We were lucky to catch up with Idler Bonhomme recently and have shared our conversation below.

Idler, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?

As I look back at several of my internship that I had to complete to become a therapist, I realize they provided me the opportunity for self-evaluation in many instances. As an intern, we were scheduled weekly with our clinical instructor to review progress, areas of concern, and feedback. One particular week, I felt lost, defeated, and discouraged; I thought I was not making significant gains with the client’s progress. The internships provided a direct opportunity to take an actual inventory of my skill set, mentally, emotionally, and physically as I was ready to enter this new world, a profession that I will now be leading others to achieve their peak. The opportunity to meet with my CI weekly provided that opportunity to show me a different perspective from what I was internalizing before it became cancer in my development as a clinician.

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.

I am Dr. Idler Bonhomme (Dr. B). I’m a native of Gonaives, Haiti, a proud son of migrants, a brother, father, fiancé, and a friend to many. I am also a founding member of the Haitian American Association of Brevard, immediate past President of the Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce (GHACC)-Orlando, and a member of other nonprofit organizations. Founder of Nou La, a community organization that aims to empower Haitian-American and Caribbean descent individuals with positive images to thrive in their community.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences from the University of Florida. Then, I received my Master of Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Georgia. Soon after, I completed my Doctoral degree at NOVA Southeastern University. I am a licensed massage/physical therapist serving as the Owner/Clinical Director of Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center-Orlando, the fastest-growing franchise in healthcare.

In 2022 I entered the title insurance industry. I have a Florida Title Agent License (4-10). I am committed to serving and eager to learn all I can about the industry.

For 20 years, I have dedicated countless hours to encouraging, motivating, and inspiring patients/clients suffering from chronic conditions, illnesses, and injuries. As a healthcare professional, I have taught patients how to manage their pain through physical therapy treatment and rehabilitation; while instilling the knowledge on how to avoid specific injuries.

As a community servant, I have gained a better understanding of building community relationships that could further impact the society around me. As the motto of Fyzical states, “Love your life,” I wholeheartedly believe that by loving who you are and what you do, you can better influence those around you.

Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?

FYZICAL is a medical and scientific-based physical therapy and fitness organization with a broad range of expertise that I bought—spelled differently because we are different! It was founded by a medical doctor, physiologists, licensed therapists, and service business experts who provide prescribed physical therapy and medically-based physical fitness. Fyzical is the health and wellness leader, providing private practices with business systems, operational support, clinical education, and proprietary technology and protocols.

While operating a single practice for seven years in a constantly changing industry, I realized I needed business insight and guidance to prosper and achieve my aspirations. So in 2012, I decided to venture into a franchise. I am the owner/operator of 2 franchise units of physical therapy centers serving the Pine Hills, Metro West, and the surrounding West Orlando Region. As a private practice physical therapy owner, we were and continue to be heavily dependent on direct physician referrals during that time. During that time, many physician groups were being consolidated or bought out by the corporate medical groups or hospital groups; hence, referrals were drying out and being kept in-house. Fyzical came about to provide leverage and a solution.

Before purchasing or buying into any organization, ones must do due diligence. Some of the steps I took were: I researched the leaders of the organization, their previous projects, and investments, attended their public interest meeting, contacted current franchisees regarding their experience and the culture of the franchise, consulted friends/family, and also an attorney for documents review and legal counsel.

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

To help build my reputation in my marketplace were three things: Consistency, Engagement, and Passion: The private practice physical therapy business heavily depends on physician referrals and relationship building. Therefore, I first had to get involved in the community by participating in various community activities such as health fairs, hosting small group workshops, and knocking on physician doors to introduce myself and the practice. Finally, passion serves as my fuel, my driver. The power I have to help others love their lives, be whole, and remain active removed the “work” out of work. Then the work began to speak for me through the various clients’/patients’ successes.

Contact Info:

• Website: fyzical.com/west-orlando
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idlerdrb/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/idler.bonhomme
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idler-bonhomme/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC8kpYZ6u_hhwxnp1nLfUXQ

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