How has the Gainesville community supported your business journey?
One of my favorite things about Gainesville is its love of health and wellness. This “small town” has a wealth of natural and alternative health options and that only continues to grow. The people truly embrace living an active, healthy life as long as possible and as a chiropractor, that is exciting to be around.
The Gainesville Chamber has been a wonderful resource for us from getting started to our rebranding and beyond. Also, as a business owner, and one whose focus is in the injury rehab space, it is refreshing to have so many others in the same space willing to work together for the
good of the patient.
What makes Gainesville a unique place to be a small business owner?
Though it is a college town, Gainesville’s core is filled with many diverse small businesses and amazing locals who love to support them. Our practice is a community within a community and they are wonderful about sharing their experiences and helping you grow. Resources like the Chamber of Commerce and Gainesville Area Women’s Network provide opportunities to learn more about running a business.
How do you give back to the local community through your business?
Giving back is a core part of our office values. We are happy to donate time, services or finances whenever possible to help those in need. In the past we have run food and clothing drives for local non-profits, donated to charities and hurricane relief for our neighboring communities, and support community sports teams, such as Gatorball. When a patient has a cause for their church or loved one, we are happy to participate however we can.
What is your favorite local event or tradition in Gainesville?
Just one? Impossible! As a devout sports lover, football season in Gainesville is a whole other vibe and I love it. The camaraderie, even when things are down, Gators really do stick together.
And it’s not just football. The community is so supportive of women’s sports as well. Getting into gymnastics or softball can be just as much a challenge. The love of sports trickles all the way down to the youth leagues which is fantastic to see.
Then there are the festivals…I do enjoy hitting as many as possible each year but the Micanopy Fall Festival is a must every year to truly ring in the change of seasons. Micanopy is a beautiful town and they do fall right.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business in Gainesville?
Get out and meet people within the group you want to serve. There are so many opportunities with clubs, events and organizations to network within and around the surrounding communities. Remember that Gainesville is the hub but the people to be served are wide reaching into the rural areas that commute here for work, healthcare and recreation, so broaden your circle.