Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marc Luko, Founder of Optimal Performance & Reconditioning LLC, located in Vienna, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My company is Optimal Performance & Reconditioning. We work with athletes and active people and help them stay active.
Tell us about yourself
My business was mainly built out of the frustrations that I had dealing with the "traditional" medical system as well as being in the system as a Physical Therapist. There seemed to be an emphasis on quantity over quality, and many patients have been done wrong as a result. I wanted to build an outlet that would allow patients to get the time that they needed and the expertise that they needed. Patients are not just a "knee injury" or a "back injury"---they are people first. Medicine needs to look at patients as a whole, not just one system or body part----that is what we do at Optimal.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Continuing to do what I love doing every day with people I enjoy. When work becomes play, you don't need many hobbies, if at all. I love the challenge, and because I see patients who have seen others who were unable to help them, every day is a new adventure. It keeps me on my toes!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Administrative work. It is the bane of every owner's existence, but it needs to be done. Healthcare would have less "waste" if the paperwork were more streamlined.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Run the numbers. You may be passionate about what you want to pursue, but passion does not pay the bills. A rhyme I made up years ago was that you have to have the will, skill, and ability to pay the bills. The last part is key. It may mean you hold on to your job for a little longer or that you move to a cheaper neighborhood, but those are short-term sacrifices that are worth it in the end.
- Keep things simple. Technology has made it easy to start a business. Use the least amount of gadgets and software possible so that you can focus on your product/service. Once you have found the rhythm, systematize as quickly as possible so that you can focus on your customers and your core offering.
- Don't neglect your health. If you read enough biographies, you find that many of the greats in business have realized how important their mental and physical health is---some realized this too late. The better you are, the better you can be for your customers. Take walks, exercise, eat well, get sleep, take breaks and when you are working... work.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://optimal-perform.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-luko-50a61653/
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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