2023 SHE.E.O. ERIKA ELLIOTT and DR. LIZ REYNOLDS, DPT.
Owners, Cascade Physical Therapy
Whenever a potential client contacts me because they are considering doing branding photos, I always ask them to tell me about their business story. I love hearing the “why” of this particular business and business owner(s).
When Erika Elliott contacted me for branding photos and told me her story of becoming a business owner and business partner with Dr. Liz Reynolds (only months before COVID, mind you!), it was immediately apparent to me how much pride she had—not only in Cascade Physical Therapy—but in their deep commitment to their patients’ health and well-being.
I had a “behind-the-scenes” opportunity to observe this in action when we invited Cascade’s actual clients in to help demonstrate some of the techniques and maneuvers for the photos, and even with real injuries and pain they were working through—the clients were comfortable, laughing, and obviously felt “at home” with the staff. When you are in a healing field, I can think of no better compliment/testimony for your business.
Here is Erika and Dr. Liz’s SHE.E.O. story:
Most small business owners would probably agree that taking those first steps into the world of business ownership can be exhilarating, but they can also be scary and hugely uncertain.
When Erika Elliott and Dr. Liz Reynolds decided to become business partners and purchased Cascade Physical Therapy (a clinic they had both been working in for over 12+ years), their main focus was confidently carrying on the reputation and legacy of a clinic that has been a part of the Gresham community for 35+ years. What they had no way of realizing, was that only two short months after taking over the business, COVID would suddenly shut the world down.
"We felt shoved into a spin cycle of chaos much like the rest of the world. We did have huge concerns about how the business would survive as we were forced to shut our doors down to a community of people that really needed us. We did the only thing we could do at the time which was not to panic, support one another in times of joy and fear, and take every step with open eyes and to make small goals that we felt we could achieve," Erika said.
It's now been three years since Erika and Liz stepped into their roles as business owners. The clinic is thriving and going strong.
Erika and Liz take their patients' care very seriously. In fact, Cascade Physical Therapy does not use aides or technicians because "We believe that the patients need our expertise from the start to the finish of every session and plan of care (over course of weeks or months)." Liz said. "We believe that utilizing educated and licensed individuals to critically think, teach, and apply interventions offers the client the most favorable opportunity to reach their full potential and goals."
Outside of the clinic, Erika and Liz both maintain a work/life balance by communicating with each other the mechanics of the business and by trusting that when one needs time away, the other one can take the reins. "It is about trust, because we see this business as our teenager now (not a baby anymore...) who still needs guidance but also needs to work itself out, try new things, and learn with the objective of growing. We realize and embrace that we will not always succeed every time we try but are open to the learning opportunities that mistakes and hardships offer! And we welcome and celebrate the successes! " Erika stated.
Today, hiring and growth are at the forefront for Cascade Physical Therapy, as well as organizing more community outreach events in 2023. In addition, they are looking to hire a licensed clinical staff therapist who engages their patients with a sincere and energetic approach (so if you know someone, let them know about Cascade!)
DR. LIZ REYNOLDS & ERIKA ELLIOTT’S 2023 SHE.E.O. FEATURE ARTICLE:
2023 SHE.E.O. MAGAZINE (FULL EDITION)—COMING SOON!
CONNECT WITH CASCADE PHYSICAL THERAPY HERE:
WHAT IS THE SHE.E.O. PROJECT?
Women-owned businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but they often lack the resources to get their message out there, despite the fact that many of us have started and built businesses despite hardship, lack of funding, and while still doing things like raising our children and taking care of families.
The SHE.E.O. Project is about women supporting other women. By telling your story and being featured in our project, you're strengthening and inspiring a community of women entrepreneurs and helping to create a brighter future for all.
.The SHE.E.O Project combines the power of storytelling with strategic branding photography to help women business owners clarify their brand message, attract the perfect clients, and celebrate their successes while simultaneously helping lift other women. The women are then featured in the SHE.E.O digital magazine.
Because we know that when women support women, we all succeed.
#sheeoproject
INTERESTED IN BEING FEATURED IN THE NEXT SHE.E.O PROJECT + MAGAZINE?
I’d love to hear your story! Let’s connect! Give me a call at 608.385.9079 or submit a contact form here: