We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Calvin Saunders a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Calvin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be in the medical industry and be an entrepreneur. My passion for making a buck led me to entrepreneurial ventures, such as listing items on Craigslist and eBay. Flipping items from garage sales, goodwill, or even discarded items on the street became my way of gaining a basic understanding of entrepreneurship. One person’s trash was my treasure, and as a middle schooler, I didn’t need much money to make me happy. This experience provided me with a foundation in entrepreneurship and taught me to strive for independence.

My initial plan was to enter the dental industry, but a chance meeting with my now business partner, Dr. Brittian, during college led me to pivot towards the chiropractic field. During chiropractic school, I laid the groundwork for starting my own business soon after graduation. With my mother’s help, we purchased a condo near school, rented out rooms to fellow students, and used the equity built to kickstart my entrepreneurial journey.

Before moving to Marietta, GA, to start chiropractic school, I purchased a 3-bedroom condo, rented it to students, and lived rent-free. Within three months, both rooms were filled, and I was making equity in the home I lived in. A 5% down payment, with my mother’s cosign, allowed me to venture into real estate successfully.

After completing school, I sold the condo and worked with Dr. Brittian for a year, learning the ropes of running a chiropractic office. With the equity from the condo, I had the financial foundation to start my own chiropractic clinic in Charlotte, NC. Six months since opening, we’ve cleared overhead, and with 70 patients a week, we’re making strides in becoming a primary health clinic in South Charlotte.

For aspiring entrepreneurs and clinic owners, there’s no clear-cut path. Embrace discomfort, follow your dreams, trust the process, show up every day, and provide the best service possible. Be a beacon for others to gravitate towards.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Dr. Saunders grew up in Warner Robins, GA, and moved to Clemmons, NC at 9 years old after his mother’s job at Reynolds American relocated them. After graduating from West Forsyth, he pursued his soccer career at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine, he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) Magna Cum Laude from Life University in Marietta, Georgia, in March 2022. Dr. Saunders also holds Animal Chiropractic certification from the Animal Chiropractic Veterinary Association.

Dr. Saunders always aspired to be a Dentist but shifted his focus due to sports-related injuries. After meeting Dr. Brittian during winter break in 2016, he shadowed Brittian Chiropractic Center and decided to pursue chiropractic instead. Driven by a passion for helping individuals and animals reach wellness, Dr. Saunders uses chiropractic, movement rehabilitation, and nutrition to connect with each patient.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

The story of how I met my business partner is quite unusual. During a Sunday night at a local sports bar with my family, I met Dr. Gerren Brittian. My mother, proud of my aspirations, introduced me to Dr. Brittian. After explaining my injury and future job ideas, he handed me a business card, asked me to shadow his office the next day, and challenged my career aspirations. This encounter changed my outlook, leading me to pursue chiropractic.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The best strategy for growing my clientele is authenticity. Being myself, connecting with people through my outgoing personality, and expressing enthusiasm about chiropractic has been key. Educating clients about the purpose of their visits and living as an example of health has been instrumental. By being the healthiest individual in my community, I set an example that people naturally gravitate towards.

Contact Info:

• Website: Brittian Chiropractic Center
• Instagram: @dr.calsaunders @brittianchiroclt, Brittian Chiro CLT
• Facebook: Britchiroclt
• Twitter: @calsaunders8

Image Credits
@cierasmith on instagram