Before becoming CEO and Co-Founder of Innovative Hearing, Chicagoland Hearing, and Land of Lincoln Hearing, Benjamin Wright spent more than two decades practicing as a hearing care professional. During those years, he witnessed firsthand how profoundly hearing loss can affect a person’s life—and how transformative the right care can be. Moments like watching a patient hear a loved one clearly for the first time reinforced his belief that hearing care is not just clinical work, but life-changing work.

That experience continues to shape his leadership today. As CEO, Benjamin leads teams serving patients across more than 200 clinics nationwide, with a focus on combining advanced technology with deeply personalized care. Under his leadership, the practices remain grounded in the same mission that guided his years in the clinic: helping people reconnect with the sounds—and relationships—that matter most.

Beyond his clinical work, Benjamin plays an active role in shaping the future of hearing healthcare. He serves as an Advisory Board Member for Oticon and sits on the committee for the International Hearing Society’s Managed Care and Compliance, helping advance industry standards and patient advocacy.

Since 2011, Benjamin has also served as a Starkey Hearing Angel, supporting global efforts to provide hearing aids to underserved communities. His professional excellence has earned him recognition as a four-time CEO Circle member, reflecting both his impact and commitment to the field.

Benjamin loves spending time with his close-knit friends and family, playing tennis, traveling to new places, and enjoying the outdoors. Whether it’s exploring a new destination or sharing simple moments, Benjamin values experiences that bring people closer.

As Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Innovative Hearing, Chicagoland Hearing, and Land of Lincoln Hearing, Sarah Sommers brings a strategic and people-centered approach to expanding access to high-quality hearing care. With a background in operations and organizational leadership, she oversees company growth, patient experience, and operational systems across more than 200 locations nationwide.

Sarah is passionate about building strong teams, creating efficient processes, and ensuring that every patient interaction reflects the organization’s commitment to thoughtful, high-quality care. Together with CEO Benjamin Wright, she helps lead the Innovative Hearing Network with a focus on innovation, integrity, and a consistently exceptional patient experience.

Sarah’s leadership style blends strategy with empathy, ensuring that innovation and operational excellence always go hand in hand. She focuses on creating systems that empower people—streamlining processes while fostering collaboration, trust, and accountability across teams. Grounded in the belief that strong operations enable exceptional care, Sarah leads with clarity, communication, and a steady commitment to both patient and employee experience.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys time with her family, cheering on her son at lacrosse games and visiting her daughter at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she’s proudly become a die-hard Badgers fan. She loves exploring new restaurants, hosting gatherings with friends, and finding creative inspiration through travel, art, and design. Whether planning a family trip, perfecting a new recipe, or diving into a great book, Sarah brings the same curiosity and energy to life outside the office that she brings to her work each day.

Donell leads with clarity, empathy, and strategic vision, creating operational systems that empower teams and elevate patient care across all regions. Her guiding belief is that care is the foundation of operational excellence. Whether she’s refining workflows, onboarding new team members, or reinforcing organizational values, Donell ensures that every individual feels seen, supported, and set up for success.

Donell’s leadership is both intentional and inspiring. She anticipates needs, communicates with heart, and builds a culture where excellence and recognition go hand in hand. Her ability to balance precision with compassion makes her a driving force behind our growth and a trusted champion of our mission.

Donell is a proud Girl Scout Troop Leader, a mom to two daughters — 18 years apart — and a joyful grandma to three. Her life is filled with mentorship, laughter, and love, both at home and in the workplace.

Marvin Thomas began his journey in hearing healthcare with a strong academic foundation, earning a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from East Carolina University. He continued his education at Nova Southeastern University in Florida, deepening his expertise in communication disorders and patient care.

Starting in Coral Springs, Florida, with Miracle-Ear, Marvin quickly built a reputation for exceptional patient service and leadership. After joining Connect Hearing in Miami, he eventually relocated to Maryland. He began his impactful work with Innovative Hearing, where his dedication earned him a promotion to national manager and a return to St. Petersburg, FL.

Now serving as National Senior Provider Manager, Marvin oversees provider operations across the country. He’s passionate about supporting care teams, building strong connections, and creating meaningful experiences that elevate the patient journey.

A deep commitment to excellence and collaboration drives Marvin’s leadership. He focuses on empowering providers, enhancing service models, and integrating innovation into everyday care. His ability to see both the operational and personal sides of hearing healthcare allows him to foster strong, patient-centered teams nationwide.

Marvin finds balance through time spent near the ocean, enjoying the outdoors, and relaxing on the water. A lover of live music, he often plays guitar and cherishes time with friends, family, and his two children—Layla and Marvin—who inspire his work and keep him grounded.

Lauren leads with heart and precision, ensuring that every patient and team member feels genuinely supported. Her philosophy, treating others the way you want to be treated, guides her approach to care coordination, making sure no detail is overlooked and no voice goes unheard. Whether she’s streamlining a process or offering a listening ear, Lauren brings a calm, thoughtful presence that elevates both service and morale.

Lauren’s dedication to going above and beyond is felt in every interaction. She doesn’t just manage care, she cultivates connection, trust, and respect. Her ability to balance empathy with efficiency makes her a cornerstone of our support system. From resolving concerns to uplifting her team, Lauren embodies the kind of leadership that inspires confidence and compassion.

Outside of work, Lauren pours her energy into her community and her creativity. She leads a local women’s outreach group that supports women and children, and she’s a go-to planner for weddings and special events. Whether she’s organizing a celebration or spending quality time with loved ones, Lauren brings joy, purpose, and generosity to everything she does.

John Scott entered hearing healthcare with a clear goal: to change lives in a single appointment. Moments like helping a patient hear their grandchild’s voice clearly for the first time in years are unforgettable — and they fuel his passion for the field. With seven years of experience, John brings both technical expertise and heartfelt care to every patient interaction.

John believes that hearing care is about more than devices — it’s about restoring connection, confidence, and quality of life. He listens closely to each patient’s challenges and goals, tailoring solutions that are both precise and personal. His approach combines clinical skill with advanced technology and is grounded in education, trust, and ethical care. John empowers patients to understand their hearing health and supports them through every step of their journey.

Faith and family are central to John’s life. When he’s not in the clinic, he’s coaching hockey for his three boys and enjoying time with loved ones. His dedication to teamwork and mentorship carries through in both his personal and professional life.

Sally brings a calm, courteous, and empathetic presence to every patient interaction. Her commitment to professionalism and kindness ensures that each person feels respected and supported from the moment they connect. Whether scheduling appointments or answering questions, Sally’s thoughtful approach helps patients feel at ease and cared for.

Sally’s consistency and compassion make her a trusted point of contact across multiple regions. She embodies the values of patient-centered care, always going the extra mile to ensure smooth experiences and meaningful connections. Her ability to balance efficiency with empathy makes her an invaluable part of our team.

When she’s not helping patients, Sally taps into her creative side. She loves music, movies, and diving into DIY projects that let her imagination shine. Whether she’s crafting something new or enjoying a favorite soundtrack, Sally brings the same heart and creativity to her personal passions as she does to her work.

Sherri brings a calm, attentive, and solutions-focused approach to patient support. Her priority is simple yet powerful: listen closely and ensure every need is met with care and clarity. Whether assisting providers or patients, Sherri creates a space where people feel heard, respected, and genuinely supported.

Sherri’s steady presence and thoughtful communication make her a trusted ally in every interaction. She doesn’t just resolve concerns, she builds confidence and comfort. Her ability to tune in and respond with empathy helps foster a culture of trust and reliability across our Chicagoland teams.

Sherri lives by a quote that reflects her values: “Angry people want you to know how powerful they are. Loving people want you to know how powerful you are.” — Chief Red Eagle. It’s a reminder of the strength found in compassion, and it shows in the way she uplifts others every day.

Dr. Canizalez’s path into hearing care was shaped by a strong foundation in clinical training and a passion for problem‑solving. During graduate school, he initially leaned toward research or hospital system management, but his residency and externship experiences shifted his focus. Seeing the immediate impact of listening to patients and tailoring solutions to their hearing needs inspired him to dedicate his career to direct patient care. The most rewarding moments for Dr. Canizalez come when patients share that they feel truly seen during appointments and are able to reconnect with loved ones through improved hearing.

Dr. Canizalez believes that every patient deserves a personalized experience. He recognizes that not everyone wants a highly structured visit, nor will every patient respond to explanations in the same way. His philosophy is to meet patients where they are — offering as much education as they want while customizing a path forward that fits their lifestyle. For Dr. Canizalez, the excitement of direct care lies in finding the best way to empower each individual with knowledge and solutions that restore confidence and connection.

Dr. Canizalez describes himself as a “problem‑solver at heart.” His hobbies often revolve around fixing things — whether it’s repairing his musical instruments or helping friends troubleshoot something broken in their homes. Beyond tinkering, he enjoys spending time with friends and embracing opportunities to learn and solve challenges. This same curiosity and dedication to solutions carries into his professional life, where he approaches patient care with creativity, persistence, and genuine compassion.

Richard Herstowski’s path to hearing healthcare wasn’t a straight line — but it was the right one. After making a career change years ago, he discovered a deep passion for helping others hear better. With 15 years of experience, Richard has found fulfillment in improving lives through better hearing and continues to be inspired by the impact of his work.

For Richard, hearing care is about more than technology — it’s about connection. He finds great joy in helping people and takes pride in seeing the smiles that come from restored hearing. His compassionate approach ensures that each patient feels supported, understood, and empowered throughout their hearing journey.

When he’s not in the clinic, Richard enjoys spending quality time with his friends and family. His commitment to meaningful relationships extends beyond his professional life, making him a trusted and relatable provider for those he serves.

Mary Kate Tadie has spent the past six years helping individuals reconnect with the people who matter most. Her passion for hearing healthcare is rooted in the belief that better hearing leads to stronger relationships, deeper conversations, and a more fulfilling life. She’s committed to making that possible for every patient she serves.

Mary Kate’s approach is centered on connection. She takes time to understand each patient’s lifestyle and communication goals, tailoring solutions that help them engage more fully with friends, family, and the world around them. Her care is compassionate, personalized, and focused on long-term success.

While her bio doesn’t include specific hobbies, Mary Kate’s dedication to helping others connect speaks volumes. Her work reflects a genuine desire to improve lives through the power of hearing.