Building Independence & Culture: Inside PHYT Collective with Ashley Speights

In this episode, Danny sits down with Ashley Speights, PT Biz coach and founder of PHYT Collective in Washington, D.C. Ashley shares how she built her 4,000 sq ft practice during the pandemic, structured a unique contractor-based collective model, and created a culture of independence, collaboration, and empowerment. They explore the realities of running a clinic in a high-cost city, setting compensation models that work, and why listening deeply to patients creates lifelong loyalty.

🎯 Topics Covered

• How Ashley launched PHYT Collective during the pandemic with a creative lease negotiation
• The "barbershop-style" model that allows PTs to work for themselves—together
• Key legal and cultural considerations when structuring contractor vs. employee roles
• Why independence and time freedom attract top clinicians
• How to balance provider risk with clinic sustainability
• Running successful sales and price raises during economic uncertainty
• Empowering patients through education and proactive care
• The network effect: how community relationships fuel growth

💡 Key Quotes "We all work for ourselves—together. That's the heart of PHYT Collective." "You can't set their hours, you can't tell them what to wear—but you can create a culture people want to be a part of." "If you don't raise your rates, your business won't survive. But you can do it in a way that supports your community." "Time freedom and true independence are what great clinicians value most." "Age isn't the limitation—it's just the knowledge on how to get there." 🧠 Pro Tips

• Negotiate your lease creatively—early concessions can make or break your launch
• Be clear on contractor rules: no set hours, no PTO, no mandated dress codes
• Build culture through empowerment, not control—welcome baskets and shared values go further than rules
• Structure compensation simply: clear percentage splits with incentives at milestones
• Price with confidence—your time and doctorate-level expertise are worth it
• During uncertain times, strategic discounts can build trust and long-term loyalty
• Patients value proactive care and education just as much as pain relief

🔗 Resources & Links

• PT Biz Website – Business coaching and training for cash-based clinicians
• Join the 5-Day Challenge – Learn how to go full-time with your practice
• Download the PT Biz Manual – Lessons from 1,000+ clinicians who built thriving cash practices
• PT Biz YouTube Channel – Weekly videos on sales, leadership, and marketing
• PHYT Collective Website – Learn more about Ashley's clinic model
• PHYT Collective Instagram – Follow Ashley and her team

📍 About PHYT Collective

Founded by Ashley Speights, PHYT Collective is a 4,000 sq ft hybrid-style practice in Washington, D.C. Built on independence, collaboration, and culture, the collective allows physical therapists to operate as contractors under one brand while retaining autonomy in how they serve patients. PHYT Collective combines community relationships, proactive patient care, and innovative business models to redefine what a modern PT clinic can be.

🧭 Final Thought

Scaling a clinic doesn't always mean building a traditional team structure. Ashley's story shows how independence, culture, and community can create a thriving model that empowers both clinicians and patients. If you're exploring new ways to grow your practice, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiration.