Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lacie Gerhardson, owner of Gerhardson Chiropractic, LLC., located in Waite Park, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Gerhardson Chiropractic, we provide natural healthcare for the entire family. We treat men, women, and children of all ages but have a special love of treating children and athletes. We pride ourselves on taking the time to listen to each of our patients and develop a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs. We incorporate chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, exercise, and rehab instruction to provide our patients with the best possible care and outcomes.
We offer three locations to service central MN and have seven skilled chiropractors, five experienced massage therapists, and two outstanding exercise specialists on staff. We also offer many occupational health services to help our local businesses be DOT compliant and make sure their workers are physically able to perform specific job requirements. It is our goal to make every patient feel cared for and heard.
Tell us about yourself
When I was in college, I knew I wanted to work in healthcare. After shadowing a few different specialties in the medical field, I felt somewhat defeated as nothing seemed to be a good fit. I found a part-time job as a chiropractic assistant and knew this was for me. As a business owner, I am pulled in many different directions, but at the end of the day, my love is patient care. There is nothing better than seeing patients improve and be able to live their best lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I worked as an associate for 14 years when I was brought to a crossroads to either stay or break away and start my own practice. After much love and support from my husband, I made the decision to start my own business. In 4 short years, we have grown from a single doctor in one location to 7 doctors, 5 massage therapists, 2 exercise specialists, and 3 locations.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I have a hard time letting tasks go. I take pride in everything we do, from scheduling, billing, treatments, marketing, etc. There comes a time when you just can't do everything yourself, and putting trust in others has been very difficult for me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- I would encourage anyone thinking they want to start their own business to work in that industry as an employee/associate first. As an employee, do everything you can to learn all aspects of the business. Only then can you truly understand what it will take to do it yourself.
- Surround yourself with people that align with your vision and are willing to share their love and support. Running a business is incredibly hard, and not everyone understands the time commitment.
- Appreciate your staff. Staff retention is incredibly difficult, but showing your staff that you appreciate all of their hard work and dedication will be returned to you in employees that promote your business for you, give you longevity, and project to your clientele that your business is worth visiting.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you had asked me five years ago if I would be where I am today, I would have laughed at your question. But, when things started rolling, I decided to hang on and enjoy the ride. It has all been so worth it!!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://gerhardsonchiropractic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerhardson_chiropractic/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacie-gerhardson-4794a148/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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