Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Brian Seaman, owner of Halifax Chiropractic Clinic, located in Halifax, NS, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Halifax Chiropractic Clinic was established in 1982 and has provided chiropractic care for thousands of patients over the past 40 years. The age range of patients varies from youth to senior patients, many of whom lead very active lifestyles. A clinical impression or diagnosis is established by reviewing each patient's history, performing an examination of the area(s), and, if necessary, arranging for diagnostic imaging (i.e., X-rays). From this, an opinion can be offered as to what treatment approaches would be in the patient's best interest and whether chiropractic care would be clinically indicated. Lifestyle advice and prescribed exercises are very often part of the treatment protocol. The goal is to get our patients back to the lifestyle and level of activity they were used to before their injury. This may also involve collaboration with other health care professionals, such as the patient's family physician.
Tell us about yourself
My initial impetus was an interest in sports injuries. I attended Dalhousie University and was accepted to the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto. Within a couple of years of graduation with my Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), I started a three-year specialization program which led to receiving a Fellowship of the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences (Canada), FRCCSS(C). Over the years, I have been very fortunate to have worked with patients from all walks of life, including active people of all ages, recreational athletes, elite athletes (such as on our Olympic and national teams), and even professionals from a variety of sports. Making a difference in a patient's life and lifestyle has continued to serve as an impetus and motivation.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Over the years, I have volunteered at many athletic events, including over 50 national and international events. These have included 4 Olympic Games and a Pan American Games, and being the Chair of Medical Services for the 2011 Canada Winter Games and the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. Through these events, I have met very interesting individuals from other health care professions and varied backgrounds and cultures.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The "work behind the work"— in other words, the paperwork and administrative duties that patients do not see. The Covid Pandemic certainly created additional challenges which all businesses had not encountered in the past.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
In developing your business plan, ensure that you have established a good working relationship with:
- Your banker
- A corporate lawyer
- An accountant. Hiring a well-qualified bookkeeper will reduce your admin work. They will also be able to provide concise and accurate statements to the accountant at year-end.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Ensure you select a profession that will become a lifelong 'career,' not just a 'job'. There is a significant difference between the two. As well, in any of the health care professions, it is a case of continuing to learn over the years, not only from clinical interactions but also from journals, colleagues, courses, and conferences.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.halifaxchiropractic.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HalifaxChiropracticClinic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halifaxsportchiro/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-brian-seaman-92077533/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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