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.<...
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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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Is Your 'Therapist Heart' And Aversion To Metrics Killing Your Business? With Adam Robin
Mar 1000:36:51Tap to summarizeMost practice owners think culture problems start with people. But what if culture actually starts with numbers? In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Club podcast, Nathan Shields and Adam Robin have a candid conversation about what really happens when production slips, urgency fades, and leadership loses clarity around business metrics. Adam shares transparently how taking his eye off the numbers last year led to cultural drift, reduced urgency, and low-level anxiety across his clinics. But once he rebuilt his proforma, clarified expectations, and defined hard production targets, everything changed. This episode is about ownership, accountability, and the invisible connection between financial metrics and morale. They dig into:The four types of practice owners when it comes to knowing their numbersWhy “production is the basis of morale”How lack of clarity creates cultural erosionThe power of defining a weekly visit target per providerWhy metrics must be red or green — never grayHow to create urgency without being emotionalWhy every KPI needs a clear owner and battle planHow daily scorecards create behavior changeThe difference between knowing your numbers and knowing what to do about themWhy EOD deadlines force prioritization and eliminate distraction If you’ve ever felt low-level anxiety about your finances…If your schedules aren’t as full as they should be…If you’ve struggled to get buy-in from your team… This conversation will give you clarity and a tactical reset. Because when you get clear on the numbers, you lead with conviction. And when you lead with conviction, your culture follows. 🎯 Takeaway: If your schedules aren’t full, that’s not a staffing problem. It’s a clarity problem. Want help identifying the right metrics for your practice?Book a call with Nathan:https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall Love the show?Subscribe, rate, review, and share:https://ptoclub.com/ Free 6P Practice Capacity & Profit AuditSee where your practice is leaking time, money, and owner capacity — and what to fix first.👉 Click AUDIT to book your free call.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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The Master the Art of Recruiting Webinar: How to Out-Recruit Hospital Systems Without Matching Their Salaries with Adam Robin, Brian Weidner, and Nathan Shields
Mar 301:13:39Tap to summarizeMost private practice owners say recruiting is hard. But very few have a real recruiting strategy.In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, Nathan Shields and Adam Robin sit down with Brian Weidner of Career Tree Network to break down what’s actually happening in the 2026 hiring market — and why many clinics are struggling to keep up. From clinics closing locations due to staffing shortages to new grads locking in jobs months before graduation, the recruiting landscape has shifted. And if you’re still relying on job boards and hope, you’re already behind. This conversation is a practical, tactical deep dive into what it really takes to attract, convert, and retain clinicians in today’s market — without overpaying, overpromising, or operating from fear.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why recruiting in 2026 is not getting easier — and what’s changedHow new grads are securing jobs months before graduation (and why you never see them hit the open market)Why posting on Indeed alone won’t fix your hiring problemThe difference between optimizing for applications vs. optimizing for inquiriesHow to identify and target high-intent candidates instead of spraying cold outreachWhy your offer — not your ad spend — determines your recruiting successHow to extract real value from your clinic’s strengths (culture, mentorship, flexibility, autonomy)Why you can’t compete with hospitals on salary — and why you shouldn’t tryThe dangers of negotiating from fear and bending on compensationHow speed in the hiring process can win (or lose) great candidatesWhy building a recruiting engine gives you leverage in leadership conversationsPractical ways to use AI, automation, and systems to remove yourself from daily recruitingHow consistent outbound effort creates predictable hiring resultsAdam also shares how his clinic went from hiring 18 therapists in one year… to watching momentum stall… to rebuilding a stronger recruiting engine that produced five hires in two months.If you’re tired of feeling like your team has more leverage than you do, or you’re anxious about the next resignation letter, this episode will reframe how you think about recruiting — from reactive panic to proactive system.🎙️ Recruiting isn’t a luck problem. It’s a systems problem.👉 Ready to build your own recruiting playbook?Join the Clinician Magnet Intensive Workshop on April 17th and walk away with a step-by-step, plug-and-play recruiting system you can implement immediately: https://ppoclubevents.com/04-17-26-workshop👉 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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Before You Offer Cash-Pay Services: What The Law Actually Requires
Feb 2400:15:31Tap to summarizeBuilding new cash-pay services can be one of the fastest ways to grow a private practice — or one of the fastest ways to create legal, compliance, and licensing risk if it’s done wrong.In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, host Adam Robin sits down with Daniel Hirsch, CEO and Founder of Risk & Compliance Analytics, for an action-packed installment of the Compliance Marathon — a series designed to help owners stop fearing compliance and start using it strategically.Daniel breaks down what most practice owners misunderstand about cash-pay services — including the dangerous assumption that “cash means no rules.” From Medicare landmines to pricing consistency, documentation requirements, and licensing exposure, this conversation gives owners a clear framework for expanding cash services without putting their practice, revenue, or license at risk. Together, they unpack:Why cash-pay services are not “rule-free” — and where risk actually increasesThe biggest Medicare mistake owners make when offering cash servicesHow inconsistent pricing, discounts, and “buddy deals” create legal exposureWhy documentation requirements still apply — even when insurance isn’t involvedHow to clearly separate cash services from covered therapy to avoid compliance overlapWhat must be transparent: pricing, good-faith estimates, refunds, and consentWhy protecting your license should always come before chasing new revenueCommon gray areas where practices get burned — including “free” screeningsThe simple steps every owner should take before launching wellness, performance, or specialty cash programsHow to build cash services that are compliant, defensible, and scalable This is not a lecture on rules — it’s a practical roadmap for owners who want to grow aggressively and responsibly. If you’re thinking about adding wellness programs, memberships, dry needling, laser therapy, women’s health services, or any cash-pay offering, this episode will save you time, money, and future headaches. 🎯 Takeaway: Cash-pay doesn’t eliminate compliance — it changes it. Build your services with clarity, structure, and transparency so compliance becomes an asset, not a liability. 👉 Want access to Daniel’s cash-pay compliance resources and tools?Check the show notes for his free guides and templates.👉 Want help building scalable services, strengthening operations, or avoiding costly missteps?Book a call with Nathan: https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall❤️ Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share: https://ptoclub.com🧠 Join the conversation and access additional resources: 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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Navigating The Possibilities Of AI In 2026: Realistic Implementations For Private Practice Owners, With Sharif Zeid Of Empower EMR
Feb 1700:42:37Tap to summarizeMost practice owners feel the pressure to “keep up with AI” — but few have real clarity on what actually works, what’s hype, and what could quietly overwhelm their team.In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Club Podcast, host Nathan Shields sits down with Sharif Zeid, longtime EMR leader and representative of Empower EMR, for a grounded, practical conversation about where AI is truly delivering value in private practice — and where expectations need a serious reset.Drawing on years of experience working with hundreds of practices, Sharif breaks down how AI adoption is accelerating faster than any technology wave we’ve seen before — and why documentation, scheduling, compliance, and phone systems are at the center of that shift. They also unpack the hidden risks of chasing tools without systems, and why “AI as the solution” fails without strong operational foundations.Together, they explore:Why documentation is still AI’s biggest and safest win for practicesHow generative AI (scribes, summaries, chart review) is actually being used in real clinicsWhy “perfect” AI is the wrong benchmark — and how partial wins still create massive ROIThe growing AI arms race between providers and insurance companiesWhere AI helps with compliance — and why trust-but-verify still mattersWhy billing automation is over-promised and under-delivered (for now)The real cost of stacking tools — and how to evaluate ROI per providerWhy team overwhelm is the biggest risk of fast AI adoptionThe rise of AI in phone systems, scheduling, and patient self-serviceWhy patient portals and foundational systems must come before automationHow AI should support decision-making, not replace leadershipIf you’re a practice owner trying to decide where AI actually belongs in your clinic — and how to adopt it without breaking your team, your culture, or your systems — this episode offers clarity without hype.🎯 Takeaway: AI isn’t the system — it’s a tool. Practices that win will be the ones that build strong foundations, guide the technology intentionally, and keep humans firmly in the driver’s seat.👉 Learn more about Empower EMR: https://www.empoweremr.com👉 Want help evaluating systems, operations, and growth strategy? Book a call with Nathan — https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall❤️ Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com 💬 Join the PPOClub community and access resources: https://linktr.ee/ppoclub
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120% Over Medicare: The Work Comp Playbook Every Private Practice Owner Needs With Josh Farley
Feb 1000:38:43Tap to summarizeMost private practice owners know work comp pays better — but very few know how to actually leverage it without blowing up operations, documentation, or staff confidence.In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, host Adam Robin sits down with Josh Farley, PT, former state association president, and workers’ compensation consultant, to break down what really drives profitable, sustainable work comp programs — and why so many clinics get it wrong.Josh pulls back the curtain on why work comp is one of the most misunderstood (and underutilized) revenue streams in private practice. With average reimbursement hovering around 120% over Medicare — and even higher in some states — work comp can dramatically improve margins. But only if you understand the systems, players, and rules that govern it.This conversation goes far beyond “take more work comp patients.” It’s a practical, operational deep dive into how work comp actually works — from referrals and networks to documentation, communication, and clinical decision-making.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why work comp consistently reimburses higher than traditional payers — and how to protect those marginsThe biggest mistakes private practices make when trying to “add” work compHow referrals really work (patient-driven vs. doctor-driven vs. case-manager-driven)Who actually approves care — and why confusing case managers and adjusters kills revenueWhy being out of network can completely block referrals (even when people say they want to send you patients)How network pricing strategy impacts volume — and when lower rates unlock bigger opportunityDocumentation landmines that trigger denials and delays (wrong body part, scope creep, poor intake)How to think strategically about work conditioning, FCEs, and higher-level services without wrecking capacityWhy communication — not notes — is the real driver of trust and referrals in work compWhat realistic timelines look like for seeing financial impact (and why this isn’t a “flip the switch” play)How a diversified payer mix protects your practice as reimbursements continue to declineIf you’re feeling squeezed by traditional insurance rates, unsure how to grow revenue per visit, or curious whether work comp could be a meaningful lever for your clinic — this episode gives you the clarity, context, and playbook to approach it the right way. 🎙️Learn how to turn work comp from a confusing headache into a strategic growth engine — without compromising care or compliance.👉 Want to learn more or talk directly with Josh? Reach out at Josh.Farley@LighthouseComp.com or call 601-927-3011👉 Want help building a stronger, more diversified 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/ppoclub
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Why Buyers Look At Compliance Before They Buy Your Practice With Daniel Hirsch
Feb 300:16:51Tap to summarizeMost practice owners think valuation starts with revenue and EBITDA. But when buyers step in, they look somewhere else first — risk. And more often than not, compliance is the silent deal-killer owners never see coming.In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Club, host Adam Robin sits down with Daniel Hirsch, compliance and risk analytics expert, to unpack what buyers actually evaluate before they write a check — and why strong compliance can increase leverage, speed up deals, and protect your exit value.Daniel breaks down why compliance isn’t about being “perfect,” avoiding audits, or living in fear — it’s about control, predictability, and trust. When compliance is weak or unclear, buyers don’t just lower the price — they change the entire deal structure… or walk away altogether.Together, they dig into:Why buyers assess risk before growth — and how compliance sets the baselineHow compliance issues can stop a deal before financials even matterWhy two practices with identical EBITDA can receive very different valuationsHow weak compliance triggers deeper diligence, longer timelines, and higher deal costsThe real impact of compliance on deal terms: cash vs. escrow, earnouts, reps & warrantiesWhat buyers look for beyond policies — and how they test real-world executionCommon red flags: documentation gaps, supervision issues, credentialing, and unlicensed staffWhy “unknown risk” scares buyers more than managed riskWhen to start preparing (hint: don’t wait until you’re ready to sell)How simple, practical compliance systems can be integrated into daily operationsWhy compliance should add value, not just create overheadIf you’re a practice owner thinking about selling in the next five years — or even just building a business that’s truly durable — this conversation will change how you think about compliance, valuation, and leverage.🎯 Takeaway: Compliance doesn’t kill deals — surprises do. Build control, clarity, and predictability now so buyers see your practice as an asset, not a headache. 👉 Want to learn more about Daniel’s compliance frameworks and access free resources?Check the show notes for his lead magnet and tools. 👉 Want to talk about how we can help you strengthen operations, value, and exit readiness? Book a call with Nathan — https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall ❤️ Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com 💬 Join the conversation and access resources: https://linktr.ee/ppoclubLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com/
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Everything Looked Fine… Until It Didn’t: How One Owner Lost 4 Providers And Rebuilt A Stronger Clinic - A PPOClub Workshop Interview With April Atchison, CCC-SLP
Jan 2700:47:32Tap to summarizeMost practice owners assume culture problems show up loud — missed numbers, complaints, chaos. But what if the real danger shows up when everything looks successful?In this PPOClub Workshop interview, Adam Robin sits down with April Atchison, CCC-SLP, to unpack a real-life leadership story that every growing practice owner needs to hear. April shares how her multi-location practice appeared stable and thriving — strong revenue, expanding staff, leadership in place, and real work-life balance — right up until subtle cultural cracks began to surface.What followed was one of the most difficult seasons of her career: recognizing leadership misalignment, addressing cultural drift head-on, and ultimately losing four long-term providers — including a clinical director. Instead of avoiding the storm, April chose decisive leadership, values-based clarity, and fast action to protect the future of her organization.This conversation goes far beyond theory. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at what actually happens when an owner chooses culture over comfort — and how doing so can unlock stronger teams, higher ownership, and renewed momentum.In this episode, you’ll learn:The quiet warning signs of culture breakdown most owners overlookWhy high productivity can hide serious leadership misalignmentHow to run clarity and alignment conversations without fearWhen acting fast protects your best team members — not just the businessWhy losing people can sometimes strengthen culture and performanceHow proactive recruiting creates leverage before you need itWhat decisive leadership looks like when the stakes are highHow rebuilding after disruption leads to stronger ownership and accountabilityIf you’ve ever felt uneasy despite “good numbers,” delayed a hard conversation because things looked fine, or wondered whether holding the line on values is worth the risk — this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a leadership framework you can apply immediately.🎙️ Learn why strong clinics aren’t built by avoiding hard decisions — but by making them early.👉 Want help building an aligned, resilient, high-performing practice? 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.com.Explore upcoming workshops, free resources, and tools to help you scale without sacrificing culture:https://linktr.ee/ppoclub.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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No One Is Coming To Save You: Leadership, Identity, And Building A Business That Can’t Be Taken Away With Regie Tiu
Jan 2000:49:34Tap to summarizeBuilding a successful practice isn’t just about systems, metrics, or clinical skill — it’s about people. And the leaders who get that right don’t just build clinics… they build raving fans. In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, host Adam Robin sits down with Regie Tiu — physical therapist, Queens-based practice owner, keynote speaker, and expert in creating unforgettable client and team experiences. Reggie shares his remarkable journey from growing up in poverty in the Philippines to immigrating to the U.S. with just $50 in his pocket — collecting cans to survive, working multiple jobs, and eventually building a thriving physical therapy clinic in one of the most competitive markets in the country. Along the way, he opens up about being fired after 10 years, losing his identity, rebuilding from rock bottom, and discovering the leadership lessons that changed everything. They dig into:What “raving fans” really means — and why your team comes before your patientsHow personal growth and emotional intelligence directly impact retention, culture, and referralsThe leadership mistakes Reggie made early on — and the mindset shifts that transformed his clinicWhy self-awareness, humility, and consistency matter more than charismaHow creating a great experience allows clinics to grow without relying on proximity or priceThe habits, routines, and books that helped Reggie become a better leader and business owner This is a raw, honest conversation about resilience, leadership, and what it actually takes to build a business people love — from the inside out.If you’re a practice owner, service-based entrepreneur, or leader who wants stronger teams, better culture, and clients who can’t stop talking about you, this episode is a must-listen. 🎙️ Tune in and learn how to build raving fans — starting with yourself.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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