In a world of rapid change and impersonal healthcare, one chiropractic practice in San Ramon, California stands as a powerful example of how deep community roots, personal connection, and smart business strategy can fuel long-term success.
In this inspiring podcast episode, Dr. Brent (Dr. BR) and his son Dr. Devon share the story of their multi-figure chiropractic practice that spans over 45 years. From old-school house calls to modern tech integrations, this dynamic duo offers a masterclass in balancing tradition with innovation.
Whether you’re a seasoned chiropractor, a healthcare entrepreneur, or a team member in a service-based business, their insights offer a roadmap to sustainable growth, team harmony, and unforgettable patient experiences.
➡️ The Personal Touch Still Wins
Dr. Brent and Dr. Devon built their reputation around one central theme: genuine relationships matter.
Instead of relying solely on automation, they go above and beyond—with personal phone numbers, follow-up texts, and calls after a patient’s first adjustment.
Why it works:
- Builds lifetime trust in an increasingly impersonal system
- Encourages open communication and loyalty
- Sets the practice apart in a crowded healthcare market
📲 Tip: Consider how your practice can reintroduce the human element—especially in post-visit communication.
➡️ Local Marketing with a Heart: From Pumpkin Pies to Public Workshops
Big results don’t always require big budgets. This practice leverages grassroots marketing—like annual “Pi Day” pumpkin pie giveaways and intimate orientation workshops—to build real community ties.
Dr. Brent and Dr. Devon know that even three people in a room can spark long-term patient relationships. These small but meaningful events generate word-of-mouth referrals and loyalty far beyond their size.
🎯 Strategy:
- Host community-based events rooted in gratitude
- Engage local service clubs (like Lions Club)
- Focus on quality over quantity in outreach
➡️ Mentorship and Coaching: A Foundation for Longevity
Dr. Brent’s career began under the mentorship of Dr. Charlie Ward, who oversaw 200 chiropractic offices. That early guidance helped shape his perspective on leadership, learning, and humility.
The message? Don’t rush into solo practice. Learn from others, stay coachable, and invest in ongoing education—even after 40+ years in the field.
🔁 Best Practice:
- Encourage mentorships within your practice
- Attend industry seminars together as a team
- Foster a culture of continuous learning
➡️ Modernizing Without Losing Your Roots
While Dr. Brent laid the foundation, Dr. Devon brings in modern efficiencies and expanded services. Together, they’ve transitioned from a traditional Gonstead-style clinic to a vitalistic, wellness-focused, open-plan model.
Now the clinic offers everything from decompression therapy to PEMF and sports medicine—serving everyone from infants to elderly patients.
🧠 Key takeaway:
- Diversifying services enhances patient lifetime value
- Adapt your model to current patient needs without losing your core philosophy
➡️ Staff Culture That Fights Turnover
In an industry plagued by high staff turnover, this practice thrives thanks to a people-first culture. Employees are treated as team members, not just support staff. Regular team lunches, enrichment days, and proactive succession planning ensure long-term stability.
🏆 Pro tip:
- Invest in team bonding and personal growth
- Maintain a “bench” of trained backup staff
- Celebrate contributions and create space for feedback
➡️ Generational Transition Done Right
What makes this story unique is its seamless father-son succession. Dr. Devon didn’t just inherit the practice—he earned his stripes working elsewhere first. This allowed him to bring fresh insights back into the family business while honoring its legacy.
💬 “You have to experience other systems and cultures before you can improve your own.”
📌 Lesson:
- Create transition plans early
- Empower the next generation to innovate
- Keep open lines of communication between leadership levels
➡️ From Insurance to Cash: A Smarter Business Model
One bold move the practice made? Shifting to a cash-based model. By reducing dependency on insurance, they simplified operations, improved patient satisfaction, and created predictable cash flow.
💡 Patients pay for outcomes—not for forms and copays.
💵 Financial insight:
A cash-based model supports high-touch care at scale
Fair, transparent pricing builds trust
Avoiding insurance red tape improves operational efficiency
➡️ Balancing Workload Without Compromising Growth
Dr. Brent now works just 1.5 days a week—and the practice hasn’t skipped a beat. Strategic scheduling, blocked time for new patients, and smart delegation keep the clinic humming.
This approach proves that success doesn’t require burnout. With the right systems in place, you can grow and enjoy life at the same time.
🧘 Balance hack:
- Review your hours quarterly
- Delegate admin and non-core clinical tasks
- Use scheduling software to optimize availability
➡️ Patient Experience Is the True Differentiator
In the end, everything comes back to patient experience. From warm greetings to responsive communication and meaningful results, Drs. Brent and Devon prioritize service over showmanship.
No flashy ad campaign can replace the power of a great adjustment and a genuine relationship.
🌟 Final reminder:
- Make your patient feel like your only patient
- Solve problems fast
- Never underestimate the power of a follow-up call
➡️ Conclusion: A Blueprint for a Practice with Purpose
Dr. Brent and Dr. Devon’s journey proves that chiropractic success isn’t built on gimmicks—it’s built on people.
Their San Ramon clinic is more than just a business. It’s a living example of what happens when tradition meets innovation, when team culture is prioritized, and when every patient is treated like family.
Whether you’re building a legacy or just starting your journey, the lessons from this father-son duo offer a roadmap to longevity, profitability, and fulfillment in the chiropractic profession.
Watch the Full Podcast BELOW 👇
Till the next time,
Ry
