By Sheila G. Kelley, Development Coordinator
Life changed abruptly last year for Kendra Hopp, owner of Hesston Veterinary Clinic after the unexpected death of her father, Dr. Gary Baehler from a heart attack. After growing up in her father’s practice, helping out during high school and summers home from college, Kendra had to make a decision about the future of the practice.
“After losing my dad, it was hard to know what to do with the clinic whether to sell, keep, or close down” Kendra said. “I decided I wasn’t ready to let the clinic go, it holds a piece of my heart and so many memories for me. It is an honor to be able to continue the legacy that my dad built and carry it on. ”
Although she isn’t a veterinarian herself, Kendra has experience running a business with her husband, Brian, who owns Hopp’s Sound and Hopp’s Sno Shack in McPherson. Previously she was a Vice-President Branch Manager/ Loan Officer at a bank and changed career paths this past year to run the clinic. It was the dedication of the clinic employees and the support of the community that made the decision easy for her.
Currently the clinic employees 10 people – one veterinarian Dr. Rachel Jost, two vet technicians Helena Klassen and Liz Hager, vet assistant Shelby Koehn, receptionist Brea Creamer, four kennel technicians Paityn Jahay, Breckyn Porter, Julienne Wald, and Kylee Nelson. The office manager, Lorene Lohrenz, who has been with the practice since the establishment began 35 years ago, has been the biggest supporter.
“Lorene is the heart of the clinic, the smiling face when you walk in, knows everyone, and has been a huge help going forward.” Kendra said. “Dr. Rachel Jost has been the best asset to the clinic. She helped ensure everything ran smoothly last year through the transition and is such a talented veterinarian. We are so lucky to have her on our team.”
The clinic is looking to hire an additional veterinarian in the near future as they continue to grow. In the meantime, they have a veterinarian that comes in from Wichita to help with surgeries several times a month. Kendra also employs high school students as kennel technicians.
“Several want to be veterinarians, so they get the opportunity to come in and observe surgeries in addition to the work they do around the clinic. It is such a great opportunity to learn responsibility and is where I started when working at the clinic.” she said.
Kendra and her husband remodeled the building last year and will be expanding it in the near future. Her father had a remodel on his books but didn’t get a chance to do so. The original structure was demolished during the 1990 Hesston tornado then was rebuilt to the current building that houses the practice.
“It’s my goal to carry on his vision for the clinic,” Kendra said. “Doc’s vision was to provide compassionate care at an affordable price while still providing excellent care for all patients. From an annual wellness exam, surgery to a vaccination or nail trim- you can expect the same level of care.”
The clinic is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 – 5 p.m. and on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon. For after-hours emergencies, the practice partners with an emergency clinic and an urgent pet care clinic in Wichita.
The small animal clinic provides services to cats and dogsincluding preventive care, surgical care, dental care, boarding, and more. Additionally, in-house laboratory, x-ray, various other diagnostic capabilities, and pharmacy are available to customers.
“I’m really proud of all the employees here because they make sure to keep our customers first,” Kendra said. “It is a family atmosphere and is such a pleasure to work together as a team. It’s important to me that everyone loves their job and working together.” She is very appreciative of their many great clients who supported them last year making it possible for the clinic to continue.
Thank you Kendra and Hesston Veterinary Clinic for being one of our founding members of Small Business United!
WHAT IS SMALL BUSINESS UNITED?
Small Business United is a group of Harvey County small businesses who have joined together to make a huge impact! Often we see small businesses who would love to get involved and help the Harvey County community, but don’t have the resources to make a large gift. By becoming Small Business United members, these businesses contribute to improve lives and strengthen our community. To become a SBU member, click here and select “Small Business United” on the donation page.