Executive Summary
My mission is to help people be the best version of themselves because I stand for a world where health allows for the enjoyment of life. Let’s face it when you have pain or are suffering from chronic issues it is difficult to do your day-to-day activities. Many of my patients share that their health challenges are hindering their overall quality of life. They can’t produce at work, they can’t work out, and/or they can’t enjoy quality time with the family. Many of the things they’ve tried in the past to correct their problems such as Tylenol, Advil, massage, and stretching were only temporary fixes, only addressing the symptoms and not the cause of their pain. My job is to address the cause of their pain, vertebral subluxations, stress on the nervous system due to misaligned bones in the spine. By improving motion in the spine and removing stress on the nervous system, the body’s innate healing ability is working optimally. As a result, one will have less pain and be able to perform the things that they want.
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.
- Located in Scripps Ranch, which is a suburb of San Diego. Right off the i15 freeway.
Give us a brief description of yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
- I was born and raised in San Diego. I went to Scripps Ranch High School. Attended the University of CA-Irvine and earned a B.S in Biological Sciences. Worked as a personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine then attended Life Chiropractic College-West where I obtained my Doctorate in Chiropractic.
What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)?
- I started my new business because I was inspired to make an impact on the community I grew up in. I had no idea what a chiropractor was until college. While growing up, I was an active kid and eventually became a student-athlete where wrestling consumed much of my high school life. Wrestling is a very demanding and rigorous sport. I knew I could have benefited greatly from care. I also saw firsthand people around me suffering from migraines, headaches, back issues, and the only solution offered to them as drugs. Our health care system is so quick to prescribe medication or offer physical therapy for chronic pain, however, patients are not getting the results they are seeking. I became a chiropractor because many times the people that see them have tried everything else, and nothing has benefited them. Chiropractic care addresses stress on the nervous system and by correcting those issues people have less pain. They are healthier and have a better quality of life.
How did the idea for your business come about?
- The name Best Life Chiropractic came to me while listening to Snoop Dog’s song living my Best Life.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
- I’d say my greatest inspiration is my patients. Seeing how they transform and watching their progress inspires me to want to help and serve more people.
What makes you different from other businesses in your industry?
My experience as a Filipino American. I have a background in personal training, I love being active. My focus is on corrective care and not band-aide care.
To what do you most attribute your success?
- Patient-centered care, where we set goals towards what my patients are trying to accomplish, do more of or do better. Ex: if one’s back pain is preventing them from working out and losing weight, then our goals are geared towards getting that patient to have less pain and be able to work out better.
What do you think is the best way to achieve long-term success in business?
- Service people and do good
Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
- Continuing to serve the community and be a pillar in the community
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
- Disneyland and the Bxng Club (San Diego)
Who is your target demographic?
- 30-60 yr old women that have chronic pain. They strive to live an active, healthy life and they are in a relationship/have a family. They love to cook, travel and have a dog.
Please list 3-5 talking points about your business that you feel are most relevant to your target audience.
1) Posture
2) Ergonomics
3) Stress
4) Optimal function
5) Exercise
What are your overall thoughts on your industry? Any advice you could give people about your industry?
- I think chiropractors are amazing. We have such an amazing gift and the ability to connect with people so they can heal better. People need us more than ever because too many people out there are struggling with living a life where they are just getting by. They are not living to their potential. Remember the first wealth is health.
Is your business involved with any charitable organizations, social causes, or non-profit work?
- Habitat for Humanity, IFCO
How do you give back and support your community?
- local youth sports
How important have good employees been to your success?
- I believe having great support is vital to a company’s success. It’s about creating a culture and environment to run a successful business
What motivates you?
- God, my family, and impacting the world
How do you generate new ideas?
- Asking patients how I can help and collaborate with other successful colleagues.
How do you define success?
- Being fulfilled in all areas of live and making an impact
How do you build a successful customer base?
- Focus on helping your patients succeed
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
- The ability to create something from scratch and watch it grow.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
- Hearing my patient’s success stories. Hearing how their life has improved and how I was able to help them achieve their goal.
What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
- I think my practice is still in its infancy, but I feel like the culture of my practice is fun and welcoming. I hear from patients that it feels different from your typical health care office. It feels like home.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
- yes, collaborate with mentors sooner.
What is your greatest fear in business, and how do you manage fear?
- My greatest fear in business is not being able to work. I love what I do and my practice is my first baby.
How did you decide on the location for your business?
- I grew up in the area. I never heard of chiropractors until I was much older. I wanted to help the community I grew up in. I chose my specific location due to its location off the freeway and easy parking.
If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
- Anthony Bourdain, because he inspired a generation of people to come together over food.
What book has inspired you the most (or what is your favorite book)?
- How to win friends and influence others
What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
- Blood, sweat, and tears. People only see what they see. They don’t see all the time behind the scenes to get your business going. They don’t see all the training you have to do. They don’t know of all the times you’ve had to bust your butt to keep your business afloat. They don’t understand working more than the 9-5 lifestyle. Entrepreneurs have to rely on themselves, there is no safety net if things don’t go the way they anticipate.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
1) adaptation
2) systems
3) service
What three pieces of advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to get started in your industry?
1) Seek good mentorship
2) Be objective
3) Marketing marketing marketing
Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Provide value to others
What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
- Lots of things, but first and foremost.. faith that things will work out.
Business Info:
Business Name: Best Life Chiropractic
Contact Name: Gerald Palmes
Business Phone: 8583425283
Website: www.drpalmes.com
Email Address: gerald@drpalmes.com