Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jeffrey O’guin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jeffrey, thanks for joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

One of the things that sets my business apart from the industry standard is how much we’ve evolved beyond the traditional chiropractic model. When I first started, I was like many chiropractors, primarily focused on spinal manipulation—“cracking backs,” as most people think of it. However, I quickly realized that while that approach can help some people, it doesn’t address the full spectrum of what many patients truly need.

I’ve always been someone who values evidence-based care and comprehensive solutions. Personally, I’ve responded well to therapies like myofascial release, which works directly with the muscles that move the bones. This realization led me to expand our focus to include not just joint dysfunction but also muscle dysfunction. Over time, we’ve added a range of therapies that allow us to address more conditions and provide individualized care—everything from acupuncture for pain relief to shockwave therapy for tendon rejuvenation.

As a strong believer in “movement as medicine,” we eventually integrated physical rehabilitation and small-group personal training into our offerings. We were already showing patients the best stretches and exercises for their specific conditions, but now we go a step further. We provide ongoing support and guidance to help people build lasting resilience through quality, functional exercise routines.

For example, we had a patient who struggled with chronic shoulder pain that wasn’t improving with manipulation alone. By combining myofascial release, targeted acupuncture, and a personalized rehabilitation plan, we not only resolved their pain but also helped them regain confidence and strength in their movement.

This comprehensive approach allows us to truly serve our patients as whole individuals, addressing their unique needs and empowering them to take charge of their health in a way that goes beyond industry norms.

Jeffrey, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always been fascinated by health and wellness, but my journey into this field has been anything but traditional. From 1998-2002, I served in the Marine Corps, which taught me the value of discipline, perseverance, and physical resilience. After my service, I worked in roofing and other hard labor jobs. That’s when I started experiencing significant back pain. It was frustrating, and I became deeply curious about ways to heal myself. That curiosity led me to chiropractic, which became the foundation of my career.

But my thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. I quickly realized that true wellness goes beyond spinal adjustments. I explored other disciplines that fascinated me, including massage therapy, yoga, strength training, and athletic training. Each of these areas offered something valuable for healing and building resilience, and I was determined to find a way to integrate them into my practice.

That determination eventually led to the creation of Embody Performance & Recovery, a brand that reflects everything I’ve come to believe about health and empowerment. When I was brainstorming a name, I wanted something that would represent “empowerment through movement.” Playing with the initials E and M, I landed on “Embody,” and it felt perfect.

What I’m most proud of is the incredible team I’ve built along the way. Every member of our team shares a commitment to the idea that movement is medicine and that empowering people to take control of their health can transform their lives. Whether it’s through chiropractic care, myofascial release, acupuncture, or personal training, we’re here to help our clients recover, perform, and thrive.

The main thing I want potential clients to know is that we don’t just treat symptoms—we empower people to move better, feel stronger, and live more abundantly. Whether you’re healing from an injury or looking to reach new levels of strength and vitality, Embody Performance & Recovery is here to guide you every step of the way.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been simple but powerful: building trust and offering real value. Instead of pouring money into flashy advertising campaigns, we’ve focused on investing in the quality of care we provide. We believe that when you deliver stellar service and genuinely care about the people you serve, it resonates—and our clients can feel that.

The last part of our Purpose Statement truly captures our approach:
“The foundation of our effectiveness lies in building trust and cultivating confidence through sincerity and the relentless pursuit of expertise in promoting health and personal growth.”

This isn’t just a tagline for us; it’s a principle we live by. Every interaction, every session, and every decision we make is grounded in that commitment. By prioritizing trust and creating meaningful connections, we’ve been able to grow organically through referrals, word-of-mouth, and the loyalty of clients who know we are fully invested in their well-being.

This strategy may not be the fastest route to growth, but it’s the most rewarding—and it ensures that we’re building a strong, sustainable foundation for the future.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I graduated from Logan College of Chiropractic in 2008, just months before the major financial crisis hit. It was an incredibly challenging time—securing a loan was out of the question, and job opportunities to work under another chiropractor were non-existent. With no choice but to strike out on my own, I entered the world of business with no experience.

I started as an independent contractor, working out of another chiropractor’s office but entirely responsible for finding my own patients. It was a steep learning curve, but it taught me resilience and resourcefulness. After two years, I found someone willing to extend a modest personal loan of $30,000—without going through a bank. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to establish my first office, a humble 500-square-foot space.

From there, it was a slow and steady climb. It took ten years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance to expand into our current location—nearly 3,000 square feet—and to build the incredible team of physicians and personal trainers we have today.

Looking back, I’m proud of how far we’ve come and grateful for the lessons learned during those early years of struggle. They shaped the foundation of our business and the values we continue to uphold: hard work, trust, and unwavering commitment to our clients’ health and well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chiropractorkirkwood.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embodystl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embodystl
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-o-guin-4a525811/
• Youtube: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC5Y6e4Fp4fBAXhrpmQhqARQ/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/embody-performance-and-recovery-kirkwood-2?osq=Embody+Performance+%26+Recovery

Image Credits

Natasha McGuire