep our doors open and our team employed during the most uncertain times.
Lessons from the Navy: Leadership and Resilience
My time in the Navy taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability.
There were days when filing for bankruptcy seemed like the easier option, but I couldn’t let our team down. I felt responsible not just for my own family, but for Joe’s family, our technicians, and their loved ones.
The Navy also taught me the value of listening; leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about seeking input from those around you. I made it a point to ask our team for their thoughts and concerns, and their dedication and ideas helped us weather the storm.
Growth and Gratitude: Building Something Special
Today, we have expanded into clinical services and welcomed a full-time audiologist to our team, and I’m filled with gratitude.
Precision Hearing Conservation’s hearing conservation service has nearly doubled its revenue since we took over in 2019. But the true success of our business isn’t just in numbers, but in the strength of our team.
Keisha and our former technician Sam stood by us through the toughest times, taking pay cuts and making sacrifices to keep the business going. From day one, we promised to always take care of our team, and they showed up for us in return.
Many people warned me about going into business with a partner, sharing stories of partnerships gone wrong. But my friendship and partnership with Joe have only grown stronger. We’ve faced adversity together and came out the other side with a deeper bond and a shared sense of purpose.
Looking Ahead: Our Vision and Legacy
As we look to the future, our goal is to create a legacy of care and compassion for our patients, clients, and team.
We want every person who walks through our doors or visits our mobile units to feel seen, heard, and respected. We take the time to answer questions and ensure our patients leave with a better understanding of their hearing health.
You’re far more than another name on a schedule for us. Your lifestyle and experience with hearing challenges are unique, and you deserve to feel heard when you’re looking to hear the life you love most.
Our team is more than just employees; they’re part of our family. Their hard work and dedication are the foundation of our success. For our own families, I hope our children see that work can be meaningful and fun, and that true leadership means listening and valuing every member of the team.
Our journey from Navy friends to hearing clinic owners hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every challenge. We are proud to serve the San Antonio community and look forward to many more years of making a difference, together.
