Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with John Warneke, CEO of BodyPro Physical Therapy Inc., located in Waikoloa, HI, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Established in 2008, BodyPro Physical Therapy has been an institution serving the Hāmākua, North Kohala & South Kohala districts for the past 14 years. Our clinicians at BodyPro take pride in delivering effective physical therapy treatments tailored to our client's specific needs while maintaining a cohesive relationship with your referring physician.

Tell us about yourself

I'm the CEO and Co-founder of BodyPro Physical Therapy, Inc., located on the Big Island of Hawai'i. I received my Physical Therapy degree at California State University, Sacramento, in January of 1999. The focus of my education has been Sports Injury Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Medicine since 1994.

In 2003, I successfully completed the Kaiser Permanente Orthopedic Residency Program at Fortanasce and Associates in Arcadia, California, as well as becoming a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) while remaining a member in good standing with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) since 2002.

In 2005, while focused on enhancing patient outcomes by integrating foot mechanics with lower extremity function, I completed his education in Pedorthics at the Robert Palmer School of Pedorthics. I became a Certified Pedorthist with an emphasis on functional feet orthotics. John remained a member in good standing with The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Pedorthics until I retired my certification in 2016 to focus on administrative duties.

Also, in 2005, I continued on to found the Functional Feet Orthotics Program at Glendale Adventist Therapy and Wellness Center in Glendale, California, acting as the lead therapist and a mentor to physical therapy students from Southern California. I have worked with a wide spectrum of patients, including the geriatric population, as a Physical Therapist and Director of Rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities to semi-professional athletes at Glendale Adventist Therapy and Wellness Center.

In 2008, I relocated to Hawai'i and co-founded BodyPro Physical Therapy, Inc., along with June Kaniho, OTR, located in Waimea on the Big Island. I have remained active within the community as an athlete participating in outrigger paddling on the Big Island and Lavaman Triathlons. I continued to work with both the athletic and non-athletic communities helping to improve overall bodily function and the efficiency of extremities through strength and conditioning until 2016 when I took a more administrative role at BodyPro.

In 2014, I was diagnosed with ALS and retired from clinical practice 2016. Kimberly Bautista, PT, DPT, CSCS was hired to replace myself due to my impending physical limitations while I focused on administrative duties and growing the business to a 2000sf facility, and together we expanded the clinic to Kapaau & Waikoloa while maintaining Waimea as the central location and flagship office. Blessed with a stable condition, I continue to play an active role in the administration in conjunction with Kimberly Bautista, who is our lead clinician manager. When you have a passion for what you do, there's no lack of motivation to deliver quality service and help clients to achieve their goals.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment is having a great team & teamwork. When we hire individuals, we look for people who have qualifications but have great social skills as well. We look for team players more than anything. We can always teach people a skill, but the social aspect is inherent to who they are as an individual.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Creating a balance between work and your personal life because being a business owner a never-ending venture. You need a great team that can handle situations as they arise, so you have the freedom for much-needed respite to recharge and be refreshed to take on any new challenges.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Hire people who represent the company's best face and be patient in looking for the right person for the job.
  2. Pay employees what they are worth within reason of the going rate in your geographic area based on experience and skill set.
  3. Create a team that works together well with quarterly staff meetings and make it interactive, educational, and fun.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Never lose sight of your dreams and goals, no matter what anyone tells you. You are the master and commander, and success is dependent on passion, vision & commitment. Never give up!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bodyprotherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bodyprotherapy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodyprotherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-warneke-44baa76/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.