We were lucky to catch up with Brent Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Brent thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

I am certainly happier as a business owner. That said, it’s not without its ups and downs. There is never truly a day off. Even when I’m not at the practice, my mind is always focused on perfecting our systems and procedures. The incredible part of being a business owner is that our success is directly tied to the effort of myself and our team. If we aren’t performing well, then it’s on us to improve. Conversely, when everything is going great, it’s a testament to our hard work.
There are definitely moments when I wonder what it would be like to return to a “normal” job. It would certainly be easier and far less stressful. However, I also feel it wouldn’t be nearly as rewarding. For example, there was a time recently when I was reviewing our monthly expenses and realized how much responsibility rests on my shoulders. As a business owner, certain bills need to be paid before I can even consider taking home a paycheck. It’s a weighty realization, but it also brings clarity and determination.
One specific instance stands out in my mind. I had just finished a long day at the practice, where we were working on streamlining a new patient intake system. It was exhausting and required a lot of trial and error. After dinner, I sat down with my laptop to reconcile our budget and plan for upcoming expenses. The numbers weren’t ideal, and I felt a wave of anxiety about how to balance everything—paying staff, covering overhead, and keeping things running smoothly. In that moment, I imagined the simplicity of clocking out at 5 p.m. in a regular job and leaving the stress at work.
But as I sat there, I thought about the patients whose lives we’ve impacted. There’s the single mom who told me she can now play with her kids without pain, or the young professional who regained their confidence after months of struggling with debilitating headaches. These stories remind me why I chose this path. Yes, it’s harder, and yes, the stakes are higher, but the sense of fulfillment I get from knowing that we are genuinely helping people outweighs the stress.
Ultimately, being a business owner isn’t just a job, it’s an extension of who I am. It allows me to grow, face challenges head-on, and build something that reflects my values. While I occasionally fantasize about the simplicity of a “normal” job, I always come back to the realization that the rewards of entrepreneurship (the autonomy, the impact, the pride) make it all worth it.

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?

I am Dr. Brent Johnson, and I’ve had the privilege of building Castle Hills Chiropractic from the ground up. My journey into chiropractic care began with a deep interest in health and wellness and a desire to help people achieve better lives without invasive treatments. Early in my career, I realized how profoundly chiropractic care could transform lives, and that solidified my decision to dedicate myself to this field.
At Castle Hills Chiropractic, we offer a range of services, including chiropractic adjustments, non-surgical decompression therapy, and intersegmental traction. Our focus is on providing customized care plans that address the specific needs of each patient. Whether it’s alleviating back pain, relieving headaches, or helping patients regain mobility, our goal is to improve quality of life through targeted, effective care.
What sets us apart is our patient-centered approach. We believe in offering straightforward, transparent care without upselling unnecessary treatments. From the moment patients walk through our doors, they’re met with a warm, welcoming environment where their health and comfort are our top priorities. My team and I take the time to educate patients about their care plans so they feel informed and empowered.
One of the things I’m most proud of is our involvement in the San Antonio community. Whether it’s through volunteering, supporting local businesses, or participating in city events, we strive to be more than just a healthcare provider. We aim to be a trusted partner in the lives of our neighbors.
The main thing I want potential clients to know is that Castle Hills Chiropractic is here to offer solutions, not band-aids. We are committed to long-term health and wellness, and every aspect of our practice reflects that philosophy. Our care is driven by genuine concern for our patients’ well-being, and that’s what keeps me passionate about what I do every day.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for us has undoubtedly been community engagement and referrals. Being actively involved in the Castle Hills community has allowed us to connect with people on a personal level and establish trust. Whether it’s participating in local events, volunteering for charity runs, or simply supporting neighboring businesses, these interactions have created meaningful relationships that translate into patient referrals.
Another key factor has been word-of-mouth. When patients share their positive experiences with friends, family, or coworkers, it not only builds our reputation but also reinforces the value of the care we provide. For example, one of our patients recently referred a colleague who had been struggling with chronic back pain. That new patient told me how much they appreciated hearing about our practice from someone they trusted, which made them feel more comfortable seeking care.
Additionally, we’ve invested time and effort into creating a strong online presence. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google have been instrumental in helping us reach a broader audience. Engaging content, like educational videos and success stories, has sparked curiosity and encouraged potential clients to reach out.
Ultimately, the combination of community involvement, referrals, and a strategic online presence has been the cornerstone of our client growth. Each source complements the other, creating a steady stream of new patients who trust us to help them achieve better health.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

One of the most nerve-wracking moments in my journey as a business owner happened during our very first month of operation. We had just opened the doors to our practice, and while we were starting to see patients, the initial expenses of setting up the business had drained all our financial cushion. It was a delicate balancing act: covering the payroll, keeping the lights on, and ensuring we had everything we needed to provide top-notch care.
There was a particular month where the numbers just weren’t adding up. Despite our best efforts to bring in new patients, we were falling short of our revenue goals. I remember sitting in my office late one night, staring at spreadsheets and running different scenarios in my head. What could I postpone? What could I forgo this month to keep the doors open? To ensure my team got paid, I chose to forgo my own check. In fact, I hadn’t taken home any money in months. The stress was palpable. It felt like the dream may have been over before it even got started.
In that moment, I decided to double down on community outreach. I spent the next few days visiting local businesses, introducing myself, and sharing information about our practice. I also made a point to connect with our current patients, encouraging them to share their experiences and refer friends and family. The response was incredible. By the end of the month, we had just barely enough to cover payroll and keep everything running smoothly.
That experience taught me a valuable lesson about resilience and the importance of proactive communication. It also reinforced the idea that as a business owner, you have to be resourceful and willing to adapt. Those close calls can be terrifying, but they also have a way of showing you what you’re capable of when the stakes are high.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://castlehillschiropractic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castle_hills_chiro/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558493137822
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-johnson-918937122/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Castle_Hills_Chiro
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/castle-hills-chiropractic-castle-hills