A Conversation with Ric Hoke, Founder, WAVS Custom

WAVS Custom is a Greenville-based startup that manufactures custom-fit ear audio products. It developed a patented, 3D scanning and manufacturing platform that makes custom-fitted in-ear monitors (IEMs) that provide a higher degree of noise isolation for better sound.

Rick Hoke, the Founder of WAVS, started developing the product after administering music therapy to individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and early-onset dementia. He noticed that their headphones would often fall off or fit too loosely on their ears. After seeing how expensive the custom earphone market was, and how difficult it was to be fitted, he dedicated himself to developing a new solution—and WAVS’ patented technology was born.

WAVS Custom became an SCRA Member Company in October of 2022 and received a $50,000 Acceleration Grant. The company became an SC Launch Inc. Portfolio Company with SC Launch Inc.’s $200,000 investment in October of 2023.

Ric has a Communications degree from College of Charleston and a Music Business degree from Full Sail University. Prior to WAVS, Ric was a digital ads specialist at iHeart Media before he began studying the effects of music on Alzheimer’s as well as 3D technology.

You can also listen to this conversation with Ric Hoke as a podcast on Spotify.