The P.t. Entrepreneur Podcast

Speed to Lead: The $30K Mistake Killing Your Clinic Growth In this episode, Doc Danny Matta breaks down one of the most overlooked profit leaks in cash-based practice ownership — slow lead follow-up. Learn how the average clinic loses tens of thousands each month from poor contact speed, and discover a simple system to fix it fast. Quick Ask Help us hit our mission of adding $1B in cash-based services to physical therapy. Share this episode with a clinician friend or post it on your Instagram stories — tag @dannymattaPT so he can reshare it! Episode Summary Big picture: Most clinics lose $30K+ per month from slow follow-up and poor lead management. The data gap: The average healthcare clinic takes 2 hours and 5 minutes to respond to a lead — consumers expect 10–15 minutes. Industry average: Only 11% of people who fill out a healthcare form ever become patients. 100x advantage: Responding within 5 minutes increases your chance of conversion by 100 times. The math: Raising your contact-to-eval rate from 40% to

Open Enrollment Reactivation: How Clinics Turn Past Patients into Six-Figure Months (with Jeremy Dupont) In this episode, Doc Danny Matta sits down with Jeremy Dupont (founder of Patch) to break down the most reliable campaign in cash PT: Open Enrollment. They cover simple and advanced playbooks for reactivating past patients, the offers that convert (and why), how to mobilize your team, and what realistic results look like for a growing clinic. Quick Ask Help us move toward our mission of adding $1B in cash-based services to physical therapy—share this episode with a clinician friend or post it on your Instagram stories and tag Danny. He’ll reshare it! Episode Summary Low-hanging fruit: Reactivation beats cold lead gen. Past patients already know, like, and trust you—bring them back with a clear, time-bound offer. Timing that works: Run Open Enrollment mid-September to early November to avoid competing with Black Friday and holiday noise. Proven offers: Classic 12 for 10 pack (two “free” visits or a clear $

The Story Behind the Bottle: Why Your Clinic’s Origin Story Matters In this episode, Doc Danny Matta shares a powerful lesson about storytelling, sparked by a birthday gift—a 1985 bottle of wine with an incredible backstory. What started as a meaningful gesture turned into a masterclass on how stories give depth, emotion, and memorability to everything—from a bottle of wine to your physical therapy clinic. Quick Ask Help us reach our goal of adding $1B in cash-based services to the profession—share this episode with a clinician friend or post it on your Instagram stories and tag Danny. He’ll reshare it! Episode Summary The Gift: Danny tracks down a rare 1985 bottle of wine as a 40th birthday gift—and discovers that the story behind it matters more than the wine itself. The Lesson: The story gives meaning. Without it, even something valuable loses its emotional connection and memorability. The Parallels: Your clinic is your “bottle of wine.” Patients remember stories—why you started, who you help, and what dr

I Sold My Practice—Then Bought It Back: Why I Reinvested in Athlete’s Potential In this episode, Doc Danny Matta shares a major announcement: he and his wife have reinvested in Athlete’s Potential, the cash-based physical therapy clinic they originally founded, grew, and sold three years ago. Danny explains why he decided to buy back in, what’s changed since selling, and how this move aligns with PT Biz’s broader mission of transforming private practice ownership in the profession. Quick Ask Help us move toward our mission of adding $1B in cash-based services to physical therapy—share this episode with a clinician friend or post it on your Instagram stories and tag Danny. He’ll reshare it! Episode Summary Full-circle moment: After selling Athlete’s Potential to their clinic director, Jake Swart, three years ago, Danny and his wife have now bought back into the business as partners. New role: Danny will serve as a strategic growth advisor, helping scale the clinic through expansion, systems, compensation rede

6x Your Ad ROI: The Power of Google Reviews for Cash Practices In this episode, Doc Danny Matta breaks down how one simple factor—Google reviews—can transform your return on ad spend (ROAS) from 2x to 12x. Using a real example of two nearly identical clinics, he explains why social proof is the difference between average and elite marketing results, and how to build a system that keeps reviews (and new patients) flowing. Quick Ask Help us reach our mission of adding $1B in cash-based services to the profession—share this episode with a clinician friend or post it to your IG stories and tag Danny. He’ll reshare it! Episode Summary Case Study: Two clinics, same ads, same demographics—one made 12x ROI, the other only 2x. The difference? 250 Google reviews vs. zero. Intent-based ads win: Google search leads are high-intent buyers looking for a real solution, not just scrolling. Social proof = trust: Buyers skip clinics with few or no reviews. Local reputation heavily influences clicks and conversions. AI search

Cash PT Trends 2025: What We Learned in Dallas + The New Industry Report In this episode, Doc Danny Matta and Yves Gege unpack takeaways from their Dallas live event and preview PT Biz’s new Cash PT Industry Report. They cover what’s working now across pure cash, hybrid, and out-of-network models; why continuity and small-group training are surging; and how the talent market is shifting as more solo owners choose to join established cash clinics. Quick Ask Help us move toward the mission of adding $1B in cash-based services to our profession: share this episode with a clinician friend or post it to your IG stories and tag Danny—he’ll reshare it. Episode Summary From beginners to builders: PT Biz events now draw ~200 owners focused on scaling, not just getting started. No single “right” model: Cash-only, hybrid, out-of-network, Medicare-focused, and gym-like setups can all work—business principles drive success. Continuity is up: Many clinics now get 20–40%+ of monthly visits from recurring performance/wellne

How Workshops Win: Emotion-First Public Speaking for Cash-Based PT Lead Gen In this episode, Doc Danny Matta lays out how to fill your schedule by getting in front of real people—workshops, talks, and small group education—and connecting emotionally before you ever ask for the appointment. He explains direct-response marketing for cash-based clinics, the “feelings before logic” rule, and a practical script stack (frustration → “imagine if” → personal story → action) that turns talks into patients. Quick Ask Help PT Biz move toward the mission of adding $1B in cash-based services to our profession: share this episode with a clinician friend or post it to your IG stories and tag Danny—he’ll reshare it. Episode Summary Direct-response > referrals: Cash clinics grow fastest by going straight to the people (gyms, clubs, teams, parent groups), not by waiting on physician referrals. Workshops convert: Live education (in-person or virtual) is a predictable way to create trust and book consults. Feelings before facts

How to Build Wealth as a Clinical Entrepreneur In this episode, Doc Danny Matta breaks down how your clinic can be more than just a job replacement—it can be your wealth-building engine. He shares five steps learned from mentors, mistakes, and over a decade of running businesses, showing how to reinvest in your practice, avoid costly tax-driven schemes, and keep your wealth strategy simple and sustainable. Quick Ask If you’re finding value in the podcast, help us hit our mission of adding $1B in cash-based services to physical therapy. Share this episode with a clinician friend or post it to your IG stories and tag Danny—he’ll reshare it! Episode Summary Core thesis: Your clinic is your best wealth-building asset. Treat it like the investment it is. Step 1: Stop investing outside the business at the start—double down on reinvesting in your practice until it grows. Step 2: Grow income to a level where you have more than you need, without falling into lifestyle creep. Step 3: Avoid tax-first investments; focus

The One Thing You Must Nail When Starting Your Cash-Based PT Clinic: Your Niche In this episode, Doc Danny Matta explains the #1 decision that will make or break a new cash-based clinic: defining a clear, winnable niche. He shares real client stories (Rainmaker → Mastermind), how his own clinic launched by owning the CrossFit space, and a simple 3-part test to choose a niche that actually grows your business. Quick Ask Like the show? Share it with a clinician friend or on your IG stories and tag Danny—help PT Biz move closer to the goal of adding $1B in cash-based services to our profession. Episode Summary Core thesis: If you don’t define your niche early, your business will stall. If you do, traction accelerates. Rainmaker → Mastermind arc: Rainmaker helps you go full-time; Mastermind helps you scale beyond yourself into a standalone space and team. Real example: A client’s schedule exploded after she narrowed her audience, created content for them, and showed up where they congregate (workshops + the righ

Why Clinic Directors Leave for Staff Roles in Cash-Based PT Clinics In this solo episode, Doc Danny Matta dives into a surprising trend: why clinic directors in high-volume corporate practices are stepping away from leadership roles to take staff positions in cash-based clinics. Drawing from real conversations with clinicians, Danny outlines the trade-offs, hidden advantages, and how owners can use this to attract top talent. Episode Summary The scenario: A former clinic director left a high-volume corporate setting to join a cash-based clinic as a staff PT. Danny’s perspective: Having lived through high-volume burnout himself, he understands the trade-offs firsthand. Three main drivers: Work-life balance, career longevity, and clinical satisfaction. Hiring insight: Not every candidate is motivated purely by money—culture and lifestyle can be stronger magnets. The owner’s role: Competitive pay plus clear growth opportunities help retain ambitious clinicians. Key Takeaways Work-life balance matters: Lower v

PT vs. Medical School: Lifestyle, Income, and the Business Path Few Consider In this solo episode, Doc Danny Matta breaks down a classic fork-in-the-road question for students and career-changers: Should you pursue physical therapy school or medical school? Drawing on a candid lunch with a former intern (and on his own early dilemma), Danny compares lifestyle, income, loans, training length, and how entrepreneurship can change the math for PTs—without sacrificing family and health. Episode Summary The question: A former intern (eligible for either path) asks: PT school or medical school (orthopedic surgery interest)? Danny’s lens: He weighed the same choice years ago and chose PT—primarily for lifestyle and family. Five buckets to compare: Lifestyle, income, loans, school/residency duration, and long-term autonomy via business ownership. AI & resilience: Hands-on healthcare—surgery and PT—remains durable amid rapid tech/AI change. The PT upside: The owner path can approach surgeon-level earnings while pr

850 Episodes In: 8 Lessons That Actually Move Your Business In this milestone episode, Doc Danny Matta reflects on 8+ years and 850 podcasts—what stuck, what changed, and what really matters if you want a durable, thriving cash-based PT business. From showing up consistently to building systems and recurring revenue, Danny lays out the playbook he wishes he had at the start. Episode Summary Consistency pays: Two episodes a week for 8+ years—compound impact over time. Origin story: From the Doc & Jock days to PT Entrepreneur, content created demand and clarity. The big mission: Add $1B in cash-based PT services; current community revenue already in the hundreds of millions. Clinic as a lab: Athletes’ Potential evolved into a testing ground for systems shared with clients. Real talk on founder life: Leadership is lonely; sleep is non-negotiable; trolls don’t pay the bills. What’s next: More clinic tours, more stories, and a push toward a “no-brainer” clinic model for owners and staff. 8 Key Lessons Start

Prognosis Over Price: A Simple Hack to Boost Sales Conversions In this episode, Doc Danny Matta unpacks one of the most common struggles in cash-based PT: helping staff (and owners) get comfortable with sales. Drawing from years of coaching, Danny shares a simple “prognosis-first” approach that removes the stress around money and makes closing plans of care natural and effective. Episode Summary The sales hurdle: Many clinicians (especially new grads) struggle with money conversations. Danny’s early mistakes: Starting at $175/session, no packages, offering weak 3-visit plans. The prognosis hack: Forget cost—present what’s clinically needed based on diagnosis and desired outcome. Why it works: Patients trust clarity, honesty, and confidence more than discounts or options. Staff training tip: Anchor staff to prognosis, then be quiet—let the patient decide. Key Takeaways Prognosis > Price: Tie your recommendations to outcomes, not dollar signs. Confidence closes: Patients sense discomfort; clear communication

The 20% Rule: Health, Reputation & Real Growth for Your PT Clinic In this solo episode, Doc Danny Matta shares a simple story with a big lesson: a 67-year-old foundation repair rep drops into a perfect squat and pops back up—proof that health is a choice and momentum. Danny connects this to how PTs can reach the 70% of people who aren’t actively searching for help yet, using reputation, relationships, and clear asks—not just ads.

Building Independence & Culture: Inside PHYT Collective with Ashley Speights In this episode, Danny sits down with Ashley Speights, PT Biz coach and founder of PHYT Collective in Washington, D.C. Ashley shares how she built her 4,000 sq ft practice during the pandemic, structured a unique contractor-based collective model, and created a culture of independence, collaboration, and empowerment. They explore the realities of running a clinic in a high-cost city, setting compensation models that work, and why listening deeply to patients creates lifelong loyalty.

Why 10x-ing Your PT Business Might Be Easier Than 2x-ing It Episode Highlights: Why small, “safe” goals are limiting your growth How 10x goals force innovation and smarter systems Real-life client examples who went from 100K to 1M+ The mindset shift that separates growing clinics from stagnant ones Why even “failing” at a big goal gets you further than hitting a small one Resources Mentioned: Get the PT Biz Manual Sign up for the Part-Time to Full-Time Challenge Like what you’re hearing? Please consider sharing this episode with a fellow PT and tagging Danny on Instagram. Let us know what part stood out most!

Scaling Smart: Lessons from Building a Multi-Location Hybrid PT Clinic In this episode, Danny interviews Chris Roble, a longtime friend, PT Biz coach, and founder of Physio Room, a hybrid model clinic with 4 locations in Colorado. They dive deep into the evolution of his business, how he’s structured team incentives, front desk systems, and the mindset shifts that allowed him to scale without sacrificing culture or profitability.

How to Get More New Patients From Local Workshops Most clinicians who run workshops don’t know how to confidently position themselves—and as a result, they walk away with little to no new patients. In this episode, we break down: The mindset shift that turns workshops into patient drivers Why most clinicians fail to confidently pre-frame and close Exactly what to say at the end of a workshop to get new patients Resources & Links: Join the 5-Day Challenge – Learn how to go full-time with a clear, actionable plan Get the PT Biz Book – Discover how cash-based PTs overcame fear, imposter syndrome, and built thriving practices Watch our YouTube Channel – Weekly strategies for mindset, marketing, and more Visit PT Biz – Coaching and support to build your dream practice Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptbiz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptbiztraining Website: https://www.physicaltherapybiz.com Enjoy the episode—and if you’re ready to stop winging it and start seeing results, check

3 Important Cash-Based PT Trends in 2025 What’s changing in the world of cash-based physical therapy? In this episode, Danny Mattei breaks down three emerging trends in 2025 that every clinician should know—whether you're just starting your practice or trying to scale past yourself. These shifts are reshaping the profession and will impact how you grow, hire, and stay profitable.