“Finding the unique aspect of each clinic and their critical issues is at the heart of what we do. The answers are there for almost any issue. We just have to ask the right questions of our members, listen to their responses and direct them to, or help them develop a solution. It’s very rewarding.”
Dan Quall
What Got You Interested in the Hearing Industry?
I grew up immersed in the hearing industry….my father was a hearing instrument specialist. When I began to show an interest in the field, my father’s advice was straightforward—I would need to get an audiology degree. And I did.
How Has Your Career Developed?
Forty years later, I’ve carved out my own unique path in the audiology world. My first 18 years were an adventure in private practice. I had five clinics right here in the Northwest, one of which was in an ENT office. This experience gave me the opportunity to work and learn side by side with physicians in a clinical setting.
After divesting from my clinics, I worked with industry networks helping hearing professionals improve outcomes and profitability.
I always say my career ran backward. After providing services to audiology and ENT offices, I got to see first-hand how different clinics operate and benefit from the true value of a network—exchanging creative concepts with your peers. I found myself saying “I wish I had done that” or “I wish I would have tried that.” Now I can take these lessons with me to clinics across the country.
For the past 24 years, I’ve held executive positions with Amplifon and Starkey dedicated to improving clinical performance. I’ve spent the last nine years sharing my knowledge with Fuel as the Director of Strategic Initiatives. My job is to keep an eye on the horizon. I spot potential problems and work with the Fuel leadership team to develop solutions and programs to help clinics cope with an ever-changing marketplace. Recently, I’ve helped clinics grapple with the logistics of Medicare Advantage programs, third-party hearing aid administrators and over-the-counter hearing aids.
As much as I loved providing hearing services to patients in need, I discovered many years ago that there is a joy to be found in the business side of audiology. I find it incredibly fulfilling to watch clinics thrive as we work together to develop cohesive teams, deliver top-quality services and achieve financial success.
What’s the Best Part of Working for Fuel?
The best part about my position at Fuel is the opportunity to work alongside a talented and passionate team dedicated to bringing real value to our members. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a wonderful group of people.
Education
- Western Oregon University, Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Audiology
Fun Fact
My mother’s side of the family tree is genetically linked to Daniel Boone—an American pioneer and frontiersman. I embrace his sense of adventure and find happiness in the great outdoors—particularly fishing.