Living The Red Life — Episode Summary
Episode Title: Telehealth Founder Reveals the Exact System to Launch Profitable Virtual Clinics
Host: Rudy Mawer
Guest: Jessica (Physical Therapist & Telehealth Entrepreneur)
Date: January 21, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, Rudy Mawer sits down with Jessica, a seasoned physical therapist and accidental telehealth entrepreneur, to unravel how anyone—not just medical professionals—can launch a profitable virtual clinic. Jessica breaks down the blueprint she uses to help entrepreneurs build, brand, and scale telemedicine businesses, shares personal struggles and triumphs from her journey, and reflects on the evolution and enormous opportunity of telehealth in modern healthcare.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Jessica’s Entry into Telehealth & Disrupting the Industry
- Jessica boasts 26 years as a physical therapist and transitioned into marketing seven years ago, initially focusing on med spas and medical aesthetics via social media and Facebook ads ([01:34]).
- She was approached to help with national telemedicine brands—a concept previously unthinkable for her. She rigorously reverse-engineered the process, built her own virtual clinic, and began consulting others ([00:00], [01:34]).
2. Demystifying Telehealth Business Launches
- Blueprint for Success: Jessica’s system covers all moving parts: provider networks for prescriptions, pharmacy integration, automation, legal paperwork, web design, and backend operations ([02:28]).
- “Handing Over the Keys”: After a 12-week program, entrepreneurs receive a fully turnkey telehealth brand ([03:30]).
- Notably, her clients aren’t just healthcare providers—many are non-medical entrepreneurs from fields like real estate ([03:07]).
3. Why Niche Matters & Building Brand Connection
-
Jessica emphasizes defining a clear target market or “avatar,” e.g., postpartum moms or weekend warriors. Brand identity and messaging are critical—relatable stories and influencer marketing drive loyalty ([05:18], [06:57]).
-
Quote:
“I hand them the keys to their telehealth brand.” – Jessica ([03:30])
-
Quote:
“People want to see even the person behind that brand. Why did this person start? How did these medications change your life?... If I’m relatable... it’s going to have me invest in your brand.” – Jessica ([07:16])
4. Products & Regulatory Clarity
- Focuses on high-demand wellness areas: GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, peptides, hormones, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), skin, hair, and erectile dysfunction medications ([10:07]).
- The major FAQ: “Do I have to be a provider?”
- Answer: No. Business owners own the branding/marketing, while independent provider networks evaluate and prescribe as needed ([10:32], [11:03]).
- Quote:
“These business owners own a marketing website... and the independent provider network makes the assessment if the patient qualifies for a prescription. So truly, it is kind of like white labeling.” – Jessica ([10:40])
5. Operational Analogies: Drop Shipping for Medicine
- Rudy draws parallels to e-commerce drop-shipping and white labeling, making the business model more accessible ([06:20]).
- Jessica clarifies all doctors and pharmacies involved are US-licensed and regulated ([06:28]).
- Quote:
“It’s basically drop shipping prescription medication. But let’s be clear. This is medicine... These are licensed doctors... regulated pharmacies in the United States.” – Jessica ([06:20])
6. Patient Education, Support & Brand Stickiness
- Jessica details her commitment to education, using her own experience with Semaglutide to inform the resources provided to clients and patients (e.g., dietary restrictions, side effects) ([08:30]).
- Memorable Story (08:30–09:22): Jessica shared how a missed warning led to severe stomach trouble after trying a GLP-1 medication, prompting her to create comprehensive educational support for clients.
7. The Telehealth Boom: Regulatory Tailwinds & Market Demand
- COVID-19 significantly accelerated acceptance of telemedicine; the ability to compound branded medications due to demand and supply issues made GLP-1 drugs more accessible and affordable ([11:33]).
8. Entrepreneurial Journey: Successes & Struggles
- Jessica candidly discusses:
- Imposter syndrome and feeling overwhelmed by how much there is to learn ([00:42], [13:05]).
- Real-life setbacks: hacked business accounts, draining credit cards for payroll, failed consultancy investments ([14:33]).
- The pride in building a global, virtual team and creating complex solutions for clients ([14:00]).
- Quote:
“I’ve had my business Facebook account hacked... had to drain my credit cards to make payroll... invested in consultants that... didn’t even deliver stardust. You have to pivot and make calculated risks.” – Jessica ([14:33]) “It’s not for the weak or faint of heart if you’re an entrepreneur...” ([14:33])
9. Future of Telehealth Business Models
- Jessica is exploring more “hands-off” businesses for clients wanting ready-made clinics with existing patients—moving toward passive investment models ([15:15]).
- Quote:
“Can you just hand me one on a silver platter and then teach me how to do the back end? So that could be the next evolution of what I’m doing.” – Jessica ([15:40])
10. Getting Connected
- Jessica’s contact:
- Instagram: @zenjessica_official / @kickstartsocialpro
- Website: growpro.co ([16:07])
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “It’s a lot better than clocking in and out at a 9 to 5.” – Jessica ([02:28], [04:02])
- “You have to acknowledge that and give yourself credit so that you can get to the next level.” – Jessica ([13:05])
- “There’s no limit, there’s no ceiling.” – Jessica on entrepreneurship ([14:33])
- “We live in a world now where health should be quick and painless.” – Rudy ([12:32])
- “Even if I’m not the best at anything, I do what I do really damn well.” – Jessica ([14:00])
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [01:34] Jessica’s backstory & pivot into telehealth
- [02:28] Breaking down the telehealth launch system
- [03:19] Why non-medical entrepreneurs are entering telehealth
- [05:18] Branding, niches, and building loyalty
- [06:20] Drop shipping analogy for telemedicine
- [08:30] Jessica’s personal story and focus on patient education
- [10:32] Do you need to be a doctor? (business model breakdown)
- [11:33] Telehealth boom post-pandemic & GLP-1 market
- [13:05] Entrepreneurial struggles and imposter syndrome
- [14:33] Struggles: hacking, payroll, and risky investments
- [15:15] Future: “done-for-you” passive clinics
- [16:07] How to connect with Jessica
Conclusion
This episode demystifies launching a virtual clinic, revealing both industry opportunity and entrepreneurial grit. Jessica provides actionable insights for aspiring telehealth founders, blending step-by-step methodology with candid stories of perseverance and adaptation in an ever-evolving healthcare market. Rudy ensures the discussion is accessible, probing for real-world analogies and tangible takeaways for listeners seeking their next big business move in health.
