Professional Hearing Aid Services - Twin Falls/Burley

After working in the hearing aid industry for 12 years, Fritz Kippes realized it was time to follow his dream. “It was my heart’s desire to have my own practice and to serve our patients with quality products and compassion, while making the process of hearing better,” he says.

Kippes got his start in the business in 1986 working for Jack Warberg in the Magic Valley. Armed with his years of experience in customer service, customer relations, marketing and fitting, he approached the Idaho Small Business Development Center in 1998 for help in striking out on his own.

The center helped him develop a business plan that became his “business Bible.” He also received help from the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. While most budding entrepreneurs would have used this assistance to found a start-up business, then settle back to evaluate its success, Kippes immediately set up a second business in Burley so he could provide service to his clientele in that area. Putting in full hours in the two locations (three days per week in Twin Falls and twice per week in Burley), he usually has a full waiting room and reports a six-figure income.

A handicapped business owner, who faces obstacles each and every day, he has one piece of advice for others who have a dream — “Go for it,” he says.

Kippes still looks toward the Idaho SBDC to assist in finding new ways to market his business. He also keeps busy as an active member of the Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club and as a member of the state Vocational Rehabilitation Advisory Council.