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Maheen Masood

Owner and Operator of Speech Specialists

Speech Specialists are a highly experienced group of Speech Language Pathologists, Speech Language Associates, Behavioural Therapists, and Occupational Therapists that provide private in home services for clients all across Southern Ontario.

Maheen and staff provide individualized and comprehensive assessments as well as unique treatment programs for each of their clients.

Speech Specialist therapists provide a variety of services for both children and adults.

How did you get started in this business?

I used to work as a private speech therapist and saw there was huge business potential to expand.

How did the help you got from BACD impact you and your business?

The BACD help had a huge impact. Training was helpful and funding helped with costs for marketing, website and special assessment forms used in the process.

What was most impactful for you being in the Starter Company program?

Mentorship was the highlight. There are so many things. It is great to have someone who is more aware, more experienced, willing to share and help you with what you don’t know. My mentor is teaching me the difference between working ‘in’ the business and ‘on’ the business.

Why did you think you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I thought I would be good at it. While working for others I was aware and saw ways to do things differently. I wanted more control to implement my ideas.

What was more difficult than you thought it would be?

Keeping track of employments and judging the quality of Speech Specialists.

How do you market your business? How are people aware of your business?

Currently we do online marketing, ad words and SEO. People are aware of the business through word of mouth and we attend events and distribute flyers.

What do you do to keep abreast of the changes in your business and in your industry?

We have subscribed to some of the major industry specific associations and colleges such as CASLPO, CDAC, OSLA and ASHA

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?

Go to the BACD. Prepare a business plan.

What is it that you do that’s made you a success?

I believe what has made the business a success is my time commitment to the business, setting goals, and my first hand experience in the industry. This has helped me understand the needs of clients.

Has technology impacted how you conduct business?

Hugely! Almost everything is online, our reports, marketing and communicating with clients and contractors.

What is the future for this type of business?

I see a growth in this industry as families are more aware of learning milestones and therefore better able to recognize development delays. With early intervention they are better able to help their child/ren.

Whom do you seek advice from for your business?

I seek business advice from The BACD, my mentor, Rudy Fischer, my dad and my husband.