Private Practice Owners Club

Nathan Shields

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Dec 9, 2025 • 35min

Why Is My Business Growing But My Bank Account Isn't? What Adam Learned In 2025

If your clinic looks busy but the bank balance says otherwise, this episode is for you. Nathan Shields and Adam Robin get raw about the slow bleed that almost sunk a practice — and the exact moves they used to stop the leak and re-build profitability. They cover the blind spots owners accept (too much compassion, not enough accountability), the culture cracks that ripple into revenue, and the concrete fixes that actually move margins back into healthy territory. In this episode you’ll hear:How a six-month, slow-burn decline (tiny losses here, a few underperformers there) turned into a culture issue — and the moment Adam realized things had to change.The playbook they used: hit the numbers first, reset breakeven & productivity expectations, co-design the rollout with leadership, and run a company-wide reset.Why “production is the basis of morale” isn’t just a slogan — it’s how high-performing clinics protect culture and profit.Real, tactical targets: how to calculate required visits per provider from revenue-per-visit and salary, reasonable ramp plans (4–6 week steps), and what to do if training doesn’t move the needle.The hard truth: you can be compassionate and still demand profitability — but the owner must lead with clarity and conviction. What you’ll walk away with:A checklist to spot the slow bleed (what to watch monthly so the problem never becomes a crisis).A step-by-step reset playbook you can run with your leadership team (numbers → expectations → rollout → accountability).Language and scripts for the tough conversations (owner to team, peer-to-peer leadership, and ramp plans).How to turn underperformers into contributors — or transition them out without wrecking morale. Quick production note: If margins are slipping, don’t wait 6 months. Start with revenue-per-visit × target visits = required productivity. If numbers don’t line up, recruit and retrain now — don’t romanticize comfort over solvency. 🎯 Want help running your own strategic planning session? Join Nathan & the team Jan 9–10, 2026 in New Orleans — or book a one-on-one with Nathan: https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall 💬 Learn more & find event details at: https://ptoclub.comWant to talk about how we can help you with your PT business, or have a question you want to ask? Book a call with Nathan - https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/99.5% of successful owners interviewed on this podcast have at one time or another leveraged a business coach to improve their business. Private Practice Owners Club is coach you need - ppoclub.com
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Dec 2, 2025 • 42min

Creating A Game-Winning Culture That Attracts And Retains The People You Want With Brian Weidner

If you’ve ever felt like hiring is a shotgun approach and retention is just luck, this session will change how you build teams. In this Total Talent Masterclass, Brian Weidner (Career Tree Network) sits down with Nathan Shields to unpack a strategic, repeatable approach to building a game-winning culture of recognition and retention that actually moves the needle. Nathan walks through how intentional values, recognition systems, and leadership by metrics turned his clinics into high-performing, sticky organizations — the same factors that helped him build and sell a business at a valuation well above industry averages. Together, they cover how to stop reacting to churn and start engineering a workplace people want to join and never want to leave. You’ll learn:How to hire and fire by values so culture becomes a competitive advantage (and not just a buzzword)Practical recognition systems that scale: from peer-to-peer shoutouts to quarterly town halls and value awardsWhy embedding values into every stage of the employee lifecycle (ads → interview → onboarding → reviews → offboarding) prevents culture driftWays to measure recognition success (NPS for employees, retention & productivity KPIs, and qualitative pulse checks)How to balance production AND values — and why sacrificing one for the other destroys morale fastLeadership playbook: lead like an owner, coach by metrics, and create career conversations that reduce surprise exitsIf you’re a hiring manager, clinic owner, or HR lead who wants predictable staffing, lower turnover, and a culture that amplifies productivity, this masterclass gives you the framework and tactical next steps.🎯 Takeaway: Culture isn’t fluff — it’s a scalable business lever. Do the value work, measure it, reward it, and watch retention become a strength instead of a headache.👉 Want to go deeper with Nathan? Book a call with Nathan — https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall❤️ Love the session? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com💬 Join the conversation: If you haven’t already, find the Private Practice Owners Club Facebook Group to connect with therapy owners and leaders who are building great teams.Want to talk about how we can help you with your PT business, or have a question you want to ask? Book a call with Nathan - https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/Annual Strategic Planning will ensure that your next year keeps you focused on on-target to complete your growth and expansion goals. Go to ppoclub.com to talk with Adam about how we can help you.99.5% of successful owners interviewed on this podcast have at one time or another leveraged a business coach to improve their business. Private Practice Owners Club is coach you need - ppoclub.com
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Nov 25, 2025 • 42min

From Rock Bottom To Full Clinic: The Patient-Flow Playbook With Kay Sanders

If you’ve ever felt like your marketing efforts aren’t moving the needle — or worse, that your business might stall before it scales — this episode is a must-listen.In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, Adam Robin sits down with Kay Sanders, Strategic Growth Partner for Private Practice Owners and Founder of Elevated Edge Consulting. Kay shares her remarkable journey from hitting rock bottom in 2019 to helping a local PT clinic grow from zero online revenue to half a million dollars — and how that experience shaped her signature Patient Flow Blueprint.Together, they dive deep into the hidden bottlenecks that keep private practices stuck, and how small shifts in marketing, messaging, and mindset can create massive momentum.You’ll learn:The most common “invisible bottlenecks” that stall private practice growthWhy tweaking one thing (not changing everything) can reignite resultsHow to know when it’s time to invest in paid ads — and when it’s notThe difference between sales and marketing (and why both matters equally)Why belief in your service is the ultimate growth multiplier If you’ve ever wondered why your marketing “isn’t working,” this conversation will help you identify the real issue — and fix it for good.🎯 Learn how to create a steady flow of patients and sustainable success — without the overwhelm.👉 Connect with Kay Sanders and get The Patient Flow Blueprint at ElevatedEdgeConsulting.com💬 Want to talk about how we can help you grow your PT business?Book a call with Nathan — https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall❤️ Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com📘 Blog Post URL: https://www.ppoclub.com/from-rock-bottom-to-full-clinic-the-patient-flow-playbook-with-kay-sandersWant to talk about how we can help you with your PT business, or have a question you want to ask? Book a call with Nathan - https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/If you haven't done so by now, join the Private Practice Owners Club Facebook Group. Find it under "Private Practice Owners Club" and connect with like-minded therapy owners from across the country.99.5% of successful owners interviewed on this podcast have at one time or another leveraged a business coach to improve their business. Private Practice Owners Club is coach you need - ppoclub.com
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Nov 18, 2025 • 43min

Life After The Sale: Investing Wisely And Living Well - Nathan Shields’ Appearance On The Financial Beast Podcast

Selling your practice is probably the biggest financial decision you’ll ever make — and once the ink is dry, the hard part begins: where do you invest the proceeds so your future actually works for you? In this episode of The Financial Beast Podcast, host Eric Miller talks with Nathan Shields — ex-practice owner, real-estate investor, and co-founder of the Private Practice Owners Club — about life after a liquidity event. Nathan breaks down what he did well, the mistakes that cost him, and the operational and tax moves every seller should plan before they list. They dig into: Why owning your clinic real estate can change the entire outcome of a saleTax strategies and why you need your CPA and financial advisor in the room earlyDeal terms to avoid (earn-outs, misaligned post-sale roles) and how to sell from a position of powerCashflow vs. appreciation — how Nathan structured investments to replace incomeLessons from private equity, hard-money lending, and 1031 exchangesThe psychological side: how to plan for purpose and productivity after the sale If you’re thinking about selling your practice (or want to plan ahead so you don’t get blindsided), this episode is essential listening. 🎙️ Learn how to convert a one-time payout into lifelong financial freedom. 👉 Connect with Nathan: nathan@ppoclub.com 👉 Want help planning an exit strategy? Book a call with Nathan — https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall 💡 Like the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share — https://ptoclub.com/ Private Practice Owners Club helps owners sell from strength (not desperation). If you’re ready to maximize value and protect the life you want after exit, they’re the team to talk to.Want to talk about how we can help you with your PT business, or have a question you want to ask? Book a call with Nathan - https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/99.5% of successful owners interviewed on this podcast have at one time or another leveraged a business coach to improve their business. Private Practice Owners Club is coach you need - ppoclub.com
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Nov 4, 2025 • 41min

Is Your EMR Holding You Back? The Truth About The Next Wave Of Healthcare Tech With Craig Brasington

If you’ve ever felt like your EMR slows you down instead of scaling you up, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, Adam Robin sits down with Craig Brasington, Director of Revenue Operations at Stride EMR, to unpack the evolution of healthcare tech — and what the next generation of EMRs really means for practice owners. Craig shares his 20+ years of experience in outpatient therapy tech, from his early days as a founding member of Clinicient to his current work with Stride. Together, he and Adam explore how EMR systems have evolved from basic record-keeping tools to intelligent, AI-powered platforms built to streamline every part of your clinic — from scheduling to billing to patient engagement. They dive into:The three generations of EMR technology (and why most practices are stuck in Gen 1 or Gen 2)How AI is transforming not just clinical documentation, but business efficiencyWhat to consider before switching EMRs — and how to make the transition as seamless as possibleWhy “thinking small to grow big” is the mantra behind Stride’s success If you’ve ever wondered whether your EMR is holding your practice back, this episode breaks down what the next wave of healthcare tech really looks like — and how to make sure your systems are built for the future, not the past. 🎙️ Learn why the right technology isn’t just about software — it’s about strategy, scalability, and sustainability.👉 Learn more about Stride EMR at www.strideemr.ai Want to talk about how we can help you with your PT business, or have a question you want to ask?Book a call with Nathan — https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/99.5% of successful owners interviewed on this podcast have leveraged a business coach to grow their business.Private Practice Owners Club is the coach you need — ppoclub.comBlog Post URL:https://www.ppoclub.com/the-tough-conversations-that-make-or-break-your-private-practice-with-dan-neissanyWant to talk about how we can help you with your PT business, or have a question you want to ask? Book a call with Nathan - https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/99.5% of successful owners interviewed on this podcast have at one time or another leveraged a business coach to improve their business. Private Practice Owners Club is coach you need - ppoclub.com
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Oct 29, 2025 • 31min

Why Your Business Won’t Love You Until You Learn To Love Yourself With Kelly Higdon

Most practice owners believe burnout is just part of the job — long hours, heavy workloads, and endless demands. But what if burnout isn’t a personal flaw… what if it’s a system problem? In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, host Adam Robin sits down with Kelly Higdon, co-founder of zynnyme, therapist, business coach, and author of Therapist Burnout. Kelly has spent the last 15 years helping practice owners rebuild their businesses (and their lives) from the ground up — without losing themselves in the process. They dive deep into:Why burnout isn’t about self-care — it’s about broken systemsHow personal growth and leadership maturity shape business successThe hidden mental and emotional patterns that block executionWhy alignment, not hustle, creates sustainable progressThe surprising connection between self-compassion and team performanceHow to build a practice that serves both your clients and your life If you’ve ever felt stuck in survival mode — doing “all the things” but never feeling at peace — this episode will help you rethink how you lead, grow, and take care of yourself while running a thriving business. 🎙️ Learn how to lead from alignment, not exhaustion.👉 Connect with kelly@zynnyme.com Want to talk about how we can help you with your PT business, or have a question you want to ask? Book a call with Nathan – https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall 💡 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/ 99.5% of successful owners interviewed on this podcast have at one time or another leveraged a business coach to improve their business. Private Practice Owners Club is the coach you need – ppoclub.comWant to talk about how we can help you with your PT business, or have a question you want to ask? Book a call with Nathan - https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/99.5% of successful owners interviewed on this podcast have at one time or another leveraged a business coach to improve their business. Private Practice Owners Club is coach you need - ppoclub.com
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Oct 13, 2025 • 33min

The Tough Conversations That Make Or Break Your Private Practice With Dan Neissany

Most practice owners think profitability and patient care are at odds—you either make money or you do right by your patients. The truth? You can (and must) do both. In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, Adam Robin sits down with Dan Neissany—physical therapist turned entrepreneur, healthcare consultant, podcast host, and co-founder of Best Practice Strategies. Dan’s mission is simple: help practices grow without burning out. They dig into:Why money isn’t evil—and how profitability actually fuels better patient careThe tough conversations practice owners avoid (and why avoidance kills progress)How data-driven decisions reveal hidden profit leaks and growth opportunitiesThe mindset difference between thriving owners and struggling onesWhy systems, accountability, and leadership—not just hard work—are the real drivers of success If you’ve ever felt torn between helping patients and making a profit, this episode will reframe what it means to run a business that serves everyone—patients, employees, and you. 🎙️ Learn how to balance care and cash flow without compromise. 👉 Connect with Dan at tbpstrategies.com or find him on social media @DanNeissany. Links in the show notes. Want to talk about how we can help you with your PT business, or have a question you want to ask? Book a call with Nathan - https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/99.5% of successful owners interviewed on this podcast have at one time or another leveraged a business coach to improve their business. Private Practice Owners Club is coach you need - ppoclub.com
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Oct 7, 2025 • 36min

The Unfair Advantage: How VAs And AI Give You A Competitive Edge With Adam Robin

Are you still doing it all in your private practice? The administrative tasks, the scheduling, the follow-ups – it's a one-way ticket to burnout. In this episode, Adam Robin of Inbox Zero, a company that specializes in connecting healthcare practices with top-tier VAs, talks with Nathan Shields about these two modern yet under-utilized resources. We dive into how leveraging virtual assistants and cutting-edge AI isn't just a luxury but an essential strategy for modern practice owners.Adam and I reveal the two-pronged approach that can completely transform your workflow: delegating routine tasks to a VA and using AI to automate the rest. We break down exactly how this powerful combination frees up your time, slashes overhead, and allows you to focus on what matters most: your patients and the growth of your business. If you're ready to move from working in your practice to working on it, this episode is your roadmap.For more info on how Nathan and Adam can transform your business, go to www.ppoclub.com and book a call with us.Want to talk about how we can help you with your PT business, or have a question you want to ask? Book a call with Nathan - https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/99.5% of successful owners interviewed on this podcast have at one time or another leveraged a business coach to improve their business. Private Practice Owners Club is coach you need - ppoclub.com
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Oct 6, 2025 • 26min

From An 8x8 Room To A Thriving Clinic: How Jeffrey Smith Built A Multi-PT Practice In Under 2 Years

Most practice owners dream about freedom, growth, and leading a thriving team—but few are willing to suffer through the grind it takes to get there. Jeffrey Smith is one of those rare owners who bet big on himself… and won. In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, Adam Robin sits down with Jeff Smith, owner and CEO of Alpenglow Physical Therapy in Billings, Montana. Jeff launched his practice in June 2023, joined PPO Club Coaching just a few months later, and in less than two years has scaled from an 8x8 room in the back of a gym to a 3,200 sq. ft. clinic with five PTs. They dig into:Why Jeff knew—even in PT school—that he was destined to be a practice ownerThe sacrifices and sleepless nights it took to go from solo hustler to CEOThe hard decisions (and risks) that became breakthroughsHow to lead employees without micromanaging or being “the answer guy”Why betting on yourself is always the safest bet If you’ve ever wondered whether you have what it takes to step out, take the leap, and build something bigger than yourself—Jeff’s story is proof that you can. 🎙️ Learn how one owner turned vision into reality, and why the best investment you’ll ever make is in yourself. 👉 Connect with Jeff at jeffrey@alpenglowpt.com and check the show notes for links and resources.Want to talk about how we can help you with your PT business, or have a question you want to ask? Book a call with Nathan - https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/99.5% of successful owners interviewed on this podcast have at one time or another leveraged a business coach to improve their business. Private Practice Owners Club is coach you need - ppoclub.com
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Sep 30, 2025 • 42min

The Financial Plan Of Care With John Askin

Most practice owners work 60+ hours a week trying to grow their business – yet when it comes to their personal and business finances, most are flying blind. What if you had a simple “financial plan of care” that gave you clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for building real wealth? In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, Adam Robin sits down with John Askin, a financial planner who specializes in helping clinicians and practice owners take control of their money. John shares his journey from Division I soccer player to financial coach for practice owners, and explains why most clinicians never learned how to extract wealth from their business. They dig into:Why cash flow is the number one metric owners must know coldHow to separate business and personal finances so both thriveWhy your business is not your retirement plan and how to fix thatThe “financial plan of care” framework that mirrors how PTs guide patients through rehabWhy paying yourself first isn’t selfish – it’s essential If you’ve ever felt like your practice is growing but your personal wealth isn’t keeping up, this episode will challenge your perspective and give you a path forward. 🎙️ Learn how to build financial health in your business and at home without the overwhelm.👉 Connect with John on LinkedIn, check out his YouTube channel, and find resources linked in the show notes.Want to talk about how we can help you with your PT business, or have a question you want to ask? Book a call with Nathan - https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/99.5% of successful owners interviewed on this podcast have at one time or another leveraged a business coach to improve their business. Private Practice Owners Club is coach you need - ppoclub.com

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