Hona's Mission to Improve Speech Therapy Access and Quality - AHN Media Group
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July 28, 2024

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In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare technology, few startups have captured the imagination and promise of Hona. With a mission to empower speech pathologists through innovative AI solutions, Hona stands at the forefront of a transformative wave in healthcare.

We had the privilege of sitting down with Adam Steinle, CEO of Hona, to delve into the inspiration, challenges, and achievements that have shaped their journey.

The Trio Behind Hona

For Adam Steinle, the entrepreneurial spirit runs in the family. “My parents met by building a software company together. I quite literally wouldn’t be here without tech entrepreneurship and it’s always something I aspired to do myself.” he shared. This early exposure to the power of technology and entrepreneurship set the stage for Adam’s own career, which has seen him move from biomedical engineering to roles at Goldman Sachs and Facebook before founding Hona.

As for Danielle Yoesep, Hona’s COO, she found her entrepreneurial path through a passion for building. She fell into entrepreneurship in her last venture within research and wanted to get back to the building. In her last role, she realized that she’s super energized by the early stages of company building.

Shuying Zhang, the CTO, brought a unique blend of technical expertise and a desire to make a real-world impact.  As a former big tech SWE and biomedical engineer, she wanted to find a way to apply her skills to improve healthcare. Further, entrepreneurship allowed her to work in a faster-paced environment with more ownership.

Overcoming Challenges

The journey to success is rarely smooth, and Hona has faced its share of challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was pivoting from their original AI-automated patient intake product. “Despite initial success, we realized it wasn’t effectively addressing provider burnout. We improved one workflow aspect but added complexity with another portal to manage,” Adam explains.

The team made the tough decision to end existing customer relationships and explore more fundamental problems. After a month of interviews and brainstorming, they identified a significant issue in speech pathology that resonated with them. This led to a full pivot into developing vertical software for speech pathologists, aiming to support every aspect of their work. This experience underscored the importance of user feedback and adaptability in product development.

Proud Achievements

One of Adam’s proudest achievements is the ability to consistently surround himself with inspiring and talented individuals. “I’ve consistently invested in my network – from my Facebook RPM program to B-School to YC – and this has paid great dividends. I’ve been able to use this network for resources, advice, and sourcing great teammates.”

As a team, Hona takes pride in the difficult decision to leave comfortable jobs to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. Their dedication to improving the lives of speech pathologists and their patients is a testament to their commitment and vision.

A Vision for the Future

Hona’s mission is clear: to empower speech pathologists to operate independently without the burden of administrative overhead. “We aim to create a dynamic marketplace that efficiently connects speech pathologists with various opportunities, including cash-based services, school contracts, and insurance-covered treatments,” Adam explains.

Their vision extends to developing a platform where speech pathologists can easily build their own client base and manage their practice with minimal administrative work. This approach will allow therapists to focus on providing care while maintaining control over their income and work-life balance. By streamlining the connection between patients and therapists, Hona aims to reduce waitlists and ensure that more people can receive the care they need in a timely manner.

Empowering the Asian Community

While Hona’s primary goal is to support speech pathologists and improve access to speech therapy for all, they recognize the potential benefits for the Asian community. Their initiatives provide flexible work opportunities for Asian speech pathologists and increase access to culturally competent care for Asian patients. By reducing language and cultural barriers to accessing speech therapy, Hona is making it easier to match patients with therapists who understand their specific needs.

Connect with Hona

Instagram: @hona_care

Linkedin: Hona

Facebook: Hona Care

For more information about Hona and its innovative solutions, visit honacare.com.

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Building Tomorrow: How Nan Lin Redefines Homebuilding with 3D Printing 

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From Immigrant Roots to Visionary Leadership 

Lin’s journey began at age 10, when he immigrated to America with his mother. While adapting to a new country, he was inspired by his loving parents’ sacrifices, which shaped his relentless drive. “I saw the lengths they went to give me a better life,” Lin says. “Their love and dedication became my compass.” Years later, that resolve led to the creation of Kaizen Capital, where he transforms underutilized properties into vibrant housing solutions: ADUs, subdivisions, condo conversions, and luxury short-term rentals. By unlocking hidden value in land, he delivers market-rate and affordable housing that strengthens neighborhoods.

But Lin saw a deeper problem: traditional construction is slow, costly, and vulnerable to fire, pests, and natural disasters. Frustrated by an industry stuck in the past, he founded 4DIFY to lead a new era of construction through 3D-printed concrete homes.

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3D Printing: The Future of Housing, Today

Lin’s vision for 4DIFY was sparked by a frustrating reality: “Wildfires destroy neighborhoods every year, yet we keep building stick-frame homes that burn like kindling,” he says.

After visiting several 3D printer manufacturers, Lin partnered with New York–based SQ4D. It took nearly a year to secure exclusive licensing rights, navigate regulatory hurdles, and obtain building permits, but he got it done.

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Built with concrete, reinforced with rebar, and topped with metal roofs, these homes are resilient against fire, wind, earthquakes, mold, and pests. They’re also designed for long-term savings, with lower maintenance, less waste, and reduced energy and insurance costs.

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Lin’s journey has been marked by relentless challenges, some seemingly insurmountable. “Obstacles never stop,” he admits. Yet he transforms adversity into opportunity, fueled by a positive mindset, solution-driven focus, and disciplined execution. His trusted team is his backbone. “No one succeeds alone,” he says. “My team turns the impossible into reality.” This resilience shapes his leadership, blending bold vision with purposeful action to create opportunities, particularly for communities long excluded from wealth-building. “Housing isn’t just a product,” Lin says. “It’s a platform for empowerment.”

Recognition and Inspiration

Lin’s impact is gaining notice. The Sacramento Bee named him one of the Top 20 AAPI Change Makers, and he was honored in the Business Elite Awards’ 40 Under 40. But for Lin, the real reward is inspiring others. “I want to show the next generation of Asian entrepreneurs what’s possible when we claim our seat at the table,” he says.

Lin wants to create opportunities for those marginalized by elevating the future of construction, making it more accessible for his community.

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