Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mark Read, Founder of Athletic Advantage Physical Therapy and Wellness Center, located in Lewis Center, OH, USA.

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

My name is Mark, and I'm the owner, founder, and principal provider at Athletic Advantage Physical Therapy and Wellness Center in Lewis Center, Ohio. We specialize in myofascial release therapy and a robust collection of other offerings such as sound therapy, sports performance, strength & flexibility training--and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a Physical Therapist, but I also consider myself a Professional Problem Solver. Every day and every patient presents a different opportunity to investigate. Even back in college, when I interned for a spinal cord rehab center, I was fascinated by the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of the PTs, and I was drawn to the one-on-one personal time with the patients that was required.

That is what motivates me--being a true problem solver and having the chance to give my patients the time and personal attention necessary to ease their challenges.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I built my brand-new building for my current practice. I was able to mold it to my personality, and it fits my vision of creating a relaxing environment for my patients.

My goal was to create a space where clients could unload their worries and believe that we could provide a solution to their physical concerns. I wanted an environment that exudes caring, and that's what I was able to achieve.

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

From my perspective as a physical therapy practice owner, the most challenging task is creating a practice that challenges the current mainstream treatment style. The current model involves PTs treating multiple clients in a group setting. This only allows for brief, non-specific exercise instruction and doesn't permit indeed discovering their issues' natural source.

That is, unfortunately, the model of corporate medicine today–the large practices and health systems. That is not what we do here. Our style is one-on-one. Our passion is unraveling the issues and understanding the influence of the fascial, skeletal, and muscular systems that must all work symbiotically rather than providing a Band-Aid.

Our process takes more involvement of time. The reimbursement practices of insurance companies don't support that level of time investment. The challenge lies in providing top-notch, individualized care that fits those reimbursement practices. There are some payers for that we are not in-network because their reimbursement models don't accommodate the style of care we embody for the betterment of the client.

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

It starts with finding a way to make yourself unique that sets you apart from your competition. I set myself apart with my specialization in myofascial release and muscle energy techniques that change skeletal posture—combining these techniques conditions the body to respond to exercises. And creates the opportunity for my clients to be successful.

Next, you need to know what your uniqueness is worth–know your value. Aim high, aim for excellence and be different by being the best.

I want my patients to walk into our practice with a sense of awe. They've never been to a practice like this and never received better treatment. You want that "WOW" factor to be a part of what makes your product or service unique.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://ptadvantage.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAPTOHIO/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-read-6081b816/

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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