Q:-1. Please give our readers a brief 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.
A. Physical Therapists is a premier outpatient physical therapy provider with locations in Osprey, Venice, Englewood, and North Port. We provide orthopedic, neurological, vestibular, and balance rehab to our community.
Q:-2. Please give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
A. After an abrupt ending to my professional baseball career due to an arm injury, I decided to pursue the field of physical therapy in order to help those suffering from life altering injuries and ailments. After graduating with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine, I was hired as clinic director of a private practice physical therapy clinic in Osprey with a handshake agreement that I would purchase the clinic from the existing owner when I was ready. I acquired Total Therapy Florida as a single clinic located in Osprey in early 2018. In just 18 months we have grown to 4 locations in Charlotte and Sarasota counties.
Q:-3. What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
A. It stems back to my career-ending injury when I was a pitcher with the Houston Astros organization. Getting to see first hand how life altering an injury can be. I wanted to grow a world-class practice in our area to help members of our surrounding community.
Q:-4. What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A. 1. Surround yourself with a team who fit into your culture.
2. Help bring out the best in your team by helping them solve problems, don’t be the problem.
3. Be humble and do not assume you have the answer to every obstacle that pops up.
Q:-5. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
A. Consistency (there are so many ups and downs), excellent communication skills, and a true passion for what your business stands for/does.
Q:-6. How many hours do you work a day on average?
A. 50 hard hours (little or no outside of work distractions), 20 soft hours (answering phones/emails or working remotely while at home or traveling).
Q:-7. To what do you most attribute your success?
A. My parents (both business owners) influence on me growing up, my advisor/partner Brian Sullivan, and every one of our team members.
Q:-8. How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
A. #1 by providing an unparalleled patient experience and relying on the patient to spread the word. We also have a great business development and marketing team who develop strong relationships between our referring physicians and community.
Q:-9. Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
A. 10 locations from Punta Gorda to Lakewood Ranch. I see myself in the same role, Director of Rehab and CEO active in everyday activities.
Q:-10. Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
A. My mother’s business, Stiver Firth International. She is a true entrepreneur and loves running her business.