Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kurt Stradtman, Founder of Stradtman Family Wellness, located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Stradtman Family Wellness is a functional health and wellness practice based in South Florida and covering all states via telehealth appointments. They work with clients to uncover the root cause of their symptoms by using cutting-edge lab testing to assess areas such as hormone pathways, immune function, digestive capacity, detoxification ability, neurological, and oxidative stress. They are then able to create lab-guided, bio-individualized healing protocols to help clients regain their health and vitality by being able to accurately and methodically identify as many healing opportunities as possible. At Stradtman Family Wellness, they act as a guide and mentor by empowering people and providing ongoing support and guidance as people set goals and make sustainable changes that improve their health and happiness.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Kurt Stradtman, FDN-P, AADP, and I am a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Holistic Health Coach, board-certified with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, a current member of the Association of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Professionals, and a course mentor for the Functional Diagnostic Nutrition training program.
I entered the holistic health space in 2013 as a health coach and quickly realized the market of health coaching was becoming overly saturated, and I needed to figure out a way to stand out from the rest, which is why I became a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner. By being able to offer lab testing and lab interpretation, I'm able to help people dive even deeper into their own health journey. I'm motivated each day by the idea that I can help people finally break the cycle of trial-and-error and reclaim their right to a life of health and vitality.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
When I started my holistic health business in 2013, it began simply as a holistic health blog. I would periodically share posts about the effects of gluten on the body, the benefits of chiropractic or aromatherapy, etc. That blog morphed into a local holistic practitioner directory, which, after several more years, evolved into what it is today a functional health practice offering everything from coaching, lab testing, organic natural skincare, a natural supplement dispensary, and more. So to answer the question, my biggest accomplishment as a business owner has a business that has evolved so much over the years; being able to pivot as a business owner is key to its success.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
When I started my Stradtman Family Wellness, the hardest thing that came with being a business owner was simply where to start. When my business was just a blog, everything was fine, but when I began gaining certifications and seeing clients, I found myself with so many questions. For example, do I need liability insurance? If so, what kind? How much? Do I need an LLC? What about business checking? I didn't know any of these answers, and it took a few years of asking questions and doing my own research to figure out the answers.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Hire a business coach
Even if you're business savvy, it's still beneficial to have a professional to help answer questions, especially a coach that's specific to your industry, even if you only meet for a couple of sessions together. Questions you have about your new business can range from what type of business entity you should formulate, how you should handle your accounting and checking accounts, liability insurance, and even normal day-to-day business operation questions. It's a crucial investment in your business's future, in my opinion. - Continuing Education
Broadening and honing your skill set is crucial to running a successful business. Regardless of your industry, be it marketing or healthcare, the industry changes constantly. There are going to always be innovations in the industry and new ideas emerging. So whether or not your industry requires continuing education, do it for yourself. Most industries have their own continuing education resources, but if they don't, there are sites like Coursera that can offer free continuing education for your industry. - Pivot
In order for your business to grow and evolve, it's important to always pivot. What works for your business flow one year may not be the wisest way to run it the next. Don't be afraid of changing how your business operates, and never tell yourself, "but I've always done it this way," when faced with a suggestion for change. The most important piece of advice I have in regards to pivoting is listening to your employees (if you have them). Your employees can be your most valuable asset because they know the behind-the-scenes of your business, and they see your business with an unbiased eye, usually from the customer's perspective. If they have a suggestion for change, genuinely consider it (it doesn't mean you have to implement it). Having an employee that feels heard and respected is your most valuable asset.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Your business will only be as successful as you want it to be. If you put in the work and dedication, it will thrive.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.stradtmanfamilywellness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stradtmanfamilywellness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stradtmanfamilywellness/
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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