Vote for the 2025 CQ Innovator Award!
The CQ Innovator Award will be presented during our awards ceremony at Reconnect ’25 in Amelia Island, Florida. Now we want to hear from YOU! We are proud to have five incredible nominees who are eligible to receive the award. Please read their profiles and vote for the nominee of your choice. Your practice must be a part of CQ Partners in order to vote.
Voting closes December 20
About the Innovator Award
The CQ Innovator Award is designated for the CQ member who is a leader among their peers. This person shakes up industry standards, is not afraid of change, and continues to set a new bar in hearing healthcare.
Dr. Sally Baerman – Bridgewater Balance and Hearing
“It should always be your goal to show the patient we have their best interest at heart and want to provide them with better hearing healthcare.”
Dr. Sally Baerman is a bold leader in the hearing industry, unafraid to embrace change to drive progress. When faced with challenges, she envisions the future and uses available tools and resources to turn her goals into reality.
“You have to make changes,” Sally explains. “You can’t get comfortable where you are. You always have to look at where the industry is going and modify where you’re going in order to be ahead of the curve.”
Over the years, Sally has learned the importance of empowering her team, trusting each audiologist to practice in their own way. By giving her team this freedom, she fosters a collaborative environment that has led to significant growth and a cohesive, motivated staff.
“It’s important for hearing healthcare providers to remember we are the professionals. It should always be your goal to show the patient we have their best interest at heart and want to provide them with better hearing healthcare.”
Sally’s dedication to her patients, her courage to adapt, and her belief in her team are just a few of the qualities that have earned her a nomination for the CQ Innovator Award.
Celly Kahn – Pee Dee Hearing Center
“When everyone has a stake in the practice, then the practice will flourish.”
Celly Kahn has redefined leadership through an innovative approach to practice management. Over the past year, she has led a series of substantial changes, creating a more streamlined, patient-centered environment. Under her guidance, the practice has undergone a complete rebranding, including a name change, a shift from speech to focus solely on hearing care, added walk-in hours, and a move from print to a fully digital platform.
One of the most valuable things Celly has learned about leading a business is the importance of a good team. “Get good people and then consult them,” she says. “When everyone has a stake in the practice, then the practice will flourish.”
Celly’s leadership philosophy emphasizes people and purpose. By cultivating a collaborative and transparent team culture, she empowers her staff to take ownership, contributing directly to the practice’s success. Her adaptability in an ever-changing industry inspires her peers to embrace change and explore innovative solutions without fear.
“This industry has done nothing but shift and evolve in the three short years I’ve been in this job. Don’t waste time bemoaning the changes; find a way to make the most of them.”
Celly’s resilience, forward-thinking strategies, and focus on accessible care demonstrate why she has been nominated for the CQ Innovator Award.
Peter McMahon – Hearing Aid Consultants of CNY
“In order to run a successful business, it’s not just me, it’s a team.”
Peter McMahon understands the power of teamwork and has leveraged help tools, such as block scheduling, morning huddles, monthly direct mail, and many more resources to become a true innovator in the hearing industry.
“In order to run a successful business, it’s not just me, it’s a team. It’s important to surround yourself with knowledgeable people you can trust.”
This philosophy shapes how Peter leads his practice. Whether working with his team or collaborating with CQ, he relies on this trust and expertise to fuel his success. This collaborative attitude has driven substantial growth in his practice over recent years, allowing him to add another location.
“When it comes to change, stay grounded, don’t rush into decisions,” he advises. “Don’t let all the noise in today’s hearing world rush you into making a bad decision. Take your time to make an informed decision and then trust in yourself.”
Peter’s willingness to seek support and place trust in his team and CQ Partners exemplifies his commitment to thoughtful, strategic growth. This mindset along with his dedication to his team and his patients is why he’s been nominated for the CQ Innovator Award.
Dr. Elise Uhring – Uhring’s Hearing & Balance
“I’ve been in business for 17 years, and the most important thing you can do is surround yourself with the right people.”
Leading four offices can be challenging, but Dr. Elise Uhring knows how vital communication is in a growing practice. Relying on CQ’s expertise, she’s leaned into using QR codes on her marketing materials, implementing block scheduling, and holding regular meetings led by experts in the industry.
“I’ve been in business for 17 years, and the most important thing you can do is surround yourself with the right people.”
Elise is known for her warm, welcoming demeanor and values these qualities in her team. Her goal is to make every patient feel comfortable and valued, and she’s built a practice that reflects these values through compassionate professionals.
“It’s important for hearing healthcare providers to remember why they came into this field,” she says. “I did this because I wanted to help people hear better and my mission is a reflection of this.”
Through her commitment to CQ’s guidance, her caring team, and dedication to her mission, Elise has achieved her best financial year yet. Her openness to change and belief that “If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done” are just a few reasons she’s been nominated for the CQ Innovator Award.
Dr. Jessica Woods – Dr. Woods Hearing Center
“Change can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and improvement.”
Prioritizing patient education and empowerment are at the forefront of Dr. Jessica Wood’s practice. Over the last few years, she has relied on CQ Partner’s expertise and programs to help her implement effective strategies and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
“Our commitment to collaborating with CQ Partners as our growth partner has been instrumental in embracing innovative ideas. Working closely with exceptional professionals has empowered me to become the best business owner I can be.”
Jessica’s willingness to embrace change has helped her practice grow significantly. By integrating the Iris+ digital marketing platform, she has seen an increase in new patient connections and engagement.
With CQ’s guidance in sales-intensive meetings, Jessica gained insight into the reasons behind patients’ questions, helping her feel more at ease. Embracing an open-minded approach has not only improved her own outlook but has also increased her ability to provide better patient care.
For other leaders who are afraid to make a change, Jessica advises, “Change can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and improvement. Start with small, manageable adjustments, and build from there.”
Jessica’s collaborative spirit combined with her drive for innovative hearing healthcare is one of many reasons she has been nominated for the CQ Innovator Award.
2025 CQ Innovator Award
Voting is now closed. See you at Reconnect ’25!
