We recently connected with Dr. Alexandria Phillips, Pt, Dpt, Mdnc and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Alexandria , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?
Building a team is often regarded as one of the most challenging aspects of running a business, and I couldn’t agree more. When I launched my clinic, the demand for my services grew faster than I anticipated, making it clear that I needed help sooner rather than later. The lessons I’ve learned along the way have been hard-earned, but I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.
Despite having a small team, I genuinely believe we have one of the best groups out there. Sean, my indispensable partner, is truly the glue holding our clinic together. Where I fall short, he steps up, and together we form an incredible team. I’m excited about expanding our team, though finding the right person will be no easy feat.
Sean’s path to joining the clinic was anything but conventional. There were no resumes, cover letters, or standard interview questions. My prior experience with Sean had been brief—I had worked with him for just a few days at a previous clinic. As a substitute physical therapist, I typically moved on quickly, rarely forming lasting connections or even remembering the names of my colleagues.
But my experience with Sean was different. On a December day, we clicked instantly, as if we had known each other for years. I recall him even dressing up as Santa at the clinic (though he hasn’t repeated that festive act, there’s always hope!). I also brought him Chick-fil-A after a particularly rough weekend, a gesture I rarely extended to any of the clinics where I substituted.
When I decided to start my own clinic, I kept in touch with Sean, hinting that I might need his help soon. Unfortunately, my dismal record of saving phone numbers meant that when the time came, I couldn’t find his contact details. This minor oversight has become a running joke between us, with Sean frequently reminding me of it.
In a desperate move, I reached out to him via Instagram—only to discover he wasn’t active on social media. So, I had to track down his number through a mutual acquaintance. When I finally connected with him, he casually checked his Instagram and saw my message.
The next step was unorthodox: I invited Sean out for margaritas to discuss the job opportunity. After a grueling 15-hour workday, my attempt at a professional interview quickly devolved into a heartfelt plea. My formal pitch turned into, “I’ll take a margarita, cheese dip, and PLEASE HELP ME—I’m overwhelmed and can’t trust anyone else. I need you!”
After three more margarita-fueled meetings (Sean admits he knew he wanted the job after the first dinner but enjoyed the free meals), he signed on. Since then, we’ve been thriving together. If anyone needs tips on unconventional hiring methods, I’m available for a small consulting fee.
Sean is not just a co-worker and an exceptional clinic director; he’s also one of my closest friends. He knows more about me than anyone else on the planet, a bond forged by working over 60 hours a week together. I’m incredibly fortunate to have him as a partner in building the Amplify team, and I look forward to many more successful years ahead
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
While I didn’t wake up one morning with a burning desire to embrace perpetual stress, I’m incredibly grateful that I embarked on the journey of starting Amplify Health and Performance.
At Amplify Health and Performance, we pride ourselves on being a premier physical therapy clinic and health optimization company, dedicated to enhancing physical well-being and performance for a wide range of clients. Our mission is to collaborate with healthcare providers, sports teams—both youth and adult—and progressive businesses to offer comprehensive health solutions and alternative healthcare options that prioritize employee wellness.
Our approach to health and wellness is holistic and integrated, combining rehabilitation, training, and wellness optimization into a cohesive suite of services. What sets us apart is our commitment to delivering personalized, results-driven care that not only addresses immediate health needs but also fosters long-term, sustainable growth.
Our Services Include:
Rehabilitation: Expert physical therapy designed to restore function and alleviate pain, tailored to each individual’s recovery goals.
Training: Customized performance enhancement programs aimed at maximizing physical potential and achieving peak performance.
Wellness Optimization: Comprehensive strategies to improve overall health, including lifestyle management and preventative care.
Concierge / membership services: Physical therapy, training, and wellness optimization for Amplify team members offering benefits of flexibility (seeing clients as early as 5 AM), at home services, training programs, and a team of healthcare providers within the Middle, TN area.
At Amplify, we focus on building deep, collaborative relationships with our clients and referral partners. By fostering a team-based approach, we ensure that every synergy contributes to superior outcomes and drives meaningful, sustainable growth.
We serve a diverse clientele, including healthcare providers seeking advanced patient care options, sports teams aiming for optimal performance, and businesses looking to provide cutting-edge health benefits to their employees. Our innovative solutions distinguish us in the market, offering unparalleled value in health and wellness.
Amplify Health and Performance is committed to transforming lives through dedicated care and strategic health optimization, helping each client reach their highest potential, both physically and personally
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
If you’ve ever spent time around me, you know I’m not a fan of the modern health and wellness hype. The industry has become cluttered with unrealistic ideals and a plethora of David Goggins wannabes. My plea to you: please, put down the latest self-help podcast and take a breath.
I can often tell when someone is about to recommend a book before they even open their mouth. I’m not dismissing the value of books or podcasts; I’ve learned a great deal from many. Titles like Rich Dad Poor Dad, For Profit, and How to Win Friends and Influence People have been particularly insightful. If you haven’t read them, I highly recommend them.
However, the most transformative book I’ve encountered is The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F by Mark Manson. Despite its provocative title, the book offers profound wisdom on prioritizing what truly matters and letting go of the rest.
Life is full of challenging individuals who can bring us down, particularly in fields like healthcare. I’ve faced my share of disappointments from people I once considered friends or mentors, and I’ve also been uplifted by those I least expected. This book has taught me that people often lash out because they’re struggling with their own issues.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F teaches the crucial skill of distinguishing between what’s important and what’s not. It has shown me how to focus on what truly deserves my attention and how to communicate my priorities effectively. I’ve learned that it’s okay if not everyone shares my concerns or understands my perspective—what matters is staying true to what I value.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have the team we do at Amplify Health and Performance. Our clients are not only loyal but also exceptional and enjoyable to work with. It might sound cliché, but a significant portion of our new clients come through word of mouth. Many of our clients stay with us long-term, transitioning from rehabilitation to maintenance or training. I am deeply grateful for their trust and for the referrals they provide to friends and family.
We also attract clients through referrals from a variety of healthcare providers, including concierge clinics, orthopedic surgeons, primary care physicians, chiropractors, nutritionists, and even in-network physical therapists. While we primarily operate on a self-pay basis with exceptions for HSA/FSA, many clients who finish their insurance-covered visits with other providers turn to us for the final stages of their rehab.
Our strongest source of new clients comes from concierge clinics and doctors. Given the similarities in our business models, clients referred from these systems tend to have clear expectations and are open with us. Their constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement are invaluable as we strive to enhance our services.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.amplifyhp.com
- Instagram: Amplify_hp
- Facebook: Amplify Health and Performance
- Linkedin: Dr. Alexandria Phillips PT, DPT, MDNC
- Other: Tik tok: amplify_hp
