Podcast
Private Practice Owners Club
Hosted by Nathan Shields · EN
Hosted by Nathan Shields who sold his PT clinics for 3x the national average!
Do you own a physical therapy practice? If so, you know that running a successful business is no easy feat. There are so many challenges to overcome, from marketing and billing to recruiting, hiring and managing staff. Sometimes it feels like you're a one-man (or woman) army.
That's where the Physical Therapy Owners Club podcast with host, Nathan Shields, comes in. We're here to help you know you're not alone. This podcast is meant to help you navigate the challenges of owning a PT practice and achieve greater profits, freedom, and the goals you set forth when you opened your clinc.
In each episode, we'll talk to successful physical therapy owners about their experiences and share their insights on how to best run a PT clinic.
Here are some examples of the Physical Therapy Owners Club Podcast's Topics & Highlights:
1. Unveiling the Secrets of Successful Clinic Owners
We delve into the minds of highly successful physical therapy
clinic owners. Discover the essential traits, habits, and strategies that set
them apart from the competition. Get ready to unlock the secrets to building a
thriving practice that stands the test of time.
2. Mastering the Art of Marketing for PT Clinics
We bring you marketing gurus who have successfully harnessed the
power of digital and traditional marketing to grow their physical therapy
businesses exponentially. From social media strategies to community outreach,
you'll gain valuable insights that will revolutionize your clinic's marketing
game.
3. Building a Dream Team: Recruiting, Hiring, and On-Boarding/Training Physical
Therapists and Top Talent
Your team is the backbone of your practice's success. Learn from
HR experts and seasoned clinic owners as they spill the beans on effective recruiting
and hiring practices, fostering a positive culture, and retaining
top-notch talent for the long haul.<...
31episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ditching The 1985 Private Practice Model For A Bigger Vision In A State-Of-The-Art Facility - Angie McGilvery's Practice Transformation
2w ago00:36:55Tap to summarizeWhat if the biggest growth moves in your business… was saying no?In this episode, Nathan Shields sits down with Angie McGelry to unpack how one clinic completely transformed its trajectory—not by doing more, but by getting radically clear on who they serve.After years of grinding in a traditional model, Angie and her team made a bold shift: they stopped trying to serve everyone and built their entire practice around a specific niche.What happened next?A stronger brand.Better patients.A team that actually wants to work there.And a business they genuinely love.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why defining “winning” changes everything in businessThe moment Angie realized her current model wasn’t sustainableHow niching down can feel risky—but unlock massive growthWhat happens when you stop chasing every patientHow brand and experience replace insurance dependencyWhy the right vision attracts the right teamThe mindset shift from survival → intentional growthHow to build a business that aligns with your purposeYou’ll also hear how creating a unique patient experience—through environment, technology, and positioning—can completely separate you from the competition and make your clinic the obvious choice.This is more than a marketing strategy. It’s a complete identity shift as a business owner.🎙️ If you’re tired of doing more but feeling stuck… this episode will challenge how you think about growth.👉 Join the upcoming workshop: https://ppoclubevents.com/04-17-26-workshop👉 Want help building a niche-driven, high-profit clinic?Book a call: https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall💡 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share: https://ptoclub.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/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/
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The Profit Paradox: Why Your Clinic Is Busier Than Ever But Making Less Money - Nathan Shields’ Appearance On The SPRY PT Webinar With Alex Bendersky, PT
3w ago00:54:07Tap to summarizeMost clinics aren’t failing because they lack patients… They’re failing because they don’t understand their numbers. In this episode, Nathan Shields breaks down the real reason clinics feel stuck in the “busy but broke” cycle—and what actually needs to change to fix it. Despite full schedules and strong demand, many practice owners are seeing shrinking margins, rising costs, and increasing pressure. This conversation unpacks why that’s happening—and more importantly, how to take back control. From KPIs and patient behavior to revenue leaks and operational inefficiencies, this episode gives a practical, no-BS look at what’s really driving profitability in today’s environment. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why being “busy” is not the same as being profitable• The key metrics every clinic owner must track (and most don’t)• How low visit frequency is silently killing your revenue• The hidden cost of incomplete plans of care• Why most clinics are leaking thousands in missed collections• How front desk systems directly impact cash flow• The role of AI and virtual assistants in reducing admin burden• Why clinicians must learn to “sell” the plan of care• How to increase revenue without adding more patients• The mindset shift from clinician to CEO You’ll also hear how small operational changes—like improving visit frequency or fixing front desk collections—can unlock tens of thousands in additional revenue without increasing workload. If you’re tired of working more but keeping less… this episode will show you where the real problem is—and how to fix it. 🎙️ Learn how to turn your clinic into a system that actually produces profit—not just busyness. 👉 Join the upcoming workshop:https://ppoclubevents.com/04-17-26-workshop 👉 Want help identifying where your clinic is leaking revenue?Book a call: https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall 💡 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share:https://ptoclub.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/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/
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The 20% Rule: Why Your Technical Skills Are NOT The ONLY Reason Patients Stay or Get Better With John Woolf, PT, PhD
4w ago00:41:34Tap to summarizeMost physical therapists believe better outcomes come from better hands-on skills. But what if that’s only a small part of the equation? In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Club podcast, Nathan Shields sits down with John Woolf, founder of Patient Success Systems, to break down a powerful (and uncomfortable) truth:👉 Clinical outcomes are driven less by technique… and more by connection.Backed by research and real-world experience, John explains why only a fraction of patient results come from the actual treatment—and why the patient experience, communication, and relationship are what truly drive retention, engagement, and outcomes.This conversation dives deep into what most clinics overlook:not just how you treat patients—but how patients feel when they’re with you.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why technical skill may only account for a small percentage of patient outcomesThe real reason patients stay, refer, and complete their plan of careHow “connectability” and relatability impact retention and satisfactionThe difference between delivering care vs. creating a patient experienceHow to measure and improve patient relationships inside your clinicWhy some therapists outperform others—even with weaker technical skillsPractical ways to train communication and connection across your teamHow small experience upgrades (front desk, environment, tone) drive big results🚀 If you’re a clinic owner or provider who:Struggles with cancellations or drop-offsWants patients to stay longer and refer moreFeels like outcomes don’t match clinical skillOr wants to build a stronger, more scalable clinic culture.. This episode will completely shift how you think about care.🎯 Key Takeaway: Patients don’t just come for treatment. They stay for how you make them feel.🔗 Show Notes & Resources: 👉 Learn more about PPO Club: https://ptoclub.com/ 👉 Explore resources: https://linktr.ee/ppoclub 💬 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, and share with another clinic owner who needs to hear this.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/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.
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Radical Accountability With Your Team: Why Lowering Your Standards Costs More Than Money With Adam Robin and Nathan Shields
Apr 2800:34:49Tap to summarizeMost clinic owners don’t struggle because they don’t know what to do… They struggle because they wait too long to do it. In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Club podcast, hosts Nathan Shields and Adam Robin break down one of the hardest leadership decisions in business: When is it time to let someone go? This isn’t just about performance.It’s about culture, values, leadership, and the hidden cost of tolerating the wrong people. Through real stories and firsthand experience, they unpack what happens when a single team member starts draining leadership energy, creating tension, and slowly eroding the foundation of your business — even if they’re producing. And more importantly… what happens when you finally act. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why high performers can still be the biggest liability in your businessThe real reason most owners wait too long to fire someoneHow toxic behavior spreads and impacts your entire teamThe difference between performance issues vs. cultural misalignmentWhy “exhausting every option” is often a trapHow leadership avoidance creates bigger problems downstreamThe role of standards, accountability, and clear communicationWhy raising your standards always leads to better outcomesHow strong culture attracts the right people and repels the wrong onesWhat happens to your team, energy, and performance after you make the hard call You’ll also hear how one decision shifted an entire organization — improving morale, alignment, and long-term growth. If you’ve been holding onto someone you know isn’t the right fit…this episode will give you the clarity (and push) you need. 🎙️ Learn how to protect your culture, lead with conviction, and build a team that actually moves your business forward. 👉 Join our upcoming workshop and learn how to build a stronger, more aligned practice:https://ppoclubevents.com/04-17-26-workshop 👉 Want help identifying gaps in your team, systems, and profitability?Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall 💡 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!https://ptoclub.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/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.
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Beyond The Treatment Room: Learning The CEO Skill Sets For Profit And Freedom - Nathan Shields' Guest Appearance On Will Humphreys' Willpower Podcast
Apr 2100:51:35Tap to summarizeMost private practice owners think growth comes from doing more…more marketing, more hiring, more effort. But what if the real leverage comes from seeing what’s already broken — and fixing it fast? In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, host Adam Robin sits down with Nathan for a behind-the-scenes conversation on growth, leadership, and what actually moves the needle inside a practice. From scaling a clinic to selling it… to building a coaching company and launching new offers like a fractional CFO model — Nathan breaks down the evolution of a business owner and the lessons that come with it. This episode goes deeper than surface-level strategy. It’s about how your role changes as you grow — and why most owners stay stuck doing the wrong things for too long. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why growth isn’t about doing more — it’s about fixing what’s leaking in your businessThe biggest mindset shift from operator → owner → leaderHow small operational fixes can unlock $100K–$200K+ in profitWhat most clinic owners miss when looking at their numbersHow audits can quickly identify where time, money, and capacity are being lostWhy “one or two focused changes” often outperform massive overhaulsThe real role of a CEO as your business scalesHow to think about systems, reporting, and decision-making at a higher levelWhat a fractional CFO approach looks like inside a private practice You’ll also hear how Private Practice Owners Club has evolved — from a podcast into a full ecosystem with coaching, workshops, and live events — and what they’re building next. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to focus next — this episode will help you zoom out, get clarity, and identify the moves that actually drive profit and scale. 🎙️ Tune in to learn how to stop guessing in your business — and start fixing the right problems. 👉 Want help identifying where your practice is leaking money and capacity?Book your free audit call: https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall 👉 Join upcoming workshops and events:https://ppoclubevents.com/04-17-26-workshop 💡 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!https://ptoclub.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/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/
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Learn The New Way To Get Patients From Google With Jeremy Dupont
Apr 1400:24:44Tap to summarizeMost private practice owners know they need marketing… but very few understand what’s actually working right now — especially when it comes to getting found online. In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, host Adam Robin sits down with Jeremy DuPont, former cash-based clinic owner turned founder of Patch Digital Marketing, to break down what’s driving patient growth in today’s digital-first landscape. Jeremy shares how he built and scaled a multi-location cash-based clinic in Boston without relying on physician referrals — and why mastering digital marketing became the key to predictable growth. After successfully growing and selling his clinic, he now helps other practice owners do the same through Google Ads, local SEO, and conversion-focused systems. This conversation dives deep into one of the biggest shifts happening right now: why Google Maps — not your website — is becoming the most important place for your clinic to show up. Jeremy also walks through a live audit of a real clinic, showing exactly how rankings work, where opportunities are hiding, and what most clinics are doing wrong when it comes to local visibility. Together, they explore: Why 70%+ of patients searching for services are using Google Maps — not traditional searchHow Google’s AI and search changes are reshaping how patients find clinicsThe 3 key drivers of local SEO: Google Business Profile, directories, and website authorityWhy most clinics ignore their Google Business profile — and how that hurts rankingsHow review volume and consistency directly impact your visibilityThe role of local directories and why they build trust with Google and AI toolsHow to identify missed opportunities in nearby areas and services (like dry needling or pelvic health)Why ranking for the wrong keywords brings traffic… but not patientsThe difference between “marketing that looks good” vs. marketing that actually convertsWhen paid ads make sense — and why most clinics start too early or too small If you’re a practice owner trying to get more patients without relying on referrals — or you’re frustrated that your marketing isn’t translating into real growth — this episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap to start winning locally. 🎙️ Tune in to learn how to turn Google into your clinic’s most consistent and scalable patient acquisition channel. 👉 Want to learn more about Jeremy and his work?Follow him on Instagram: @_jeremydupontVisit: https://thepatchsystem.com 👉 Want help strengthening your operations and growing your practice?Book a call with Nathan: https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall 💡 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!https://ptoclub.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/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/
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The Leadership Shift Every Business Owner Must Make To Scale With Spencer Shoemaker
Apr 700:41:53Tap to summarizeBuilding a successful business isn’t just about working harder or having the best ideas. At some point, every owner hits a wall where growth stops being about individual effort and starts being about leadership, systems, and the team around you.In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, host Adam Robin sits down with entrepreneur and business leader Spencer Shoemaker to talk about the leadership shift every growing business owner must make. Spencer shares lessons from the last year of building and scaling multiple companies, including the realization that trying to be the most important person in the room eventually becomes the biggest bottleneck to growth. Instead of answering every question and solving every problem himself, he explains how stepping back, developing leaders, and empowering the team creates real momentum inside an organization. They also dive into the practical side of leadership: hiring the right people, holding team members accountable, creating clear standards, and building systems that make it easier for teams to win.Throughout the conversation, Spencer introduces the Momentum Formula, a simple framework that helps leaders diagnose why a team or business might feel stuck and what to fix first. Together, they explore:Why many business owners unknowingly become the biggest bottleneck in their companyThe leadership shift from “doing everything” to building and developing a strong teamWhy allowing team members to make mistakes is critical for real growthHow hiring for values and alignment matters more than hiring for experienceWhy accountability and clear standards are essential for scaling a companyThe Momentum Formula: Vision, Motivation, Roadmap, and CapabilityHow to diagnose whether a team problem is about clarity, motivation, systems, or skillWhy simple systems and clear processes reduce overwhelm and improve executionThe leadership mindset required to grow multiple businesses without burning outIf you’re a private practice owner, entrepreneur, or leader trying to scale your business without becoming the bottleneck, this episode will give you practical frameworks and leadership insights you can apply immediately. 🎙️ Tune in to learn how strong leaders build strong teams—and how the right systems and clarity can unlock real momentum in your business. 👉 Want help strengthening your operations, leadership systems, and growth strategy? Book a call with Nathan: https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall 👉 Join the Private Practice Owners community and access resources: https://linktr.ee/ppoclub 💡 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/
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Using AI In Your Practice: How To Innovate Without Violating Compliance With Daniel Hirsch
Mar 3100:14:09Tap to summarizeMost therapists are already experimenting with AI. But very few understand the compliance risks that come with it.In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, host Adam Robin sits down with compliance expert Daniel Hirsch of Risk and Compliance Analytics to talk about one of the biggest shifts happening in healthcare right now: AI. From documentation automation to billing analysis and scheduling optimization, AI tools are rapidly entering clinical practices. But while these tools can dramatically improve efficiency, they also introduce serious compliance risks if used incorrectly. Daniel breaks down what private practice owners and clinicians need to understand before integrating AI into their workflows.This conversation is not about hype — it’s about using AI responsibly, ethically, and within regulatory boundaries. If you're curious how AI will impact documentation, compliance, audits, and patient care in the coming years, this episode will give you a practical framework for thinking about it.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why AI is becoming one of the biggest operational shifts in healthcareThe difference between using AI as a tool vs. letting AI replace clinical judgmentThe compliance risks many therapists overlook when using AI documentation toolsWhy HIPAA, security standards, and vendor agreements still apply to AI platformsWhat a BAA (Business Associate Agreement) is — and why every AI vendor must have oneWhy Medicare doesn’t care if AI wrote your note — they care if it’s medically necessaryThe dangers of repetitive AI-generated documentation and why auditors flag it immediatelyHow AI can actually improve compliance by identifying patterns, billing mistakes, and underbillingWhy AI analytics can help clinic owners detect operational risk earlierWhat a scheduling automation and communication tools improve patient adherenceWhy therapists must still review and verify everything AI generatesThe leadership responsibility owners have when implementing AI tools in their clinicWhy governance, training, and internal auditing are essential when adopting new technologyAI is not replacing therapists. But therapists who understand how to use AI responsibly will outperform those who ignore it. This episode explains how to adopt AI without putting your practice, license, or compliance at risk.🎙️ AI is not the risk. Using it incorrectly is.Show Notes: Join the upcoming PPO Club workshop: https://ppoclubevents.com/04-17-26-workshop Want help building a stronger practice model? 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 leveraged a business coach at some point in their journey. Private Practice Owners Club is the coach you need — ppoclub.comExplore upcoming workshops, free resources, and tools to help you scale revenue without burning out your team: https://linktr.ee/ppoclubWant 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/
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RTM In 2026: What Compliance Will Demand From Your Practice With Daniel Hirsch
Mar 2400:15:22Tap to summarizeRemote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is no longer “the next big thing” — it’s here, it’s evolving fast, and in 2026, it’s becoming one of the most powerful levers for revenue growth, patient engagement, and long-term practice sustainability.But with opportunity comes responsibility.In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, host Adam Robin sits down with Daniel Hirsch, CEO of Risk & Compliance Analytics and one of the most trusted voices in compliance, to break down what RTM actually looks like in 2026 — and what compliance will demand from practice owners who want to do it right and keep the money they earn.Daniel pulls back the curtain on why RTM struggled early on, how recent rule changes have made it far more flexible (and forgiving), and why the practices winning with RTM are the ones that treat it as a system — not a billing hack. Together, they reframe RTM as a tool for controlling time, improving outcomes, and increasing touchpoints with patients, not just another CPT code to chase.They dive into:Why RTM adoption stalled early — and what changed heading into 2026How new payment rules reduce risk and reward consistency over perfectionWhat compliance actually requires when billing RTM (and where practices slip up)Why documentation, timing, and patient communication still matterHow RTM fits into an active plan of care — and where owners get in troubleThe real financial upside of RTM when enrollment reaches scaleHow to think about staffing, vendors, and workflows without burning out your teamWhy Medicare’s continued investment in RTM signals where the industry is headedThis is a practical, no-hype conversation for practice owners who want to grow smarter — not riskier. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines with RTM, worried about complexity, compliance, or whether it’s “worth it,” this episode delivers clarity, confidence, and a roadmap forward.🎯 Takeaway: RTM in 2026 isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being intentional, compliant, and consistent.Want to talk about how we can help you implement RTM the right way, strengthen compliance, and protect your revenue?👉 Book a call with Nathan: https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycallLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share: https://ptoclub.com/
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Choosing The Right CPT Codes: How To Stay Compliant And Audit-Ready With Daniel Hirsch
Mar 1700:16:17Tap to summarizeCPT coding isn’t what therapists went to school for. But it is one of the most common — and costly — areas of compliance risk in private practice.In this episode of the Compliance Series, Adam Robin sits down with compliance expert Daniel Hirsch from Risk & Compliance Analytics to break down how CPT codes should actually be used — and why most audit problems aren’t caused by fraud… but by bad habits, unclear documentation, and misunderstood workflows.This is a fast-paced, practical conversation about how to stay audit-ready without drowning your therapists in unnecessary documentation.They unpack:Why CPT coding is one of the highest-risk audit triggersThe three questions auditors always askWhy “medically necessary” and “skilled” must be clearly documentedhy total treatment time doesn’t automatically equal billable timeThe biggest mistakes with time-based CPT codesHow lumping treatment together creates audit exposureWhy cloning notes and identical documentation raise red flagsThe power of one strong assessment sentenceWhy therapists often underbill — not overbillHow AI tools may improve justification clarityWhy chasing higher-paying codes can backfireThe single most important rule when billing time-based codesDaniel also explains why auditors aren’t trying to “catch” you — they’re simply looking for consistency, progression, and clinical reasoning that supports skilled care.If you want to protect your clinic, defend your billing, and build documentation that survives scrutiny — without overwhelming your team — this episode is essential listening.🎯 Takeaway: CPT codes aren’t about listing tasks. They’re about telling the story of why your clinical brain was necessary.👉 Want help strengthening operations, leadership, and growth strategy?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 leveraged a business coach at some point in their journey. Private Practice Owners Club is the coach you need — ppoclub.comExplore upcoming workshops, free resources, and tools to help you scale revenue without burning out your team: https://linktr.ee/ppoclub
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