🎙 Episode 11: Verticality in PRO-PT– Creating Growth Without Giving Away Ownership

In this episode, Richard and Ronnie explore the concept of verticality—how to create upward mobility and leadership opportunities within a business without diluting ownership. They reflect on the decision to grow PRO-PT beyond two clinics, the challenges of doing so, and the realization that ownership isn’t the only path to advancement.

Ronnie defines verticality as the ability to move beyond one’s perceived pinnacle—in physical therapy, often defined as being a great clinician. They share how PRO-PT developed a clinic-level partnership model to create leadership roles that don’t require a financial buy-in or expand the decision-making table.

Richard recounts his personal journey, becoming a clinic director just 18 months into his career and taking over a long-established clinic in Porterville. He opens up about his early missteps, overconfidence, and the support network—both internal and at home—that made success possible.

The conversation emphasizes:

The importance of developing leaders from within

Why support networks and mentorship are critical

How vision, not ownership, can fuel long-term commitment

The company’s shift from “being better than” to “serving better”

They wrap with a teaser for the next episode: how to navigate the transition from clinician to leader, how to define value beyond patient care, and what it really means to lead.