We were lucky to catch up with Ben Bumguardner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ben, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style. Do you have an interesting story from that stage of your career that you can share with us?

During my time as a senior intern at Vitality Sports Medicine in Plano, Texas, I was presented with a unique and defining opportunity to work alongside our owner with FC Dallas, a Major League Soccer team located just a short drive up the highway from our office. Reflecting on this experience, I realize it was a seminal moment that not only taught me an invaluable lesson but also shaped my entire approach to practice, leading me down the path of a multidisciplinary style of healthcare.

While at Vitality, I would frequently journey up to Toyota Stadium to work with FC Dallas, assisting the Head Athletic Trainer who also led the sports science division. It was during these sessions that I was introduced to a philosophy that would change my perspective as a healthcare provider: open-mindedness.

Before this encounter, I might have been reluctant to work with someone who “didn’t have as much schooling” as I did or who hadn’t endured the rigorous 180-hour, 3.5-year program that I had completed. But the wisdom and humility of the Head ATC taught me that different perspectives are not just valuable but essential. Together, we were able to collaborate, assessing and designing protocols that contributed to the team having the lowest injury rates in the league. Our synergy, along with Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs), created a dynamic and powerful team, where our work complemented and built upon each other’s contributions.

This realization of the importance of open-mindedness has been instrumental in shaping my vision for Alpha Sports Performance Medicine. It’s a vision founded on a ‘Just Cause’ – a desire to revolutionize athlete care by building a future where every athlete has access to a joy-filled, world-class, multidisciplinary team. This team is steadfast in its pursuit of empowering athletes to exceed their own expectations. It’s a vision grounded in a community of passionate providers, committed to the health, performance, and well-being of the athlete, as well as to each other. It’s about creating an environment where care, joy, and fulfillment are the norm.

I envision a world where caring for athletes is a shared responsibility, a resilient commitment, an unwavering dedication. It’s a true team endeavor that leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of excellence. This is not just about building clinics; it’s about forging communities – powerful, supportive networks that serve as the beating heart of an athlete’s journey, and an unwavering beacon of excellence in sports medicine.

In hindsight, my experience with Vitality and FC Dallas was more than an internship; it was an enlightening journey that transformed my mindset, broadened my horizons, and set me on a path to make a profound difference in the world of sports medicine. It reinforced the importance of collaboration, empathy, and respect for diverse perspectives, values that I carry with me in my current endeavor and hope to instill in the very fabric of Alpha Sports Performance Medicine.

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

I am Dr. Ben Bumguardner and I am proud husband to an amazing wife (Suzete) and father of 3 (Khapri, Braxton, and Stryder) wonderfully energetic kids. I am a graduate of Texas A&M University where I earned a degree in Business and afterward went on to claim my Doctor of Chiropractic degree and national board licensure. After that I went in to more school to acquire the title of Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner, that allows me to spend time with USATF (United States of America Track and Field) and the ability to be invited for 2 week rotations at the Olympic Training Centers in Colorado Springs as well as Lake Placid.

I’m the founder of Alpha Sports Performance Medicine, a sports healthcare and rehabilitation provider that’s dedicated to revolutionizing athlete care. My journey into this unique blend of sports performance medicine began when I was a senior intern at Vitality Sports Medicine in Plano, Texas. Working alongside a multidisciplinary team with FC Dallas, a Major League Soccer team, ignited a passion for a more integrative approach to sports healthcare, one that is both open-minded and synergistic.

I realized that a collaborative approach that includes various disciplines like chiropractic care, massage therapy, physical therapy, dietetics, and sports psychology, provides an enriched understanding of an athlete’s needs. It’s about viewing care not just through a clinical lens but as a combined endeavor, where the well-being of the athlete is the core objective.

Alpha Sports Performance Medicine offers an evidence-based approach to care founded on our pioneering Resiliency Training Model. We provide comprehensive sports healthcare services, including chiropractic, massage, physical therapy, dietetics, and sports psychology, all aimed at empowering athletes to exceed their expectations. We solve a wide array of problems for our clients, ranging from injury prevention and rehabilitation to performance enhancement and mental resilience.

What sets us apart is our “Just Cause,” a vision grounded in a passionate community of providers who are dedicated to the health and performance of the athlete. We foster an environment where care is rooted in every action, and joy and fulfillment are the norm. This is more than just about building clinics; it’s about building communities—powerful, supportive networks that serve as the heart of an athlete’s journey and an unwavering beacon of excellence in sports medicine.

I’m most proud of the collaborative and multidisciplinary environment we’ve created at Alpha Sports, as well as our commitment to innovative and world-class care. Our approach fills a critical gap in the market, and we continually strive to stay ahead by adopting the latest research and methodologies.

To our potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Alpha Sports Performance Medicine is here to redefine what sports healthcare means. We’re here to walk with you every step of the way, ensuring that you’re not only physically fit but mentally strong and joy-filled. Join us in our pursuit of better, and let’s exceed expectations together.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a reputation within our market was not an instantaneous process; it was a carefully planned and heartfelt effort that began with a bold step. When my wife and I founded Alpha Sports, we knew that to truly connect with the community and demonstrate what sets our approach apart, we needed to give people a taste of our unique care. Thus, for the first five months of operations, we provided all our services for free.

This might seem unconventional, but it was a strategic move designed to show our commitment to the community, rather than to profits. By offering our chiropractic care—which was unlike anything people had seen before—without cost, we were able to exemplify our genuine desire to invest in and live life alongside our neighbors.

We were everywhere, attending every event and competition we could, offering athlete recovery to anyone willing to give us a chance, without ever asking for payment. Our loan was structured in such a way that our needs were met during these initial months of free care, allowing us to focus solely on serving others.

The result was astounding. Not only were we in the black within our first month of paid operations, but we continued to thrive, building a loyal client base that appreciated our commitment to community and excellence.

Even after we transitioned to a paid model, we never lost sight of our initial mission. We continued to actively participate in local events and assist in any way we were asked, further cementing our reputation as a trustworthy and community-centered provider.

This approach was more than a marketing strategy; it was a reflection of our core values and our genuine desire to revolutionize sports healthcare. The trust and respect we earned during those early days carried us forward, allowing us to stay resilient even during challenges like the global pandemic.

In essence, our reputation was built on authenticity, community engagement, and an unwavering dedication to our vision. And it’s that reputation that continues to be the bedrock of Alpha Sports today.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team is about more than assigning tasks and tracking progress; it’s about creating a sense of purpose, unity, and trust that resonates with everyone involved. Here’s the approach I’ve embraced, which has led to a culture where high morale is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality.

1. Vulnerability and Listening: Leadership doesn’t mean having all the answers. Being vulnerable with my team, asking for their opinions, and genuinely listening to their insights fosters a culture where everyone feels valued and engaged. It’s not just about my vision; it’s about our collective pursuit of excellence.

2. Inclusivity and Team Effort: Keeping everyone involved, especially those with the knowledge and passion to contribute, ensures that creativity flows and collaboration thrives. It’s a shared journey, and every voice matters.

3. Embracing the Infinite Mindset: Inspired by Simon Sinek’s concept, we don’t just aim for short-term gains. We’re committed to our Just Cause – a vision that guides us and resonates with everyone in the company. It’s not about winning a game; it’s about advancing together toward a future we all believe in.

4. Culture is King: We hire first and foremost for cultural fit. Skills can be taught, but alignment with our values and mission is non-negotiable. It doesn’t matter if you’re the best in the business; if you don’t resonate with our culture, it’s not the right fit.

5. Faith-Led Leadership: My faith is my compass, guiding my decisions and shaping our path. I’m constantly seeking guidance from the Lord, asking for opportunities for growth, and embracing the wisdom that comes from Him.

6. Joy and Purpose: Work is a vital part of life, but it’s not everything. I consistently remind my team and myself to find the joy. While we can find fulfillment and joy IN our work, we must recognize that eternal joy transcends our professional roles. Our work is a means to contribute and grow, not the sole source of our happiness. Reminding myself and others that HE is where the joy is.

7. Hiring for Cultural Fit: Our culture is our most valuable asset. The people we bring on board must not only be skilled but also aligned with our values, our mission, and our vision.

In the end, maintaining high morale is about cultivating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and part of something greater than themselves. It’s about leading with empathy, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to a vision that inspires and unites. That’s the essence of our culture at Alpha Sports, and it’s what makes our team not just a group of employees but a family moving forward together.

Contact Info:

• Website: alphasports.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_ben_bumguardner/ , https://www.instagram.com/alphasports_cs/ , https://www.instagram.com/alphasports_mckinney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ben.bumguardner , https://www.facebook.com/AlphaSportsCS , https://www.facebook.com/AlphaSportsMcKinney
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-bumguardner-dc-ccsp-004a2b75/ , https://www.linkedin.com/company/alphasportsperformancemedicine/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alphasportsperformancemedi9662