Follow Kelsey Hoffmann, an experienced occupational therapist, on her path to business ownership in Fargo, ND. Discover her journey to entrepreneurship, overcoming challenges, and the transformative impact of therapy!
Navigating the Playground of Career Opportunities
Kelsey Hoffmann spent nine years working in different locations and searching for a place to call her professional home. When she moved to Fargo ND, an opportunity arose to buy out an existing therapy practice.
Just a Hop, Skip, and a Financing Solution Away
Anticipating the purchase of this practice, Kelsey dove into learning anything and everything she could about the business. Despite her enthusiasm and confidence in its profitability, Kelsey faced challenges in securing funding due to limited collateral —a game of hopscotch in the financial world.
Never Left a-Loan
With the guidance of SCORE and the North Dakota Small Business Development Center, she was referred to Dakota Business Lending. These partners helped her show the practice's growth under her care and the great potential it held, despite her limited collateral.
Coloring Outside the Lines
Kelsey met with Dakota Business Lending and, together, they found a solution: Dakota Business Lending would fund the purchase through the SBA Intermediary Lending Program (ILP). She officially acquired Great Kids Therapy in August of 2022 and has been helping kids throughout the Fargo/Moorhead area ever since!
“I had been through so many different options trying to figure out how I was going to buy Great Kids Therapy. By working with Dakota Business Lending, I had access to financing I couldn’t get anywhere else….”
-Kelsey Hoffmann
Providing 'Knead'ed Stability in Fargo
Today, Great Kids Therapy stands as a private clinic offering occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy services tailored directly towards each child and their family’s needs, providing them a safe space to learn, develop, grow, and call home. The practice prides itself on meeting children where they are at, providing services at local daycares, after school programs, the North Dakota Autism Center, through the University of Mary’s Occupational Therapy program, and at their West Fargo location.
“Because of my loan through Dakota Business Lending, I’ve been able to get the financing I need while growing my business at the same time. Now we’re looking into an even bigger building!”
-Kelsey Hoffmann
The Domino Effect of Positive Impact
Now employing a dedicated team of 10 professionals who share her passion for pediatric therapy, Great Kids Therapy serves 70 families throughout the Fargo/Moorhead area and beyond. The impact of Great Kids Therapy extends far beyond the therapy room as they actively engage with the community and work tirelessly to educate families about the importance of early intervention.
Where Treatments Are 'OT'-of-this-World
Kelsey's favorite part of her job is witnessing the happiness on children's faces during therapy sessions. The close bond between patients and their families brings moments of laughter and fulfillment, knowing she is helping them succeed. For Kelsey, Great Kids Therapy has become more than just a workplace; it's a home where she cherishes the opportunity to empower children and families on their journey towards success.
“Our patients are truly our family… we love and care about them as individuals and it’s so rewarding to see them succeed.”
-Kelsey Hoffmann
Great Kids Therapy actively engages with the community and focuses on educating families about early intervention. Check out their website here!
This article was written by Dakota Business Lending with permission from Great Kids Therapy and is not to be edited or redistributed without permission.
