Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nick Muchowicz, owner of Active Physical Therapy, located in Omaha, NE, United States.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Active Physical Therapy is not old-school physical therapy. Our goal is to design a treatment plan for YOU and YOUR needs. We will not put you on a bike and then go drink our coffee. We start your treatment with a hands-on approach of using massage, muscle release techniques, and joint mobilizations. You will receive an exercise program fit for your needs and goals. Your treatment can also include dry needling, kinesiology taping, and other modalities to decrease your pain and increase your function.
Tell us about yourself
I've wanted to own a physical therapy clinic since graduate school. Ten years into my profession, I came home and told my wife we were opening a physical therapy clinic (we had talked about it several times before that). She jumped on board with my dream. I have always been motivated by getting patients better. Now I am motivated to grow our clinics for our patients and our staff, and their families.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We started as a mom and pop shop with just my wife and I working at the clinic. It was a huge accomplishment when we had to hire another physical therapist because I was treating up to 20 patients a day. We also just had our 10th anniversary in April of 2022. I have always heard that if a small business can make it 5 years, it will do well, so 10 years in business is pretty awesome.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think being consistent in trying to grow a small business is really hard. When things slow down, I do everything I can to get patients in the door. When I am busy treating patients, I don't take time to continue that growth that we are experiencing. I am learning that I have to let go of duties so I have time to pursue the growth of our physical therapy clinics.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Work for your business, NOT in your business. You cannot do every little thing in your small business. If you try to do everything, you cannot focus on growing your business.
- Communicate and educate your staff. Your staff can help your small business grow if you work together. If you only focus on customers, your staff may leave, or worse, they will stay and harm your business.
- You need time away from your business. This is extremely hard for me, but I am trying to learn. You are always working even when you are not at work, so take a day off or a vacation with family. Your business cannot do well if you are overwhelmed.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Running a small business is not for everyone. It is like a rollercoaster. There will be ups, and there will be downs. I have told friends that you will never look back once you decide to open your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.activespinept.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActiveTherapyClinicOmaha
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-muchowicz-122a5315/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.