We were lucky to catch up with Janki Patel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Janki, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
At our therapist-owned company, we pride ourselves on diverging from the industry standard in several key ways that reflect our deep commitment to our employees and clients.
Firstly, our unique background as therapists ourselves sets us apart from many competitors who may lack firsthand experience in the field. This gives us a profound understanding of the challenges and nuances of the job, allowing us to empathize with our employees, offer them valuable advice, and advocate for their well-being.
Unlike larger corporate staffing agencies where communication with owners can be distant or delayed, we prioritize maintaining close relationships with our team members. We promptly respond to inquiries, check in with employees on a weekly basis, and provide unwavering support to ensure they feel comfortable and supported in their roles.
When it comes to securing contracts, we distinguish ourselves by going above and beyond to meet the needs of our clients. We actively engage with hiring managers, fostering friendly and collaborative relationships to gain a deep understanding of their requirements. By providing regular updates on our hiring progress and tailoring our approach to precisely match the client’s needs, we demonstrate our dedication to delivering exceptional service and exceeding expectations.
One illustrative example of how our approach makes a difference is a recent contract we won with a healthcare facility. By forging a strong rapport with the hiring manager and thoroughly understanding their staffing needs, we were able to swiftly fill critical positions with highly qualified candidates. Our proactive communication and personalized approach not only impressed the client but also contributed to a successful and enduring partnership.
In essence, our commitment to empathy, responsiveness, and personalized service sets us apart in the healthcare staffing industry, allowing us to build lasting relationships with both our employees and clients while delivering exceptional results
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.
Hello, I’m Janki Patel! My journey into the world of occupational therapy and pediatric care began in the heart of New Jersey, where I was born and raised in a close-knit, extended family. From a young age, my desire to make a difference in the lives of others was evident, and it led me to pursue a career in occupational therapy.
During my undergraduate years, I was fortunate to meet my future business partner, Brittany Smith, in a five-year master’s program. Together, we discovered a shared passion for working with children, particularly those within the autism community. Our friendship blossomed into a professional partnership as we embarked on our journey through academia and into the field.
After gaining valuable experience and honing our skills, Brittany and I made the bold decision to establish our own company, Jump Ahead Pediatrics. This venture was driven by our unwavering commitment to creating positive change in the lives of children and their families.
Jump Ahead Pediatrics has since grown into a beacon of hope and support for children with special needs. Through our sensory clinics and government school contracts, we provide comprehensive services tailored to each child’s unique needs. Our team of dedicated therapists, para-professionals, RBTs, social workers, and more work tirelessly to ensure that every child receives the care and support they deserve.
What sets Jump Ahead Pediatrics apart is our unwavering dedication to our mission. We prioritize creating a supportive environment where therapists feel valued and empowered to make a difference. Additionally, we are deeply committed to fostering strong relationships with our clients and their families, ensuring that their needs are met with compassion and understanding.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Certainly! Our journey at Jump Ahead Pediatrics has been filled with challenges and opportunities for growth, and one significant pivot came when we realized the limitations of relying solely on private practice models that accepted insurance.
In the early stages of our business, we were focused on building private practices that provided occupational therapy services to children. We accepted insurance, believing it would be the most sustainable way to reach families in need of our services. However, we soon encountered the harsh reality of the healthcare reimbursement landscape. Receiving timely and adequate reimbursement from insurance companies proved to be a constant struggle, and collecting payments from parents for deductibles was often challenging and time-consuming.
Faced with these obstacles, we knew we needed to reassess our approach. Around the same time, we were also working on expanding the staffing sector of our business, providing therapy services to schools and other institutions through government contracts. We began to notice that this sector offered more stability and consistent payment compared to the private practice model.
Recognizing the potential of this sector, we made the strategic decision to pivot our focus towards expanding our staffing services. Government contracts provided a more reliable source of income, with payments coming consistently and without the hassle of dealing with insurance companies or collecting payments from parents.
As we shifted our focus, our staffing sector began to flourish. We secured contracts with schools and institutions across multiple states, expanding our reach and impact significantly. The steady income from these contracts allowed us to reinvest in our business, hire more staff, and expand our services to new locations.
This pivot not only transformed our business model but also enabled us to better fulfill our mission of providing high-quality therapy services to children in need. By focusing on government contracts, we were able to overcome the challenges we faced with insurance reimbursement and achieve greater financial stability and growth.
Looking back, this pivot was a pivotal moment in our journey. It taught us the importance of adaptability and the need to constantly evaluate and adjust our strategies to meet the evolving needs of our business and our clients. Today, our thriving staffing sector continues to be a cornerstone of our business, allowing us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across multiple states.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Our journey to funding Jump Ahead Pediatrics was a true labor of love and dedication. When Brittany and I embarked on this venture, we knew that we needed to be resourceful and creative in raising the initial capital to get our business off the ground.
To start, we both contributed our personal savings to cover the costs of renting out our first private practice location. Despite the financial risk, we were determined to pursue our dream of making a difference in the lives of children and families through occupational therapy services.
While launching the business, we continued to work full-time jobs in order to sustain ourselves financially. Every penny we earned from treating patients in our private practice was reinvested directly back into the business.
Over the course of seven years, our hard work and perseverance paid off. By reinvesting our earnings into the business and carefully managing our finances, we were able to gradually expand our services, hire additional staff, and acquire new contracts. Our commitment to investing in the growth of Jump Ahead Pediatrics never wavered, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.
Today, Brittany and I each own 50% of the business, a testament to our equal partnership and shared dedication to its success. Despite the temptation to seek outside investors, we have remained steadfast in our decision to fund the business independently. By reinvesting our earnings and building the business from the ground up, we have maintained full control over our vision and direction.
Our story is a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and strategic financial management. By staying true to our values and investing in the long-term growth of Jump Ahead Pediatrics, we have built a thriving business that continues to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families.
Contact Info:
- Website: Jumpaheadpediatrics.com
- Instagram: jumpaheadpediatrics
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janki-patel-0a3757160/