BRAD Beer has literally bent over backwards in the last 12 months.
Now operating as Back in Motion Mermaid Waters, the physiotherapist has been sanctioned with the role of state area manager to spearhead the franchise’s push into Queensland.
Having always had the goal to ‘make a difference’ in Australia’s physiotherapy industry, Beer is relishing the opportunity to bring the successful chain into new markets.
“I went along to a seminar hosted by (BIM founder) Jason Smith, eager for some leadership training specific to our industry. I had no intention to join the franchise but was just blown away by the parallels between our two companies,” he says.
“I’ve only been operating in this state-wide role since July, but I’m getting a lot of interest and signs are very promising. The vision is to have five practices on the Gold Coast and 30 in South-East Queensland.
“Justin Mistry recently joined me as a partner of BIM Mermaid Waters and with him taking over daily management of the practice, I have the ability to focus on setting up new franchises across Queensland.”
The rebrand of the Q Supercentre premises cost Beer around $100,000 in refurbishments. In FY09 My Back’s Physio recorded $500,000 in revenue and now BIM Mermaid Waters is fast closing in on the $1 million mark.
“The revenue increase at the moment is following our normal growth curve. It’ll take another six months at least before the benefits of the BIM branding begins to really kick in,” says Beer.
“Our clients though have certainly responded well to the systems in place and extra services we are offering now. We’ve introduced whole-body vibration therapy, an extended pilates program and the ‘Results 4 Life’ initiative which takes a holistic, self-managed approach to patient health.
“It empowers the patient to have less reliance on their physio.”
The health services company also recently raised more than $5000 as part of BIM’s annual Work for Significance Day as a way to give back and engage with the community.
Beer is answering those critics who labelled the move to open his own practice straight out university as ‘reckless and premature’, but he believes he is well on the way to leaving a positive footprint on the industry.
As a result, he estimates the business model has been pushed forward seven years, but hints to a touch of regret that it’s not with My Back’s Physio.
“There was period of grieving that any change brings I guess, particularly given that my vision was for My Back’s Physio to be a national brand,” says Beer.
“Comfort has come in many ways including our clients’ more than positive response to the rebrand, plus our team is now part of a group of like-minded people who share a similar vision for the physiotherapy industry.”
Young Entrepreneur Profile
Brad Beer
Back In Motion
HEALTH SERVICES
Age: 29
Business Est: 2006
Staff: 9
Growth: 77 per cent
Turnover: $895,000
Enjoyed this article?
Don't miss out on the knowledge and insights to be gained from our daily news and features.
Subscribe today to unlock unlimited access to in-depth business coverage, expert analysis, and exclusive content across all devices.
Support independent journalism and stay informed with stories that matter to you.