2008 Michael Bunn Rising Star Award
GEORGETOWN VETERINARY HOSPITAL, INC.
A rising star in business can be defined as a company that exemplifies the ability to surpass expectations in spite of the rigors of a competitive marketplace while also making its mark as a positive force in the community and neighborhoods that surround the business. The recipient of our Michael Bunn - Rising Star Award is measured with these attributes in mind.
It is our distinct honor to present the 2008 Michael Bunn Rising Star Award to Joe-Ellen Hassan and Concetta Hassan, owners of Georgetown Veterinary Hospital, Inc.
Dr. Hassan knew early on that she loved medicine and was leaning toward the human side until the Military moved her family to Savannah in May of 1982. At fifteen, her first job was working for a veterinarian, a female veterinarian. Dr. Hassan did everything in the clinic and fell in love with the field of veterinary medicine. However she did decide to become a Cardiac nurse, graduating from Armstrong and working for eight months until she could not resist the pull any longer and began studies at the Tuskegee School of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated in 2003.
Dr. Hassan’s mother, Concetta Hassan is a decorated Army helicopter pilot who has owned and operated her own businesses over the years. Ms. Hassan, in addition to her entrepreneur experience also worked for the former Abercorn Animal Hospital as a manager, giving her additional valuable managerial experience in veterinary operations.
It was Dr. Hassan’s intention to own her own clinic and in 2006 with the assistance of an SBA 504 loan and SBAC Microloan she and her mother opened Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. The SBA 504 loan allowed them to construct a 3,750 square foot veterinary facility in the Georgetown section of Savannah at 21 Brasseler Boulevard.
Georgetown’s revenue grew by 50% from 2006 to 2007 and the Hassans anticipate a banner year ending for 2008. This growth has positioned them to take on expansion goals for 2009 that will increase their staff to 13 employees compared to 10 presently. Note: The business started with 4 employees not including the owners.