In this episode of Build Your Own Business (BYOB), I sit down with Dr. Jon Ford, Managing Director of Advanced Health Care, to explore his remarkable journey from being a hands-on physiotherapist to founding and leading a thriving healthcare group focused on chronic pain management. As Jon opens up about his path, we uncover how his early experiences, combined with his dedication to evidence-based practice, shaped him into the successful business leader he is today.
Jon’s story starts in a small family business, where he learned the value of hard work and service. His early days involved everything from wrapping carbon paper to working odd jobs, all while developing a growing interest in sports medicine and physiotherapy. But it was a winding road. Despite starting out as a general physiotherapist, he eventually specialised in chronic pain management—a decision shaped both by his personal experience with back pain and by his work with patients who weren’t responding to traditional treatments.
When he launched Advance Health Care, Jon saw an opportunity to do things differently. He describes how his years in the field exposed him to the limits of conventional treatments, especially in addressing the needs of patients dealing with complex pain conditions. Fueled by this experience, he turned to research, partnering with La Trobe University to develop and refine a more personalised treatment approach. The result was the STOPS protocol, a method proven to be more effective than standard guidelines in addressing chronic pain. This accomplishment laid the foundation for the unique, patient-centered model that Advanced Health Care embodies today.
Jon’s transition from clinician to business owner didn’t come without its challenges. He shares the growing pains that came with rapid expansion, including the need to recruit the right people and maintain a cohesive culture. As the team grew, he realized the importance of aligning every staff member with the organisation’s values. For Jon, creating an environment where every practitioner shares a commitment to integrity and patient care is essential—and he’s learned that keeping that alignment requires ongoing mentorship and hands-on leadership.
Toward the end of our conversation, Jon shares his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. His message is clear: don’t shy away from opportunities when they arise. He emphasises the value of finding mentors and building a network of support, stressing that these connections have been key to his own success. Jon’s journey is a testament to the power of combining passion with hard work, and he leaves us with a piece of advice that’s as relevant in business as it is in life: “Take opportunities as they come and align them with your values. If you stay true to that, the success will follow.”
Join me for this inspiring episode as we dive into Jon Ford’s unique journey, his dedication to patient-centered care, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Resources:
