Village Hypnotherapy & Coaching, led by certified clinical hypnotherapist and mindset coach Jason Akel, has built a reputation in the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world for helping clients achieve real, lasting change. Jason works with adults, teens, and athletes—addressing anxiety, trauma, performance, and more. But as his practice grew, so did an unexpected challenge: the phone became a liability, not an asset.
Challenge
For years, Jason managed client calls himself using Google Voice. It worked, until it didn’t. One day, he picked up a few local numbers—only to be flooded by a tidal wave of spam. The flood didn’t stop. “The number of spam calls became so excessive, I had to completely shut down answering calls and routed all of my calls to voicemail,” Jason recalls. That decision had a real cost: in nine months, not a single legitimate client left a message. He estimates he lost as much as $10,000 a month in missed opportunities. The worst part? He couldn’t be present for people who genuinely needed his help.
Solution
Jason found Upfirst. Setup was fast—he simply forwarded his number and fed Upfirst’s AI receptionist everything it needed: his website, articles about his services, and answers to common questions. Upfirst’s AI now answers every call, drawing on Jason’s own words to explain services, address concerns, and even schedule consultations. Potential clients can ask real questions and get meaningful answers, 24/7, whether Jason’s in session, at lunch, or off the clock.
Most importantly, Upfirst’s powerful spam filtering dropped nuisance calls from 100–200 per month to zero. Jason’s phone stopped being a source of anxiety. Instead, it became a reliable bridge to new clients again.
Results
The difference was immediate. With spam gone, Jason reclaimed hours of time each week—no more interruptions during sessions, no more wasted minutes screening calls. The AI receptionist handled upfront consultations, giving prospects a sense of welcome and professionalism from the very first contact. “It does a piece of the consultation right up front without me even having to speak to the person live. Saves me a lot of time,” Jason says.
The result? Real clients started connecting again. With a responsive, professional virtual receptionist, Jason’s calendar filled with legitimate inquiries—people ready to invest in their growth or recovery. Revenue bounced back. Most importantly, Jason could focus on what he does best: helping people make real change, without worrying about missing out or being overwhelmed by spam.
For Jason, Upfirst wasn’t just a tool—it was a turning point. “It’s a huge peace of mind, but more importantly it’s more revenue, and I get to help more people.”
If you’re a small business owner tired of choosing between your peace of mind and your bottom line, Upfirst might be the upgrade you need.
