
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.<...

Most practice owners think charity is something you do after the business is successful — once there’s more time, more margin, or less stress. But what if giving back isn’t the reward for success… what if it’s the catalyst? In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Club Podcast, Nathan Shields sits down with longtime friend and entrepreneur Will Humphreys to unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of sustainable growth, culture, and fulfillment: building meaningful partnerships with charitable organizations. Drawing from deeply personal experiences — from local community initiatives to life-changing work in Africa — Will shares how aligning business purpose with charitable impact transformed not just his companies, but his leadership, his team culture, and his perspective on success itself. Together, they explore how generosity creates momentum inside organizations, why charitable partnerships improve recruiting and retention, and how purpose-driven businesses outperform those built purely around profit. They dive deep into:Why charitable giving isn’t a “nice-to-have,” but a powerful leadership leverHow partnering with charities strengthens culture, retention, and recruitingThe connection between profit, purpose, and long-term sustainabilityHow even small, local initiatives can create outsized impactWhy giving back reshapes mindset, reduces burnout, and restores perspectiveHow involving your team in charitable efforts turns values into lived behaviorWhat practice owners can learn about leadership, resilience, and gratitude from global communities If you’ve ever felt burned out, disconnected, or stuck chasing growth without fulfillment, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, success, and the true role your business can play in the world. 🎙️ Learn why the strongest clinics don’t just grow businesses — they build movements.👉 Learn more about supporting Care for Life and global impact initiatives (links in show notes) Want to talk about how we can help you grow a purpose-driven, profitable PT business?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 build a practice that supports both your life and your mission: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/Struggling to hire clinicians? Learn the recruiting system top practices use at the Clinician Magnet Intensive on April 17. Register Now

If hiring feels impossible and retention feels fragile, you’re not alone — and you’re not crazy. In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, Nathan Shields and Adam Robin break down why recruiting is harder than ever right now, and why the real solution isn’t “more applicants” — it’s building a retention machine that compounds. Drawing directly from real-world clinic experience, Nathan shares how shifting focus from reactive hiring to intentional retention, leadership development, and new-grad pipelines allowed his organization to stabilize staffing, protect culture, and sleep better at night — even in one of the most competitive labor markets physical therapy has ever seen. Together, they unpack what practice owners must do as we head into 2026 to stop bleeding talent, stop overpaying for lateral hires, and start developing leaders from within. You’ll learn:Why “hiring is impossible” is a signal to fix retention first — not panic recruitHow to identify and lock in your true A-players before competitors doThe exact conversations owners should be having with key team members to secure 12-month commitmentsWhy new grads are the most overlooked (and highest-upside) recruiting strategy right nowHow to turn student placements into long-term leaders inside your organizationWhat a real leadership development pathway looks like — from new grad → leader → clinic directorHow delegation, ownership, and development directly impact retention and recruiting outcomesThe mindset shifts owners must make to stop being the bottleneck and start building a scalable team If you’re a clinic owner, hiring manager, or leader who feels stuck between burnout, turnover, and constant recruiting pressure, this episode will help you rethink how you build teams — and show you how to create a system where great people want to stay, grow, and recruit others for you. 🎯 Takeaway: Hiring isn’t broken — retention, development, and leadership pipelines are. Fix those, and recruiting becomes easier, cheaper, and more predictable. 👉 Want to go deeper with Nathan? Book a call — https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall ❤️ Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com 💬 Join the conversation: If you haven’t already, find the Private Practice Owners Club Facebook Group and connect with owners who are building resilient, high-performing teams. Annual Strategic Planning ensures your next year stays focused, aligned, and profitable. Visit ppoclub.com to talk with Adam about building clarity and momentum for 2026. 99.5% of successful owners interviewed on this podcast have leveraged a business coach at some point. Private Practice Owners Club is the coach you need — ppoclub.comBlog Post URL: https://www.ppoclub.com/is-hiring-impossible-build-a-retention-machine-of-a-players-new-grads-and-leadership-developmentWant 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/Struggling to hire clinicians? Learn the recruiting system top practices use at the Clinician Magnet Intensive on April 17. Register Now

Most practice owners treat finances like a fire drill: frantic at year-end, reactive at tax time, and surprised when cash flow hiccups wreck payroll. What if money management wasn’t a crisis to survive, but a repeatable system you lead on purpose? In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Club, host Nathan Shields sits down with financial strategist Eric Miller (Econologics) and bookkeeping & vCFO expert Sean Healy (AccountedFor). Together they deliver an operational playbook for wrapping up 2025, protecting cash flow in Q1, and building the disciplined systems that let owners actually plan for retirement — not just keep the lights on. They dig into:Why proactive tax planning beats last-minute spending sprees (and how to actually execute it with your CPA)The three financial skills every owner needs: acquire it, control it, invest it — and how to institutionalize them in your practicePractical year-end moves that protect cash flow (retirement catch-ups, HSA contributions, beneficiary checks, and smarter equipment buys)How to build a financial team that works together — CPA, bookkeeper, and advisor aligned to your goals (and when it’s time to fire an advisor who isn’t)Forecasting and proforma basics: reverse-engineer the profit you need to reach your personal goals, then map the operational steps to get thereCash-first tactics for Q1 (expect a tight January — plan the line of credit, manage payroll cadence, and pre-talk client deductibles)Money discipline that scales: automated savings buckets, routine scorecards, and the operational cadence that produces real wealth If you’ve ever been blindsided by tax bills, drifted through another year without a cash plan, or felt like your practice owns you — this episode gives you the financial clarity and tactical next steps to run your business like an asset, not an anxiety. 🎯 Takeaway: Financial success is intentional. Stop reacting and start engineering predictable profit, cash flow resilience, and long-term wealth by building simple systems and a proactive financial team. 👉 Connect with Eric & learn more: wealthforpts.com👉 Want bookkeeping or vCFO help? Learn about AccountedFor and schedule a complimentary checkup via their site (search AccountedFor Bookkeeping / Virtual CFO).👉 Want to go deeper with Nathan? Book a call — https://calendly.com/ptoclub/discoverycall ❤️ Love the session? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ptoclub.com 💬 Join the conversation and access tools: 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/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.

Are you leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to elevate your Private Practice? Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help reduce burnout and create smarter workflows.In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Podcast, Nathan Shields welcomes Sharif Zeid, CEO of Empower EMR, to discuss the huge impact that AI plays in your Practice. They explore ways Practice owners can use AI to save time, improve documentation, and attract clients while addressing the challenges and opportunities AI brings to your Practice.Episode Highlights:1. Start Smallo AI tools can simplify documentation, reduce burnout, and boos provider satisfaction.2. Creative Applicationo AI can optimize website content, marketing campaigns, and even social media posts with ease.Tackle Compliance Challenges1. Leverage AI to enhance compliance, ensure accurate coding, and maximize reimbursements.Don't miss this episode of Private Practice Owners Club Podcast – whether you're new to AI or curious about its practical applications, this episode breaks down the build-up and gets to the heart of how AI can simplify your workload and expand your Practice.Visit our Linktree for our Coaching Services, Free KPI Dashboard, Facebook Group, and Annual Strategic Planning Services: https://go.ppoclub.com/linktree-podcastsLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ppoclub.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/

Feeling held back by fear as you build your private practice? This episode of the Private Practice Owners Club Podcast is a MUST-LISTEN!Adam Robbins sits down with Tonya Fuller, owner of Dynamic Mobility and Balance Center, to explore her incredible journey. Tonya shares how she overcame her initial hesitation and scaled her practice to new heights, all while prioritizing patient care and team development.Tune in to discover:How to conquer the fear of taking risks: Tonya reveals how she learned to make bold decisions, like hiring a full-time therapist even when it seemed financially daunting.Why time management is crucial for practice owners: Discover strategies for working on your business, not just in it, so you can focus on growth and avoid burnout.The power of having a clear vision: Tonya explains how setting ambitious goals and prioritizing your vision can lead to remarkable achievements.Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers invaluable insights for overcoming obstacles and building a successful and fulfilling private practice. Grow smarter, not harder, with Dynamic Mobility as your inspiration!Ready to take your practice to the next level?Visit our Linktree for Coaching Services, a Free KPI Dashboard, our Facebook Group, and Annual Strategic Planning Services.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! 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.

Are you running your Practice not based on data-driven but based on your gut feeling decision? Discover why knowing your numbers is crucial for making confident decisions and achieving sustainable growth.In this Private Practice Owners Club Podcast episode, Nathan Shields and Adam Robin unpack the power of understanding and leveraging your break-even number in your Private Practice. Learn from their insights drawn by experience in Private Practice ownership and discover how often-overlooked metrics can change Practice strategy.This episode highlights:● What is the break-even number?● Step-by-step guide to calculate break-even● Why knowing your numbers reduces stress● How to align your team with break-even goalsLeverage the break-even number for scalingDon't miss this episode of Private Practice Owners Club Podcast – whether you're just starting or thinking about your next step in scaling your practice, this episode is packed with practical insights for Private Practice owners aiming to grow smarter, not harder.Visit our Linktree to access our Coaching Services, Free KPI Dashboard, Facebook Group, and Annual Strategic Planning Services.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!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.

Are hidden mental blocks holding back your practice? Discover the power of recognizing and overcoming self-sabotage as a practice owner! In this Private Practice Owners Club Podcast episode, Nathan Shields welcomes self-sabotage coach Karen Edwards, who shares actionable strategies to help you become a stronger and more intentional leader who can create a thriving practice.This episode highlights:Understanding self-sabotageLearn about the saboteurs that undermine your decision-making and how to identify your dominant self-sabotage patternsSage vs Saboteur BrainDiscover the difference between the survival brain and the sage brainEmbracing discomfort for growthImportance of recognizing discomfort as a growth opportunity instead of a barrierDon't miss this episode of Private Practice Owners Club Podcast – whether you're just starting or thinking about your next step in scaling your practice, this episode is packed with powerful insights and real-life strategies. Tune in and become a confident, proactive leader who thrives even in challenging times!Visit our Linktree for our Coaching Services, Free KPI Dashboard, Facebook Group, and Annual Strategic Planning Services: https://go.ppoclub.com/linktree-podcastsLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ppoclub.com

From treating patients to successfully hiring PTs and preparing for a third Practice – Kenny Holder’s story proves that breaking free from burnout is possible.In this episode of the Private Practice Owners Club Podcast, Kenny Holder, owner of Elite Therapy, shares his journey from feeling stuck in patient care to becoming a true CEO of his Practice.Tune in and learn:Taking a bold stepKenny took the bold step of hiring PTs simultaneously, which led to rapid growth.Lead and TeachThrough leadership development and coaching, Kenny reduced his treatment hours, giving him time to work on his Practice growth.Be a CEOKenny’s Practice began to grow when he shifted from thinking like a PT to being an owner and CEO.For Practice owners who are stuck in patient care or struggling to grow their Practice, Kenny’s story demonstrates that with the right mindset change, scaling your Practice is achievable.Don't miss this episode of Private Practice Owners Club Podcast – whether you're just starting or thinking about your next step in scaling your practice, this episode is packed with wisdom for your Private Practice to succeed.Visit our Linktree for our Coaching Services, Free KPI Dashboard, Facebook Group, and Annual Strategic Planning Services: https://go.ppoclub.com/linktree-podcastsLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ppoclub.com/

What if dropping your lowest-paying insurance could lead to higher profits and better patient care? Marc Moore shares how dropping low-paying insurance became his day of liberation.Join Nathan Shields on the Private Practice Owners Club Podcast with Marc Moore, CEO of Moore Physical Therapy, about how his decision to drop low-paying insurance drastically improved his Practice’s profitability.Episode Highlights:The Breaking Point: Marc discusses the pivotal moment when he chose to stop accepting a long-standing low-paying insurance plan.Financial Impact: How Marc’s practice saw a net gain in profitability by cutting low-reimbursement plans.Team Alignment: The journey of aligning staff on why low-paying insurances limited their growth and the level of care they aimed to provide.Don't miss this episode of the Private Practice Owners Club Podcast – whether you're just starting or thinking about your next step in scaling your practice. Want to talk about how we can help you with your private practice, or have a question you want to ask? Book a call with Adam - https://calendly.com/adamrobin/dr-adam-s-30-minute-connectionLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ppoclub.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/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.

Ready to turn 2025 into your best year yet? This Private Practice Owners Club Podcast will show you how annual strategic planning can bring lasting focus, alignment, and growth to your Practice.Nathan Shields and Adam Robin discuss one of the most vital steps for Private Practice growth – annual strategic planning. This episode is packed with their experiences and actionable steps to ensure a focused, profitable, and vision-driven 2025.This episode highlights:• Why Q4 is Crucial for Success o Nathan and Adam explain why starting now can give you a clear edge.• The CEO-Level Planningo Nathan and Adam reveal how a CEO mindset can help Private Practice owners stay on track and inspire their teams.• Avoiding Distractiono Learn how strategic planning helps fight disturbance and keep your Practice aligned with big goals.• Effective Tools and Exercises o Nathan and Adam share practical tools to help you create a meaningful, actionable plan.Don't miss this episode of Private Practice Owners Club Podcast – whether you're just starting or thinking about your next step in scaling your practice, this episode is packed with wisdom on to-dos, growth, and actionable tips for your Private Practice to succeed.Interested in elevating your Practice? Visit https://go.ppoclub.com/linktree-podcasts for Free Resources, Avail Services, and Join the Group of Private Practice owners to connect and learn more about how to succeed in this industry.Want to talk about how we can help you with your private practice, or have a question you want to ask? Book a call with Adam - https://calendly.com/adamrobin/dr-adam-s-30-minute-connectionLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://ppoclub.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/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.