Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Hooks.
Ken, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started in the field of sleep in 2013 and had no idea how intricate it is. Fast forward to 2015, I became a manager for a few labs in upstate South Carolina. I was approached by a dentist to aid with review of a sleep study. From that experience, I learned to take into account factors of a sleep study that are very often overlooked. The dentist became my mentor and I tried every way possible to sell his ability and knowledge as the only credentialed dental sleep medicine provider. Every turn led to a “no”. So, I created True Sleep Diagnostics. I created this company to allow everyone who needed a sleep study provider, to have access to one. In addition, the cost of a sleep study at my lab is at least five times less than having one on a hospital. The difference? There is none; same equipment, same tests. Nonetheless, the true difference is I take into account physiological damage and the pathway to that damage via airflow dynamics.
Now, in 2020 I have a 2-bed lab and send home sleep tests all over the country and even Canada. I was fortunate enough to speak at two professional conferences and have become a sort of “go-to” when questions about sleep arise.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
After creating True Sleep, there were a lot of bumps and bruises and broken promises. I learned to stand on my own instead seeking the help of those I thought were in a better position financially. Dentists and business owners invested their time and mine, as well as a few resources, to understand the blueprint I created. And, each one slowly disappeared as the success of my business was not instantaneous. They did not want to wait months or even weeks. They wanted to make money and disregard the process.
Please tell us about the company.
True Sleep is a diagnostic company that focuses on the detrimental effects of breathing abnormalities during sleep and how they manifest into debilitating and sometimes deadly consequences. I am part owner and full operator of the business. Speaking engagements, development, marketing, processes, and performing diagnostic studies are all a part of what I do. I am a registered respiratory therapist and a registered polysomnographic technician by trade and education. I am known for understanding the intricacies of sleep-disordered breathing, the manifestations of sleep-disordered breathing, facial architecture deficiency, and therapy selections. I am most proud of the reach of this company. I conduct more studies throughout the nation than I do in the locality which I live. What sets me apart from others that perform sleep diagnostics is True Sleep is a hug, not a handshake. What I mean by that is, I am with a patient every step of the way. From start to finish. My understanding becomes their understanding, in addition, due to the in-depth method of review, I have been able to solve health issues that have plagued patients for years. There is a blog entry on my website titled, “The Tale of Two Patients” that reveals the difference between myself and a local hospital system.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I would not say luck, but if not for my mentor, I would not have met the medical professionals who hold me dear to their heart, value my opinion, and send me their patients.
Pricing:
- $250 cash pay for mail-order home sleep test
- $575 cash pay for in-lab sleep test
- We also accept insurance for in-lab studies
Contact Info:
- Website: truesleepdiagnostics.com
- Phone: 864-315-0928
- Email: truesleepsc@gmail.com
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