Alumni News
Building a Successful Practice as a Couple: The Maholys
Chris Maholy (2007) remembers the summer barbecue and pool party at nearby International Village apartments in 2006 where he first met Nicole Huempfner (2008). They dated at National University throughout each of their graduations and initially opened two separate practices in different suburbs of Chicago.
Chris and Nicole ultimately joined forces in 2009 to establish a practice together in Downers Grove. Not long afterwards, they were not only business partners, but life partners as well. They recently celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day, and are a great example of managing a successful practice together as a couple.
“One of the benefits of working with Chris is that we are on the same page. We have the same goals, we have the same vision, and that's helpful in this field,” says Dr. Nicole Maholy. “We talk about our patients or how to approach particular conditions, and can bounce ideas off each other. I know he 'gets it' and we're able to work together through cases, which is really great.”
Dr. Chris adds, “There are so many places where we can work together, and it's a really good fit. I wouldn't have it any other way. It's all about building teamwork skills.” For example, he mentions the simple benefit of having another set of eyes to proofread documents they are sending to an insurance company or another physician.
Dr. Nicole says, “Sharing the responsibilities that owning and running a practice comes with is nice. We both have different strengths, so I handle what I'm best at and so does he. My advice to other couples would be to find what each of you do best and divide the work accordingly.”
At their practice, “Remedy,” the Maholys offer primary care chiropractic medicine, nutritional services, massage therapy, acupuncture, functional medicine, and more. Their new suite overlooks the busy downtown center of one of Chicago's larger suburbs.
Thanks to Chris and Nicole's teamwork, excellent patient care, and a great educational foundation from NUHS, their practice has continued to expand. They've moved to a larger location and are using their website, social networking and innovative marketing strategies to increase their business.