Establishing your own firm or practice is an incredibly daunting task. From myriad of legal and regulatory hurdles to the financial and career related risks, professionals who choose to start their own firm have to overcome so much and so we wanted to reach out to those who’ve done it successfully for advice, insight and stories.
Jimmy Carey
Starting my own firm was both an exhilarating and humbling journey, rooted in decades of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. After 37 years in the business, including ownership of five successful restaurants in Miami and Atlanta, I knew I had a deep understanding of what makes restaurants thrive. That knowledge became the foundation for the Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate Team—a firm dedicated to helping restaurant owners, landlords, and tenants navigate the complexities of restaurant real estate with a level of expertise that most agents simply can’t offer. Today, I’m proud to be recognized as a restaurant broker who truly understands the unique needs of this industry. Read more>>
Keith Ablow, Md
Everything I have done professionally–and much of what I have been able to optimize in my own life–relates to my sixth sense for “story” and how to optimize the life stories of my clients. When I set up my practice of counseling, coaching and strategizing with leaders in business, the arts and professional sports (to name a few), it was based on delivering them a searing understanding of the earlier chapters in their life histories, taking stock of the current moment and then deciding on the best possible next chapters to “write.” Every one of us has a “best story,” and it isn’t random. It’s a calling. It’s the truth about that person that relates to his or her deepest Self. Read more>>
Lasandra Lee
The inspiration behind Leesang Services LLC came from deeply personal experiences. While posted overseas on assignment, I witnessed family members navigating post-surgical recovery alone, without the support they needed. It was distressing to see their struggles from afar, knowing how crucial proper care is during recovery. Later, I found myself in the same situation—recovering from multiple surgeries without adequate assistance. These experiences highlighted a significant gap in post-operative care, particularly for individuals without immediate family support. Recognizing this unmet need, I was determined to create a solution. That vision led to the founding of Leesang Services LLC, a practice dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered post-operative nursing care. Read more>>
Roberta Hejde
The decision to open my own practice was born out of a deep desire to create a space where I could genuinely connect with clients and offer truly personalized care. After years of experience in clinical settings and extensive learning in physical therapy and specialized massage techniques, I realized there was a gap in the market for holistic and customized wellness services that address both physical recovery and emotional well-being. Read more>>
Dr. Josh Demorett
Establishing and starting my own practice was a challenge from the get go. I had been a physical therapist for 8 years at this point and spent ample time and energy honing this skill set. Being a performance physical therapist I knew. Knowing how to properly own and operate a business was a whole other conversation. Read more>>
Amanda Whitlow
At just 18 years old, I had a defining moment that shaped the course of my life. During a college event, we were asked to reflect on a passion—something we would do wholeheartedly, with or without a paycheck. Without hesitation, I said, “Help people.”
That revelation stirred something deep within me. The next day, I spoke with my late mother, sharing my desire to switch my major from accounting to social work. Without missing a beat, she fully supported my decision. She often spoke of her own regrets—of not following her true passion in college—and she didn’t want me to make the same mistake. Encouraged by her unwavering belief in me, I took the leap, changing my major and immersing myself in my new path. Read more>>
Melanie Ryerson
Starting Gulf Grove Therapy was a leap of faith born out of both passion and necessity. As a trauma therapist, I saw the growing need for accessible, inclusive mental health care in the wake of COVID-19, a time when the importance of mental health could no longer be ignored. The early days were filled with research, resourcefulness, and a deep commitment to making my vision a reality. Thankfully, the post-pandemic era has brought a wealth of free and affordable resources for starting a practice, which made the journey more accessible. Read more>>