Executive Summary
At Gateway Chiropractic our St. Louis Chiropractors provide a comprehensive set of manual medical treatment techniques that provide lasting, drug-free pain relief and help our patients live their best lives. At Gateway Chiropractic, we strive to make every patient feel like a member of our family. Come experience the difference that makes Gateway Chiropractic the right choice for you. We believe that truly helping others in health and wellness means taking it beyond the walls of our office. In 2021, we sponsored appreciation events for first responders, several healthcare facilities, and over a dozen local schools. We have also had the opportunity to help countless small businesses better meet the health needs of their staff during such a critical time.
We are committed to serving our community the best way we know how, by improving lives through better health! If there is a way we can support your school or business please contact us today.
Kindly give readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Our office is all about fixing people the right way so that they don’t have to suffer anymore. We are in Saint Louis County. Just the one location for now but will be expanding soon.
Give us a brief description of yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Education
- Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) – 2008 | Logan College of Chiropractic
- Bachelor of Human Biology – 2005 | Logan University
Certifications, Training, And Licenses
- Certificate in TMJD Treatment and Case Management – 2016
- Certificate in Pediatric Neurology – The Slak Institute – 2016
- Personal Injury Case Management Training – 2016
- American Institute of Medical Laser Applications Training – 2012
- Certified Kinesio Taping Physician – 2012
- Missouri Chiropractic License #2009019495 – 2009
Awards And Publications
- St. Louis Magazine A-List Nominee – 2021
- The Effects of Smoking on Intersegmental Motion in the Upper Thoracic Spine
I’m Dr. Sas. Being different is just a slice of the puzzle. The St. Louis thing is to ask where you went to high school. Not being a St. Louis native, it took me a bit to understand that question. So, if you must really know. I went to Trinity Christian School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I’ve always known that I wanted to become a Chiropractor. It always fascinated me that all of my high schoolmates applied to multiple schools, and I only to Chiropractic schools. I guess you could say that when I have a goal, I go after it directly.
I like keeping myself busy with projects. Over the past few years, I’ve picked up woodworking and building projects, which makes my wife of 10 years happy and drives her crazy all at the same time! The stuff I want to share is on Instagram @joesworkshop_. Who knows, maybe you want me to make you some benches for your foyer?
We have 2 children, Jillian who’s 6, and Dominic who’s just about 3. They both are quite individuals and are immensely loved. In our house, we get two sets of Legos; one for the kids and one for Dad. There’s no touching Dad’s Legos. Of all my projects and interests, however, my favorite thing to do is help people. Personal and professional growth is a huge focus in our office. Continuing to stay on top of the most current techniques allows me to help even more people and for our patients to get the best healing experience possible. Going to the doctor isn’t typically fun, but coming to our chiropractic office is. You could be one of those people who needs help. What does that look like? Most likely it’s an issue with headaches, neck pain, or lower back pain. But, uncommonly, it could be asthma, not sleeping, or bowel distress. It’s amazing what proper chiropractic care and natural pain relief methods are able to treat!
Basically, most patients come into our office because of pain. It’s not the pain that brings them in specifically; it’s that the pain prevents them from doing the things that are important to them. For you, it could be not being able to concentrate at work because of the headaches. Maybe you’re not enjoying your family time as the pain in your back has gotten to the point where you’re a couch warrior, instead of a backyard warrior. Either way, it’s not a good position to be in. Like I said, when I have a goal, I go for it directly. I do the same for my patients, help them get to their goals.
What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)?
Helping people is truly what I do best. I’ve always known that I want to be an entrepreneur. And, I know that it takes guts to continue to bring something to our communities. It’s the adventure that drives me.
How did the idea for your business come about?
I’ve always known that I wanted to be a chiropractor. Ever since a chiropractic adjustment got rid of my childhood asthma.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Don’t know that I have one. But, what I did learn over the years is that my dad works too hard. And, I didn’t want to have to work as hard as my dad does. That inspires me to do things differently.
What makes you different from other businesses in your industry?
There’s no BS in our office. We’ll treat you right and speak plainly. Another bigger part is that some offices only treat people’s symptoms. And, rarely take into consideration how to fully correct the underlying problem. It’s a better business model if you only treat the symptoms. To the patient, you’ll be seen as the doctor who took away their pain! But, if only treating the symptoms, the patient is going to come back when the symptoms return. Inevitably they do return. You’re the hero!
It takes longer to correct the cause of the symptoms. But, then the patient sees long term results.
To what do you most attribute your success?
Hard work and determination.
What do you think is the best way to achieve long-term success in business?
The ship never stops. And, building a great team. As you can’t do it alone.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
3 associates and 2 other satellites. More time within other ventures. Ultimately, increasing my footprint so that we can help more people. As I feel that mental health is not getting the attention that it truly deserves. We’ll bring in a mental health specialist to assist our patients.
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
A very few short colleagues list.
Who is your target demographic?
Younger middle-aged women who physically falling apart and “age” is showing.
Let’s be honest. Women are smarter than men. And, they are more proactive with their health than men are.
Please list 3-5 talking points about your business that you feel are most relevant to your target audience.
Straight talk. Excellent service. Boutique atmosphere.
What are your overall thoughts on your industry? Any advice you could give people about your industry?
People. There’s good help for those who want it. Don’t stop asking for help.
Is your business involved with any charitable organizations, social causes, or non-profit work?
We have worked events with the St Louis Zoo and with a lot of different arenas here in St. Louis
How do you give back and support your community?
Sponsor events with schools and the zoo. Other things.
How important have good employees been to your success?
Critical. We have gone many years with staff that weren’t focused. That caused me to not be focused either. Once we gathered the right team together, things just seemed to click.
What motivates you?
Big goals and always looking to grow. My ambition is to help people
How do you generate new ideas?
They just come to me. And, have a good group of like-minded friends. To bounce ideas off.
How do you define success?
Success is very subjective. I don’t have
How do you build a successful customer base?
No hobo policy – I’ll explain later.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
The freedom to thrive and fail is all on my back.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Watching others grow around me. Seeing that they are fulfilling things in their life and watching that growth.
What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
We have found that setting up core values not only for ourselves, but for the office have guided our decisions along the way. It allows us to have a sounding board for the things we are doing, not only long term, but daily activities as well.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Unsure. Not trust others and check the fine print better. There are 2 schools of thought: if you did do things differently, would you be the same person you are today? Those lessons crafted and molded me into the person I am today. They have allowed me to grow in ways that an “easier” life wouldn’t have. So, I’m grateful for the lessons learned.
What is your greatest fear in business, and how do you manage fear?
I don’t have much fear.
How did you decide on the location for your business?
It’s often that things just fall into my lap. I’ve always wanted to work closer to home. Previously, I worked in Hillsboro which was a 45 minute commute each way. Doing that for 2 years got tiring. An opportunity opened up to be closer for me and I rolled with the punches.
If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
I’m not much for history.
What book has inspired you the most (or what is your favorite book)?
Atlas Shrugged.
What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Time with family/kids and myself.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Determination, risk, ability to fail and learn.
What three pieces of advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to get started in your industry?
Have thick skin and learn how to sell, plus find your overall goals and don’t deter.
Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Yep.
What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Mindset and goals.
Business Info:
Business Name: Gateway Chiropractic
Contact Name: Tori Connell
Business Phone: 314-909-9000
Email: gatewayfrontdesk7@gmail.com
Website: https://gatewaychirostl.com/
