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

Anthony , appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Starting my own business has been one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken, but a path I was always destined for. I’ve always been someone who “wanted more” from life. As a child, I wanted so badly to leave my hometown and explore the world. In college, I did that and was met with a new feeling of not wanting do a typical 9-5 internship. Instead, I became a wildland firefighter and fought fires around the western United States for 3 years. Upon finishing my undergraduate degree, I wanted to test my academic potential so I entered a doctoral program and ended up earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from one of the top 20 programs in the nation. After finishing my studies, the desire for “more in life” continued! I took up a staff physical therapist role in several different companies, but recognized my want and ability to branch out on my own. I wanted independence from typical corporate constraints and desired the freedom of choice and untapped growth potential that comes with owning a business. Even with a young family, I decided to take a risk on myself and chose to start a business that would transform health and wellness. It’s been a scary journey at times, but so rewarding! I go through every day knowing that I have given my very best because not only does my future depend on it, but the future for my wife and children are heavily dependent on my efforts today. My wife has been my biggest supporter and my children have paid witness to early mornings and long nights. This journey isn’t just mine to share. It impacts those I love and care about the most and I recognize that failure and success will depend on my ability to critically think, pivot as needed, and to do whatever it takes to thrive.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My background in wildland firefighting and training in Kinesiology and Physical Therapy has given me a unique point-of-view when it comes to how I choose to make an impact. I wanted to use my experiences to fill gaps in the way that tactical athletes operate in the health and wellness space. Most research and money has historically gone towards enhancing performance of athletes in sports. I wanted to bring high-level care to those who selflessly serve our communities instead. I started writing fitness-based articles for a wildland firefighting website in 2016. In 2020, I began sharing more content aimed at the firefighting and law enforcement communities. Since doing so, I have worked remotely with clients who work in wildland firefighting, municipal firefighters, and police departments. I offer strength training, nutrition coaching, and rehab guidance to all of my clientele. I am most proud of those who refuse to accept that their health and well-being is out of their control! I love working with individuals who believe in wanting more from themselves, their job, and for their future once they hit retirement. I utilize a significant amount of education to show that health is not simply the absence of disease, but it is a holistic way of accepting your current state of being and working towards a better self. Exercise and nutrition is similar to putting deposits into a bank account and over time the amount put in accumulates and you get to reap the rewards. Health is not about one workout, a specific diet, or theories, but instead is an average of all of the choices and habits we create over time. It’s always best to start now, but it’s never too late to begin creating something special for yourself!

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I had to go back in time, I would have started my business sooner. I felt semi-confident that I had the ability to thrive in a business environment, but always listened to negative people in my life who always attempted to keep my hopes and dreams small. It was when I changed the circle of people around me, that my mindset shifted and I realized that there is nothing uniquely special about those who go into business for themselves, it’s just that they have decided to own the responsibility of taking the risk. I wish I could back in time and tell myself to find a new circle and to believe in myself more!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

There are people who have greatly shaped my thinking.

Gary Vaynerchuk
Alex Hormozi
Ed Mylett
Codi Sanchez

…and last, but definitely not least, my wife and best friend, Sandra Harrell.

The people I have listed here became my circle. My wife is the only one I know personally, but the rest have impacted my life through podcasts, blog posts, and Youtube videos!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.westcoastphysicaltherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dranthonyharrell/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydharrell/