I can’t believe it’s been 15 years! July 1st, 2002 I opened for service in North East, on the corner of Cecil and Mauldin Avenues. Lorri, Amy and I were talking about it and they were asking me questions about the business start up. It was nice to reminisce. It was never my intention to have my own practice. Most importantly, I can say that God and the universe conspired to make this business happen. Every person and every opportunity was put in my path at the right time and the doors opened smoothly to pave the way.
North East Chiropractic on the corner of Cecil and Mauldin Avenue opened July 1, 2002.
After I graduated New York Chiropractic College in December 2001, I interviewed in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. But the opportunities just did not feel right. It was suggested to me that maybe I should open my own practice. Since I was 5, I have spent my summers in Cecil County, on the Elk River. And when I first came to North East I just fell in love with the Town. Dave Willis, father in law of one of my best friends, was a realtor in Cecil County and offered to show me office spaces in the area. We came to this site on the corner of Cecil and Mauldin and I just had THAT feeling. But the space was too large for me, over 2,000 square feet, much too large for my start up needs. We asked if he could subdivide it but the answer was no. We kept looking for office space. Meanwhile, I reached out to the North East Chamber of Commerce. Gordy Johnson was the president at the time. He said he thought the town would receive a chiropractor very well. He said he had this office space they were vacating and he thought it would be perfect for me. It was the same spot on the corner of Cecil and Mauldin! The landlord and I went back and forth 2 or 3 times, but he still did not want to subdivide it. Eventually he said yes and it was just meant to be!
Then I needed a business loan. Dave took me to County Bank in Elkton, which is now PNC. Walked me right in to Mark Hutton in commercial lending, and introduced me as a chiropractor wanting to serve the community, Cecil County’s first female chiropractor. Mark Hutton helped set me up with Maurice Brown at the SBDC (Small Business Development Center). This was a free service to entrepreneurs to help write a business plan to get funding. Maurice and Mark helped guide me through the steps to secure funding. A friend Dave Nagy, CPA spent his free nights and weekends helping me with the accounting and the projections for the business plan. Dr. Tamara Blossic, a chiropractor in Delaware I used to work for when I was in college, trained my mom Rosi with insurance and also helped set up my office and software. By the way, they don’t teach this stuff in Chiropractic School. I am so grateful to all these people who brought forth their talents to help this idea come to fruition.
I had signed the lease to move in May 1, 2002. The construction for the existing tenants to vacate my office space got pushed back, so my move in did too. Two weeks, then another two weeks, then another two weeks, and yet another. At first I was very frustrated. But then, toward the end of May 2002, my grandmother in upstate NY had a stroke. I was able to make the trip and see her before she passed a week later. I was able to be there for the funeral and stay an extra week to help my mom with arrangements. I know this was God’s plan. I was not supposed to open until July 1 because I was meant to see my Grandma one last time and be able to be there for my mom.
Those early days it was just me and a chiropractic table, my mom Rosi and a laptop computer. Mom was a huge part of this business and a huge part of making people feel better with her laughter and welcoming conversation. Though mom has taken a well-deserved retirement, many patients will still ask about Rosi! She still makes an appearance now and then! We moved here to Perryville in 2010 because we ran out of space in that North East office. It was a good problem to have! This journey has all unfolded the way it was supposed to. It is all part of HIS plan. I am filled with gratitude for HIS blessings. This is the best job in the world, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Jun 21, 2017 at 12:57 AM
Dr. Heather, it was so wonderful reading the story of your beginning till now. I have been with you (almost) since your beginning. I remember coming to your Open House when you were located behind First National Bank of N.E. where I was working at the time. Did not realize at that time how much you would come to mean to me. I am so thankful God placed you in North East. You are the absolute BEST!!! Thank you for keeping me from pain so many, many times. You are truly an Angel and I love you for being my Chiropractor but even more as my friend. I pray you will have many good years ahead. (And never leave us, OK) Love you, mean it.
Jun 23, 2017 at 1:51 PM
Happy Anniversary Dr. Heather! My whole world changed when I walked in your office. I stopped having Migraines, sinus infections, neck pain, sciatica etc. Pre-natal massage & chiropractic care helped me with my last pregnancy 13 years ago. You influenced my young daughter who became a LMT & now sees you for her chiropractic care & pre-natal chiropractic care. You have been such a big part of our lives & I thank you from the bottom of my heart! And Rosi was also a favorite part of my visit as well.
Jul 20, 2017 at 2:47 AM
you are a blessing to many, but especially to us....you KNOW I recommend YOU to many people...sometimes they take advantage and come...sadly most do not....but...all your energy and expertise keep Will and me well. THANK YOU...WE love your "girls" too. xxoo
Jul 20, 2017 at 10:04 AM
Congrats on 15 years with many more wonderful years to come I am sure!!! 6 years ago I pulled my lower back out on Thanksgiving weekend. I went and saw you that following monday. It took a little bit of time but you were able to help me tremendously. You asked about my job and showed me ways to perform my job and not aggravate my back any more than it already was. The staff in the office is always friendly and happy. It is great pleasure having to see you. My allergies have decreased and you have helped my daughter who is a dancer with any pains she has had. I cannot thank you enough. Anytime anyone asks I refer them to you!!!!