We were lucky to catch up with Dalton Tolliver recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dalton, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
The journey from the decision to start Seven Bridges Chiropractic to its establishment was marked by careful deliberation and a commitment to a unique vision. After deciding not to accept a job offer in Jacksonville, the idea of creating a chiropractic practice took root. Relocating to a new city with the intention of joining an established chiropractor initially seemed like a promising opportunity for professional growth. However, upon deeper reflection and weighing personal aspirations, the decision to forge a new path became clear. This pivotal moment set the stage for the birth of Seven Bridges Chiropractic.
Naming the practice was a thoughtful process, culminating in the choice of “Seven Bridges Chiropractic,” which emerged as the perfect embodiment of the clinic’s mission. Inspired by Jacksonville’s iconic seven main bridges, each leading to different areas of the town, the name carried symbolic significance beyond mere geography. It represented the essence of the clinic’s purpose: to bridge the gap to wellness for patients seeking holistic health solutions. This choice laid the foundation for a chiropractic clinic with a distinct identity and a profound commitment to providing comprehensive care.
Key steps in establishing Seven Bridges Chiropractic included conceptualizing the clinic’s identity, selecting services to offer, and formulating a philosophy grounded in individualized care. These foundational elements were meticulously crafted to align with the vision of becoming a trusted partner in the community’s pursuit of well-being. Offering a wide range of services, including various chiropractic techniques, physical therapy, dry needling, and acupuncture, ensured that the clinic could address the diverse needs of its patients comprehensively.
Challenges inevitably arose during the setup phase, including navigating the logistical aspects of securing a suitable location, obtaining necessary licenses, and building a client base from scratch. In hindsight, one aspect that could have potentially expedited the clinic’s growth trajectory would have been involving a marketing specialist at the early stages of the practice. A skilled marketing professional could have provided valuable insights and strategies to enhance the clinic’s visibility, attract clients, and foster community engagement.
For young professionals considering starting their own practice, my advice would be to embark on the journey with thorough research, meticulous planning, and a willingness to adapt to unforeseen challenges. Seek mentorship from experienced practitioners who can offer guidance and wisdom gained from their own entrepreneurial endeavors. Additionally, prioritize marketing and networking efforts from the outset, recognizing their pivotal role in establishing and growing a successful practice. Embrace each obstacle as an opportunity for growth, and remain steadfast in your commitment to your vision and values, knowing that every step taken brings you closer to realizing your aspirations.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hello, I’m Dr. Dalton Tolliver, a passionate chiropractor born and raised in Michigan, but with a deep love for warmer climates, particularly Florida. My journey into chiropractic care began with a personal struggle with migraine headaches, which ultimately led me to discover the transformative power of chiropractic treatments.
My interest in chiropractic was further fueled by witnessing its effectiveness not only for myself but also for animals, particularly during my time as a horse groomer where I encountered Dr. Doug, an Animal Chiropractor. This experience solidified my conviction that chiropractic was my calling, prompting me to pursue a career dedicated to helping others through this holistic form of care.
As a former all-state volleyball athlete and collegiate rookie of the year player, I understand firsthand the importance of chiropractic care in optimizing athletic performance and overall well-being. My own experiences with chiropractic during my athletic career ant Appalachian State inspired me to specialize in a more sports chiropractic practice and to prioritize the enhancement of overall function for my patients.
I graduated Cum Laude with a Doctorate in Chiropractic from Logan University in St. Louis, MO, where I completed diverse clinical rotations and engaged in advanced seminars on adjusting, soft-tissue, and rehabilitation. Committed to lifelong learning, I regularly attend continuing education seminars to stay at the forefront of treatment strategies across disciplines.
In my practice, I provide a wide range of chiropractic services tailored to meet the individual needs of my patients, including athletes, individuals with disabilities, and the medically underserved. I focus not only on symptom management but also on identifying and addressing the root causes of my patients’ issues to promote long-term health and wellness. I am also certified in Dry needling and Acupuncture.
Outside of the practice, I lead an active lifestyle, embracing outdoor adventures with my husband Andrew and our furry companions, Beau and Sayla. My love for exploration extends to travel, where I immerse myself in diverse cultures and uncover new experiences.
What sets me apart is my commitment to personalized care, continuous education, and holistic approach to health and wellness. I take pride in empowering my patients to take control of their health journey and achieve their wellness goals.
Whether you’re an athlete looking to enhance performance, someone struggling with chronic pain, or simply seeking to improve your overall well-being, I am dedicated to providing compassionate care and personalized solutions to help you live your best life.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story from my journey that illustrates my resilience is the experience of starting Seven Bridges Chiropractic shortly after relocating to a new community. Typically, individuals prefer to establish roots and build a support system before taking such a significant leap, but circumstances led me down a different path. After relocating and encountering challenges securing employment aligning with my values, I drew upon my upbringing in an entrepreneurial family for guidance. My father’s advice to experience the breadth of business experiences proved invaluable, urging me to work for at least three offices before considering opening my own.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. I encountered setbacks, including a job labeled “the ugly,” which lasted less than 24 hours. Despite these hurdles, I remained determined to defy the statistics of small businesses failing, especially in the chiropractic profession where the attrition rate five years post-graduation is daunting.
Fortune smiled upon me when I stumbled upon a nurse renting a room, providing the opportunity to start Seven Bridges Chiropractic with just $5,000 of my assets. Although the journey wasn’t without its trials, such as the Herculean task of transporting a 700-pound chiropractic table, I persevered with the support of my then-boyfriend, now husband, and our neighbors. Overcoming initial challenges, we adapted and grew the business without accumulating debt.
Despite setbacks like the regulatory challenges of incorporating dry needling into our practice, I remained steadfast in my commitment to providing the best care possible for my patients. I dedicated months to mastering acupuncture and obtained necessary certifications, ensuring that Seven Bridges Chiropractic remained at the forefront of chiropractic research and techniques.
What sets us apart from other chiropractors in the area is our patient-centric approach, personalized care, and commitment to continual education. We offer a diverse range of services, empowering our patients to take an active role in their well-being. Our mission is to serve as the bridge to wellness for our patients, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive.
Despite the challenges and obstacles faced along the way, I am proud of our humble beginnings and genuinely excited about the future of Seven Bridges Chiropractic.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?
Securing the initial capital to start Seven Bridges Chiropractic was a testament to resourcefulness and serendipity. After relocating to Jacksonville and encountering challenges finding employment aligned with my values, I drew upon my entrepreneurial background and resilience to pursue my dream of opening a chiropractic practice.
With the encouragement of my father, who instilled in me the importance of experiencing various business environments, I embarked on a journey to gain firsthand experience in the field. Working for three different offices provided valuable insights and prepared me for the eventual leap into entrepreneurship.
Fortune smiled upon me when I stumbled upon a nurse renting a room, providing the perfect opportunity to kickstart Seven Bridges Chiropractic. With just $5,000 of my own assets, I seized the opportunity and took the plunge into entrepreneurship.
This stroke of luck significantly reduced the financial burden typically associated with starting a chiropractic practice, which often requires substantial capital investment. With minimal overhead costs initially, I was able to focus on building the practice and delivering exceptional care to my patients without the added pressure of significant financial strain.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties of starting a business, I remained determined and resourceful, leveraging my personal assets and seizing opportunities as they arose. This resilience and adaptability laid the foundation for Seven Bridges Chiropractic’s humble beginnings and eventual success.
Contact Info:
- Website: Sevenbridgeschiro.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sevenbridgeschiropractic?igsh=cHY1ZnhpNGFtd204&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063759660518
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seven-bridges-chiropractic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/7BridgesChiro
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCf0p4Lji0lZ0Qc9uavaf5HA
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/seven-bridges-chiropractic-jacksonville