Meet Innovative Woman Antoinette Berman founder of Express Billing Services.
1. How/why did you begin your business?
I was working for a chiropractor as a Medical Biller. I worked for her for four years and then she closed her business. Therefore I was out of a job. I tried to find a job, however my interviewing skills were horrible and I was already in my early 50’s. A friend who was also a social worker stood there and called me a dummy and told me to open my own business. This is how Express Billing Services was born. Her comment sparked a desire in me that I long ago gave up on, thinking it was impossible to achieve. It has been my greatest achievement and no matter how hard it was to do this without having substantial finances, I have never regretted my choice.
2. What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was that I had to overcome multiple deaths in my family. Express Billing Services was just about 6 months old when my husband died. I went from being happily married to being a widow in a period of 3 weeks. This was just my first of many more challenges. My most recent one is still an issue for me and that is the death of my sister. My sister was always there with moral support in good times and bad. If I was frustrated regarding my finances or a client was driving me up a wall, I could reach out to her and she would help me through whatever issue I was having. I received support from many different sources. Some of my support came from existing clients. I was also lucky enough to have a great niece born 6 months before the death of my husband. The love of a child can get you through many issues and put a smile on your face.
3. How do you define SUCCESS?
Success is many things. One thing is being able to enjoy what you are doing. It is also not dreading your work and being able to be in control of your work environment. Success is having my client not suffer any losses in regard to insurance billing. Success is when my client writes little notes when they receive a payment on an insurance claim that they had long given up on collecting.
4. If there was one thing you wish you knew before you began your business, what would that be?
I wish I had learned more about technology and computer programs. I taught myself many computer programs. It was not an easy task.
5. What makes you an innovative woman?
From the very beginning, I created this business to accommodate my client’s needs. I listened to what their issues were and created a plan that would work for them. For this reason the services I provide are unique to their needs. I am willing to be flexible and creative in my services. It was not until I was in business for about 12 years that my brochure was done by someone other than myself. No, I am not a graphic designer. I just listened to my gut and it worked for me. Many a prospective client held on to my information until there was a need for my services.
To connect with Antoinette and to find out more about Express Billing Services you can email her at info.myebs@gmail.com.