How Josh Funk Bootstrapped and Scaled to 9 Clinics
Oct 18, 2023 | 44 min 19 sec
In this episode of The Clinic Boss Show, Rick Lau sits down with Dr. Josh Funk, founder and CEO of Rehab to Perform, to discuss his journey from a physical therapist to successfully opening nine clinic locations.
Josh shares actionable strategies for scaling a healthcare business, including how to fund and grow a PT practice and the importance of building a strong clinic culture across multiple locations.
About the Host
Rick Lau
Rick Lau is a healthcare entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience. He has built and successfully exited multiple businesses, including a network of 127 physical therapy clinics with over 1,400 staff.
His unique & innovative approach to healthcare management is due of his background in engineering. Rick is also a lecturer at the Schulich School of Business (York University) Health Industry Management MBA Program.
Notes
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Summary
Entrepreneurship Journey: From Solo PT to Multi-Clinic CEO
Key Takeaways:
Josh Funk grew his physical therapy clinic from one to nine locations by focusing on consistent revenue growth, doubling every 18–20 months. His early journey involved balancing multiple responsibilities, such as running a lacrosse services company while building his private practice.
- Transitioning from a solo practitioner to a clinic owner requires delegating operational tasks, developing leadership skills, and prioritizing team growth.
- Scaling a private practice successfully means going deep rather than wide—Josh found success by letting go of his other business to fully commit to Rehab 2 Perform.
[10:27] Clinic Funding Strategies
Key Takeaways:
Starting a physical therapy clinic doesn’t have to be costly. Josh minimized financial risk by subleasing a small space for $2,100/month, with full gym access included.
- Funding a private practice can come from multiple sources: Josh used a combination of personal savings, side hustles, and an SBA loan ($30,000 for equipment).
- Cost-saving strategies for new clinic owners: He reduced personal expenses through house hacking, renting out rooms in his home while saving up for his business.
- Clinic expansion financing: As he grew, Josh reinvested clinic cash flow and secured small business loans rather than relying on venture capital or private equity.
[21:48] Scaling Clinics and Building Culture Across Locations
Key Takeaways:
Josh’s decision to expand to a second location was driven by curiosity and a need to test his success in a new market. His second clinic was in his hometown, allowing him to leverage local connections for fast growth.
- Scaling a private practice requires strategic timing—Josh ensured his first location was optimized and profitable before expanding.
- Hiring and culture-building for clinic owners: Over 60% of his team came through their internship program, ensuring new hires were already aligned with company culture.
- Multi-clinic team management: Josh reinforces culture through company-wide events, including the annual R2P Awards (modeled after ESPN’s ESPYs) and team barbecues, keeping staff engaged across all locations.
[32:38] Balancing Personal and Professional Life as a Clinic Owner
Key Takeaways:
Growing a multi-location physical therapy practice is demanding. Josh stays productive by operating in focused “sprints”—intensive work periods balanced by recalibration.
- Clinic owners should block personal time in their calendars to prevent burnout and maintain relationships.
- Avoiding burnout while scaling a private practice: Karen Elliott introduced the 10-Point System, where entrepreneurs assign “points” across work, relationships, physical health, and mental well-being to keep balance in check.
- Effective time management for clinic owners: By batching tasks and setting boundaries, Josh ensures both business growth and personal fulfillment.
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