We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Franks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

To start a business was definitely scary and there was a lot of uncertainty. But I have several positive people around me that spoke that entrepreneurship mentality over and over. They believed in me more than I did in myself, in the beginning. Once I started writing out my business plan and doing the research, I knew it was no going back. I kept my ideas to myself for a long time and then I remember sharing with my sister the idea first to make sure I wasn’t crazy.

I had a patient tell me, “It’s time for Erica to step out on faith. This is your time.” Another patient who has been a successful business woman in Atlanta gave me the book called, “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson, MD. This book helped me realize where I was in my current life but also helped me realize change is necessary for my growth.

What should our readers know about your business?

I’ve been an Orthopedics Physical Therapist since 2008. I am the owner of Invigor Physical Therapy which was established in 2014 for orthopedic patients within their homes. In June, 2022, I opened within a gym space in Marietta, GA treating all orthopedic cases in addition to Vestibular rehabilitation..

Being a business owner is not for everyone and that’s okay. What I have learned is that as an owner, you are always working. I may not always be doing patient care, but there is always something that needs to be done. The goal is to survive but keep your sanity at the same time.

This hasn’t been easy, and I’m constantly faced with challenges and reality. It feels like I’m always spending more money than I’m making it, but in the beginning that becomes the norm. Others from the outside think we are killing it as business owners, but in the beginning that takes time, patience and serious dedication that only you will truly understand.

I’ve worked as a PT for 15 years in orthopedics. My last job, I was a Clinic Director of a private own practice for 8 years in South Fulton, GA. The leadership skills I developed at my last job helped me take my career to the next level.

The challenge with a new company has been gaining the volume to sustain because of the low reimbursement rates provided by insurance companies. In addition, the process of getting paid from insurance companies can be lengthy. I chose to accept mainly insurances because of cost inflation. People cannot always afford a self-pay rate. Most pay a lot into insurance premiums and want to use their insurance for PT.

As a PT, I really love what I do and helping people get better, which is what sets me apart. I have a passion to help others get better and truly love what I do which shows in patient care.

What I am really excited about is that I have added a new title to my name, “Published Author”. I have had several PTs ask how to start a business over the last year, and now I’m excited to help others do the same. My published book is on Amazon Kindle called, “How do you start a Physical Therapy Practice.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

If my best friend came in town….

We would eat breakfast/brunch at: Breakfast at Barneys, Tupelo Honey, Folk Art, Buttermilk Kitchen, Sun in my Belly, Gocha’s Breakfast Bar, or Blendz Friendz for a smoothie bowl.

For lunch or dinner, we would do: Rays on The River (my favorite), Mojave, Murphy’s, Two Urban Licks, Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours, Bazati, Papi’s Cuban and Caribbean Grill, 26 Thai Kitchen and Bar, Slutty Vegan, or Chattahoochee Food Works.

I would take her to hang out at- Ponce City Market and walk the Beltline or enjoy the rooftop, Atlantic Station, Top Golf Atlanta, The Gathering Spot, Centennial Olympic Park, The Painted Pin or The Painted Duck, Silver Comet Trail, The Battery, Cascade Springs Nature Preserve, Dance 101 for a dance class, the Fox Theatre and Cavender Creek Vineyards or Frogtown Cellars Vineyard.

Let’s just say, she would eat good while she’s here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

The people who deserve credit and have been influential along the way have been:

Dr. Gloria Campbell D’Hue, MD- Retired Dermatologist of Atlanta Dermatology and Medispa
Dr. Rodrick Barden, DDS- Owner, Endodontist of South Atlanta Endodontic Specialists
Dr. Damon Williams, PT, DPT- Physical Therapist and Owner of Advanced Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Clinic
Dawn Ogden- Travel Client Advisor and Soror
Dr. David Anthony Spencer Jr., D. Min- Manager of Spiritual Health at WellStar North Fulton

Website: www.invigorpt.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invigorpt

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076169705146

Image Credits
Professional picture: Shoccara Marcus Instagram: shocphoto

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.