Hair restoration business 'raises the bar'
An interview with Dr. William Yates, owner of Dr. Yates Hair Science Group in Vernon Hills.
Q: Describe your business. What do you do?
A: I perform hair restoration for men and women of all ages and races. I utilize only the latest technologies to provide the best outcomes for my patients. Restoring someone's hair either by transplant surgery or some of our nonsurgical options increases that person's self-esteem and confidence dramatically. It is very rewarding!
Q: Tell us about your training.
A: I have my BA in Medical Science from Northwestern University, and completed my MD 6-year honors program at Northwestern University. After that I did a surgical internship at Howard University Hospital, Washington DC, and a general surgery residency at Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC. I also did a Fellowship in critical care/trauma at University of Maryland Hospital. I have board certifications in the following specialties: American Board of Surgery, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery, Critical Care/Trauma Surgery.
Q: What made you start your business?
A: As a hair loss sufferer myself, I saw the need for someone with empathy and exceptional skills. Once I had the skill set mastered, I felt it was time to start my own practice and provide exceptional care to my patients. I am a perpetual student of hair loss and improving hair transplantation techniques. I wanted to raise the bar and standards in the whole hair transplant industry which at present has a less than stellar image.
Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running or starting a small business?
A: Since most of our work is done by word-of-mouth and most people don't broadcast that they have had a hair transplant, creating a new, steady stream of clients. But we are doing quite well!
Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?
A: I enjoy the artistic component of designing the hair restoration and of course the complete results when patients come back with thicker, fuller hair and the stories that accompany their positive transformation. I enjoy the autonomy to create a boutique, service-oriented practice that is not common with the other corporate models.
Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young? When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I lost my mom at an early age to cancer and wanted to be a cancer surgeon, which I was. After doing that for many years, I transitioned into the exciting field of hair restoration.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: Nothing, I sleep like a rock. I hope my house never burns down at night.
Q: If you could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be?
A: Surround yourself with good people that have multiple skill sets and are open to doing things new ways and of course are cost conscience but not miserly.
--Kim Mikus
Ÿ Every Monday we feature a small, suburban business. We want to hear about yours. Contact Kim Mikus at kmikus@dailyherald.com.