“His mission was to make a positive difference in the health of his patients and the community,” she said. “He was a never-ending student, allowing himself to expand his knowledge and expertise in his field in order to stay current of the ever-changing health care profession.”
Coffman said because she is a speech therapist working in an area school district, she has more flexibility during the summer. That flexibility afforded her the opportunity to dive into West Chester Chiropractic Center right away to learn the day-to-day operations, from the details of caring for patients to the financial aspects of running a business.
She said her husband’s top priority was to help his patients achieve their health potential.
“Because of his dedication to his profession and the way he lived his life, these values have always been a part of my family’s life,” she said. “The office is an extension of our family. Closing the doors or selling the business was never an option because my husband’s energy is still very evident in the practice. His work is not complete.”
Coffman said her biggest challenge in keeping the business open is the steep learning curve she has had to manage by coming in and learning everything about running a business from the ground up.
“Each day I learn something new,” she said. “I have found that some things work and some don’t. My staff and I are committed to serving the community. Our successes keep us moving forward.”
Coffman splits her weekdays between her speech therapy position and West Chester Chiropractic Center, which includes five employees. Each day in the office provides a new learning experience, but the most fulfilling aspect of running the business is the ability to continue to serve patients’ needs, she said.
“Many of our patients have been with us for a very long time,” Coffman said. “They are family to us.”
In November, Coffman hired Cincinnati native Dr. Michael Hekler to join Dr. Katherine Schneider in treating patients at the practice.
Hekler attended Logan College of Chiropractic — the same school Chris Coffman attended — and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2007, Robin Coffman said.
“Chris would approve of him being on our team,” she said. “Dr. Mike is an excellent doctor with years of experience and is confident in his ability to help his patients but also is willing to learn about new techniques or therapies that would benefit their progress. He listens to his patient’s concerns.”
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