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Send us Fan Mail After six years with CQ Partners, Jaysee A. Soto, HAS, BC-HIS, aka The Bald Hearing Guy, makes it official: he's leaving the buying group and going all in on his own practice, Altamonte Family Hearing. It starts with a mock free-agency press conference, but once the cameras roll and the whiskey gets poured, Jaysee sits down to tell the real story behind one of the biggest business decisions of his career. Why leave a buying group after six years? What does a buying group actually do for an independent hearing care practice? And what happens when the numbers no longer make sense? Jaysee gets into the hardest phone call of his career, negotiating cost of goods directly with manufacturers, rebuilding his website and marketing from the ground up, and the reality of taking back control of his business. But independence comes with a price. More responsibility, more decisions, more time, and the challenge of building a brand that stands out in an industry dominated by corporate chains and big players. This conversation goes beyond hearing aids and business negotiations. It's about knowing your worth, making uncomfortable decisions, betting on yourself, and understanding that building a successful independent practice means being willing to put in the work. And most importantly, why every hearing care provider needs to stop hiding behind their business, turn on the camera, and tell their own story. Chapters: 00:00 Cold open — the free-agency press conference  02:48 Welcome to Wax & Whiskey — why this episode  03:37 Cheers — thank you for the support  04:50 What a buying group actually is  06:11 With CQ Partners since day one  06:44 Outgrowing the support  08:42 An entrepreneur first — bodega roots  10:57 Marketing that wasn't at our level  12:36 The hardest phone call — Tim Turner  13:41 Life after CQ — negotiating with manufacturers  16:47 Corporate stores vs. the solo practice  18:13 From 35% to 25% cost of goods — why margins matter  21:00 Is the buying group worth it for you?  22:30 Manufacturers stepping up — WSA and ReSound  23:51 A new website that captures who we are  24:47 The 90-minute evaluation — the brand  26:57 Hiring one company per role  31:14 More support going direct  32:48 Who should join a buying group  33:39 Burnout and the time it really takes  34:59 Buying back time — no patients on Fridays  36:00 Thank you, Tim Turner and CQ Partners  37:06 Break the stigma — tell your story  38:43 Closing Today's Spirit 🥃 Wolcott Bourbon This episode is about more than leaving a buying group. It's about taking ownership of your future, making tough decisions when the numbers no longer add up, and building a business on your own terms. If you're a hearing care professional, independent practice owner, entrepreneur, or someone who's ever considered walking away from the familiar to build something of your own, this episode is for you. Sometimes the biggest move you can make is betting on yourself. #WaxAndWhiskey #BaldHearingGuy #AltamonteFamilyHearing #HearingCare #HearingAids #IndependentBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwnership #PersonalBranding #Marketing #Healthcare #HearingHealthcare #SmallBusiness #BuyingGroup #Whiskey Keywords:  buying groups, independent hearing care, hearing aid business, Altamonte Family Hearing, Jaysee Soto, The Bald Hearing Guy, hearing care professionals, cost of goods, hearing aid manufacturers, independent practice ownership, hearing healthcare, business growth, entrepreneurship, website redesign, digital marketing, social media marketing, personal branding, content creation, corporate hearing care, business independence, Wax and Whiskey, business Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.

Send us Fan Mail What happens when two independent hearing care professionals, two longtime friends, and one bottle of Blanton’s sit down and talk about what’s really happening in the hearing industry? In this episode of Wax & Whiskey, Jaysee A. Soto, HAS, BC-HIS, aka The Bald Hearing Guy, sits down with Gabriel Rodriguez, HAS, owner of Digital Hearing Lab in Kissimmee, Florida. Gabriel is more than a colleague. He’s one of Jaysee’s closest friends and one of the people who inspired him to leave the traditional path and build an independent hearing care practice of his own. After nearly 10 years of running an independent practice, Gabriel has plenty to say about where the hearing industry is headed, and whether patients are actually better off today. We get into the uncomfortable stuff: hearing aids being sold online, managed care and so-called “discounts,” patients bypassing providers, unregistered devices, custom hearing aids, manufacturer relationships, corporate chains, AI, marketing, and the constant battle between independent practices and the big guys. But this conversation goes beyond hearing aids. We talk about building a name for yourself, losing patients, family, burnout, chasing money, knowing your worth, being authentic, and why healthcare providers need to stop hiding behind their businesses and tell their own story. And yes, there’s plenty of bourbon along the way. In This Episode 00:00 Cold open — Everything in life is a sale 00:59 Welcome to Wax & Whiskey — Meet Gabriel Rodriguez 01:59 The Blanton's 03:59 10 years of Digital Hearing Lab in Kissimmee 05:59 Leaving the corporate world to open his own practice 08:59 Are patients better off today? 11:59 First time in custom Phonak Virto 14:59 Managed care and insurance “discounts” 18:59 Buying hearing aids online — skipping the provider 22:59 A patient who bought online — true story 26:59 Unregistered hearing aids 28:59 David vs. Goliath — small practices 30:59 AI, marketing and prescription devices 34:59 Opting out of managed care 37:59 Make a name for yourself 39:59 Losing a patient 40:59 Family and burnout 42:59 Don't chase the money 44:59 Sales is a treatment plan 50:59 Your brand vs. the corporation 52:59 Manufacturers and managed care 54:59 Latino-run practices — being yourself 57:59 Don't sign with a manufacturer 59:59 Corporate chains and a licensing story 1:03:59 Why independent practices matter 1:04:59 Tell your story — closing Today's Spirit 🥃 Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon This episode isn't just about hearing aids. It's about independence, entrepreneurship, patient care, and having the courage to build something that actually feels like you. If you're a hearing care professional, practice owner, entrepreneur, or someone who simply wants to understand what's happening behind the scenes in the hearing industry, this one is for you. #WaxAndWhiskey #BaldHearingGuy #HearingAids #HearingCare #Audiology #HearingHealthcare #IndependentBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Healthcare #HearingLoss #BusinessOwnership #PersonalBranding #Marketing #Bourbon #Blantons Keywords: audiology, hearing aids, hearing care, bourbon, Blanton's, business ownership, independent hearing practice, patient stories, hearing technology, healthcare, managed care, insurance, hearing aids online, custom hearing aids, AI hearing aids, social media, personal branding, marketing, entrepreneurship, authenticity, independent business, Wax and Whiskey, Bald Hearing Guy, Digital Hearing Lab Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Hearing Aid Specialist Jaysee Soto, HAS, BC-HIS, and Audiologist Dr. Leigh Smith, Au.D., sit down over a drink for a candid conversation about what it’s really like to run a hearing healthcare practice. We get into the things that don’t always get talked about: hiring and managing staff, dealing with managed care, companies like HearUSA that are built around managed care, the differences between Hearing Aid Specialists and Audiologists, and what happens when providers don’t follow best practices. We also talk about the realities of hearing aid sales, why sales can actually be job security in audiology, the consequences of hiring the wrong employee, and the imposter syndrome that can come with owning and growing a business. Along the way, we get into the business relationships that shape our industry, including the important reminder that manufacturers are not really our friends. At the end of the day, business is business. They can be friendly, but they will also open their own store in your neighborhood and try to beat you while smiling in your face.  This is an honest, sometimes uncomfortable, and hopefully entertaining conversation about the hearing industry, running a practice, and the challenges that come with trying to do things the right way. Grab a drink and join us. This is Part 2 so be sure to listen to Episode 12 first.  Today's Spirit: Jack Daniels Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Keywords: hearing healthcare, private practice, industry insights, business growth, audiology, hearing aids, entrepreneurship, managed care, industry challenges audiology, private practice, licensing, scope of practice, hearing aids, VA, audiology education, entrepreneurship, healthcare industry, professional development, Hearing Aid Specialists, Audiologists. Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.

Send us Fan Mail  In this conversation, Hearing Aid Specialist Jaysee Soto, HAS, BC-HIS, and Audiologist Dr. Leigh Smith, Au.D., sit down over a drink for a candid conversation about what it’s really like to run a hearing healthcare practice. We get into the things that don’t always get talked about: hiring and managing staff, dealing with managed care, companies like HearUSA that are built around managed care, the differences between Hearing Aid Specialists and Audiologists, and what happens when providers don’t follow best practices. We also talk about the realities of hearing aid sales, why sales can actually be job security in audiology, the consequences of hiring the wrong employee, and the imposter syndrome that can come with owning and growing a business. Along the way, we get into the business relationships that shape our industry, including the important reminder that manufacturers are not really our friends. At the end of the day, business is business. They can be friendly, but they will also open their own store in your neighborhood and try to beat you while smiling in your face.  This is an honest, sometimes uncomfortable, and hopefully entertaining conversation about the hearing industry, running a practice, and the challenges that come with trying to do things the right way. Grab a drink and join us. This is Part 1 of 2. Today's Spirit: Jack Daniels Single Barrel Heritage Barrel Keywords: hearing healthcare, private practice, industry insights, business growth, audiology, hearing aids, entrepreneurship, managed care, industry challenges audiology, private practice, licensing, scope of practice, hearing aids, VA, audiology education, entrepreneurship, healthcare industry, professional development, Hearing Aid Specialists, Audiologists. Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.

Send us Fan Mail In our latest chat, Oli emphasized the importance of not advertising like big businesses. Instead, focus on who you're talking to. It's about connecting with your audience on a personal level, not just broadcasting to the masses. By understanding your ideal patients and tailoring your message to them, you create a more meaningful impact. It's not about being the loudest; it's about being the most relevant. Shift your focus from trying to be the biggest to being the best for your audience. That's where true growth happens. Ready to take your audiology practice to the next level? Comment your email below to book a discovery call with the Orange & Gray Marketing team and learn how they help practices generate more leads, increase patient appointments, and accelerate growth. #MarketingWisdom #PatientConnection #LocalBiz #OrangeAndGray #PersonalBranding #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessTruths #HustleAndFlow #CapitalizeOnYourWork #OwnYourJourney #marketing Today's Spirit: Michter's Small Batch Bourbon ( Didn't get to review it on this one but it was amazing) Keywords audiology, hearing aids, bourbon, business ownership, patient stories, technology, healthcare, insurance, social media, personal journey, social media marketing, imposter syndrome, content creation, lead generation, bourbon tasting, Wax and Whiskey, entrepreneurship, authenticity, marketing tips Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what separates a true entrepreneur from everyone else? Drop a 🔥 if you've felt this. I've built a business from nothing — working late nights, taking all the risks, and carrying the weight of everything on my shoulders. Employee's can sometimes see revenue and think they are profits. They don't understand a profit and loss or a EBITDA. They can see the wins but don't know about all of the losses. So when they tie the business revenue as a reason to request unreasonable wages you can sometimes look like the bad guy explaining that the business will not pay a significant amount over the reasonable positions wage cap. The owner has to protect the business and reinvest profits for more growth and better systems. Also, when the rainy days come around the employees will not be the ones bailing the business out.   Here’s a truth: You didn’t get those results from work you didn’t do. Entrepreneurship is a solo race — the grind, the risks, the sleepless nights. Nobody else is in your shoes.Support your team, pay them well, and celebrate their effort—but remember, you're the one who built the foundation.  If you’re thinking about going solo, just know: the darkness is real before the dawn — but so is the reward.Worth thinking about.What’s your biggest challenge as a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur? Drop below 👇  And tag a fellow entrepreneur who needs this reminder today. #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessTruths #HustleAndFlow #CapitalizeOnYourWork #OwnYourJourney Today's Spirit: Penelope Toasted Bourbon Small Batch Keywords audiology, hearing aids, bourbon, business ownership, patient stories, technology, healthcare, insurance, social media, personal journey, social media marketing, imposter syndrome, content creation, lead generation, bourbon tasting, Wax and Whiskey, entrepreneurship, authenticity, marketing tips Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Wax and Whiskey, host Jaysee 'Bald Hearing Guy' Soto HAS, BC-HIS highlights how most entrepreneurs feel like they’re grinding in the dark until one small shift changes everything. Jaysee shares how perseverance, smart delegation, and strong values drive real growth, even through a pandemic. From zero patients and no loans to industry awards, Jaysee breaks down his journey of resilience and hustle. He explains how he launched just before COVID-19 and built a thriving practice by focusing on quality, relationships, and never cutting corners. You’ll learn:  Why patience and long-term thinking lead to lasting success  The risks of over-promising and how realistic expectations boost satisfaction  How delegating and hiring well prevents burnout and enables growth  Why saying no to low-margin work protects your value  Practical tips for systems, competition, and professionalism If you’re feeling stuck or stretched thin, this episode is a reminder that success is a marathon.  Looking for real insight you can apply today? Tune in. Today's Spirit: Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond 7 year Keywords audiology, hearing aids, bourbon, business ownership, patient stories, technology, healthcare, insurance, social media, personal journey, social media marketing, imposter syndrome, content creation, lead generation, bourbon tasting, Wax and Whiskey, entrepreneurship, authenticity, marketing tips Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Wax and Whiskey, host Jaysee 'Bald Hearing Guy' Soto HAS, BC-HIS shares his journey into the world of social media marketing, emphasizing the importance of overcoming imposter syndrome and just starting to create content. He encourages listeners to utilize their smartphones and simple equipment to begin sharing their expertise, regardless of their industry. Jaysee discusses how social media can be a powerful lead generation tool, often more effective than traditional methods like Google ads. He reflects on his own experiences, highlighting the positive feedback he has received and the connections he has made through his online presence. The conversation also delves into him emphasizes the significance of authenticity in content creation, urging listeners to be themselves and share their stories. By doing so, they can connect with their audience on a deeper level, ultimately leading to greater success in their respective fields. Jaysee wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of taking action and not overthinking the process of getting on camera and sharing one's voice. Today's Spirit: Makers Mark 46 french oaked Keywords audiology, hearing aids, bourbon, business ownership, patient stories, technology, healthcare, insurance, social media, personal journey, social media marketing, imposter syndrome, content creation, lead generation, bourbon tasting, Wax and Whiskey, entrepreneurship, authenticity, marketing tips Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better. Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.

Send us Fan Mail Disclaimer: This insanely long episode is mainly for our friends and family who are curious about what Mr. and Mrs. Bald Hearing Guy think about the Hearing Aid industry.  The "First Lady" of Hearing (and the Edit from Hell) 🥃👂 I finally convinced my wife, Grace, to be my first guest on Wax and Whiskey—and we had so much to say it almost broke the podcast! This episode took me forever to edit because once we start talking, we literally cannot stop. It was so intense I nearly retired my headphones in 2025, but the conversation was too good to leave on the cutting room floor. In this episode, we’re peeling back the curtain on: Power Couple Dynamics: How we run a family business without losing our minds (mostly).The "Secret Sauce": Why being family-owned beats the corporate giants every time.Industry Truths: Navigating a female-driven industry and the tech that’s changing lives.Behind the Scenes: The passion, the chaos, and the whiskey that keeps it all moving.We’re closing out the 2025 editing nightmare with a bang and taking the lessons into 2026. If you want to know what it’s really like to live, love, and work in the hearing world, this one is for you. Today's Spirit: Elijah Craig small batch Keywords Audiology, hearing aids, bourbon, business ownership, patient stories, technology, healthcare, insurance, social media, personal journey. Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode of Wax and Whiskey, Jaysee Soto expresses profound gratitude to the people who have shaped his life and career. He reflects on the importance of acknowledging mentors, friends, and family who have supported him throughout his journey as an entrepreneur in the audiology field. From his relationship with God to the influence of his parents and the unwavering support of his wife, Jaysee emphasizes the significance of giving thanks and recognizing those who have made a difference in our lives. He also highlights the importance of community and collaboration within the audiology profession, encouraging listeners to appreciate their own support systems and to express gratitude to those who have helped them along the way. Today's Spirit: Willet Bourbon Small Batch  Keywords audiology, hearing aids, bourbon, business ownership, patient stories, technology, healthcare, insurance, social media, personal journey Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we pull back the curtain on how Costco handles hearing care. I share real examples of patients who were pushed into hearing aids—even when medical concerns should have been the priority. From ignored red flags to one-size-fits-all fittings, you’ll hear why bargain prices can come at a serious cost. If you’ve ever wondered whether warehouse hearing care really puts patients first, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.  Also, here’s a big question: Since Costco offers so many excellent products from leading manufacturers in other departments, why don’t they carry the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers like great hearing care practices throughout  the country do?  Today's Spirit: Glenlivet 14 yr Cognac Cask Keywords audiology, hearing aids, bourbon, business ownership, patient stories, technology, healthcare, insurance, social media, personal journey Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better. Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ It took everything I had to leap into entrepreneurship. It can be the best decision you ever make or the fastest way to lose it all. In this episode, I share my journey and the questions you should ask yourself before you take that first step.  entrepreneurship, audiology, business ownership, work-life balance, patient care, healthcare industry, audiology practice, business challenges, personal growth, managed care. Today's Spirit: It was too early, so.... Nespresso pods. Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.

Send us Fan Mail This episode gets a little spicy! We’re talking about a controversial bill that nearly allowed online companies to sell mail-order prescription hearing aids in Florida. Yep, without the in-person hearing evaluations or real-ear measurements that actually make hearing aids work properly. Jaysee breaks down why that could have been a disaster for patients, and how hearing care pros across the state teamed up to help lawmakers understand the risks. The good news? As of July 2025, the bill didn’t pass, and prescription hearing aids still require professional care in Florida. Grab your favorite drink and tune in to hear how advocacy and a little noise from the hearing health community made all the difference. You won’t want to miss this one! Today's Spirit: Uncle Nearest Bourbon 1884 Bourbon Keywords audiology, hearing aids, bourbon, business ownership, patient stories, technology, healthcare, insurance, social media, personal journey Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.

Send us Fan Mail Grab your favorite drink and join Jaysee Soto HAS, BC-HIS on the Wax and Whiskey podcast as he uncorks the truth behind hearing aids, with a special focus on the difference between over-the-counter (OTC) devices and prescription hearing solutions. In this lively episode, the Bald Hearing Guy dives into the real-world pros and cons of OTC hearing aids compared to professionally fitted devices. With a splash of humor, a pour of whiskey, and a few personal stories, he explains why working with a licensed hearing care professional can make all the difference. Whether you're exploring hearing aid options or simply curious about what sets professional care apart, this episode offers valuable insight and engaging conversation. Keywords audiology, hearing aids, bourbon, business ownership, patient stories, technology, healthcare, insurance, social media, personal journey Today's Spirit: American Brick Spirits Straight Bourbon Whiskey Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.

Send us Fan Mail I’m Jaysee "Bald Hearing Guy" Soto, HAS, BC-HIS, the owner of Altamonte Family Hearing and this is my after-hours hangout – part passion project, part vent session, all wrapped in good vibes and even better whiskey. In this first episode, we’re kicking things off with some wild stories and straight-up real talk. I’m diving into a cautionary tale about a failed online order for prescription hearing aids and how it backfired on one of our patients. I’ll explore how Apple might be quietly stepping into the OTC hearing aid space with Air Pods, and break down why I launched this podcast in the first place.  This is where audiology meets entrepreneurship, with a splash of bourbon and zero fluff. Whether you’re here to learn, laugh, or just vibe with someone who’s in the thick of it, you’re in the right place. So pour yourself something smooth, hit play, and let’s get into it. Cheers to unfiltered convos and fresh starts! Keywords audiology, hearing aids, bourbon, business ownership, patient stories, technology, healthcare, insurance, social media, personal journey Support the show  Pour a Glass, Tune In, Hear Better.