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

Hi Ben, what role has risk played in your life or career?
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!

It’s easier said than done, but I try and remind myself to see a “risk” as more of an opportunity and less as a challenge. This can be effortful but seems to get easier with practice.
Rabbi Abraham Twerski has an analogy of a lobster’s growth process. When a lobster outgrows it’s shell it first has to come to a point of such pain and discomfort before emerging bigger better and stronger, and that’s what it takes to have growth. Difficulty can lead to action, sometimes whether we like it or not. Trust the process, because it’s all just part of G-d’s plan.

What should our readers know about your business?
When I moved to Houston I took a short hiatus from PT and worked in a family business. I returned to PT part-time in a clinical setting and decided shortly thereafter that I no longer wanted to work in a clinic. Lots of patients, no quality time, billing, paperwork, cumbersome documentation programs….you get the idea. So I decided to open a practice where I can be 1 on 1 and deliver the kind of care that I would want, or want for a family member. Individualized and personal. I find that it can help get people better faster. Granted there is a price tag for patients, but when compared to co-pays and time spent commuting, it is sometimes even more economical!
The other thing I love about the model is that it is great for the PT’s that work with me. They have the freedom to set up appointments with clients at a mutually convenient time and it’s more relaxed than holding down a clinic job. It can also be a nice side income for PT’s (any great PT’s reading this, please call me! ).
It is not easy to find great PT’s to work with me, it has been tough balancing this with a second job (still with the family business). But it is mine and I love my clients and learning their stories. One lesson that I have learned is to just do what you’re supposed to do. Answer the phone, or call people back, show up to appointments or call if stuck in Houston traffic. That itself sets you aside from the pack.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If they’re a 5 year old, I’ll give them a tour of all the nice parks in a 10 mile radius 🙂 We frequent them often. We would try to time the visit during the rodeo and take them for a day and maybe a concert. I saw Zac Brown band a few years ago and still get choked up remembering how they paused a song to salute the stars and stripes and had a veteran come onto the stage. Everyone stood up cheered, the song paused, it was amazing, so patriotic, such a Texas experience. We’d also hit up Galveston for a day at the beach and find an Air BnB farm for the weekend so the kids could be outside in the country with some animals. Eating…easy, bbq.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My main support has been my wife. She handles things when I have early AM or late PM appointments. She has helped me find most (if not all) of the amazing and talented PT’s that are working with me on the team. She has also helped think through processes such as scheduling to make it easier and smoother.

Website: VIPT.com

Linkedin: Ben Engelhart

Facebook: Houston VIPT

Yelp: Houston VIPT

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