Honoring a Legacy: How FYZICAL Helped Turn Tragedy into Triumph

After the tragic loss of FYZICAL-Grantsburg’s owner in 2022, Physical Therapist Renae Rombach stepped into ownership to honor his legacy. Despite her lack of business experience, she embraced every challenge with determination and, with FYZICAL's support, transformed the clinic into a vital resource that meets her community’s needs like never before.

Q: How did you become a FYZICAL owner in Grantsburg, Wisconsin?

A: FYZICAL-Grantsburg's former owner, Dan Ohnstad, converted to FYZICAL in 2020 but tragically passed in a car accident two years later. His wife approached me about buying the clinic then, and though I wasn't actively looking—especially with four children—I took time to consider. We had worked together for nearly 20 years in different capacities. Today marks two years since I took ownership. I love what I do, but we deeply miss him—it's been a bittersweet journey.

Q: What was your business experience like pre-FYZICAL?

A: My dad was a CPA who owned his business for 30 years, and he was very instrumental in helping me understand the aspects of owning a business, but not necessarily a physical therapy business. So, I didn't know what to track and was a little out to sea. While I had four years of experience as a clinic manager, owning a clinic was a brand-new challenge. You're looking at different numbers than when you're part of an organization. When you're part of a hospital, your numbers are totally different than when you're an outpatient practice.

Q: How helpful was FYZICAL in helping you navigate the business side of ownership?

A: Super helpful! RJ Williams, my Franchise Regional Consultant, has been invaluable. He created many of the documents we use, so I'm spoiled because he explains their purposes, which has been incredibly helpful. I encourage people to contact their FRCs with questions or concerns. It's not their job to think about your business all the time; it's yours. So, put yourself on their calendars if you need direction. They're there for you. Any time I reach out, I get great responses.

Q: What has your overall experience been like since joining the FYZICAL family?

A: FYZICAL has allowed us to serve the community better and differently through what we've learned and the partnerships we've gained. When I took over, the clinic wasn't entirely 'FYZICALIZED' because the former owner joined during COVID-19 and couldn't attend training. After he passed, Tim Richardson (my then-FRC) and Ginger Kimmel came immediately to help us understand the business. I went to FYZICAL Lab, and that really helped me understand the pieces that FYZICAL brings to the puzzle.

"FYZICAL has allowed us to serve the community better and differently through what we’ve learned and the partnerships we’ve gained."

-Renae Rombach, Physical Therapist and Owner, FYZICAL-Grantsburg, WI

For example, partnering with Superfeet has been super beneficial—I’m now selling 2 to 3 orthotics a week, which really helps my clients. I’ve also been able to take Pelvic Health classes from Ruth Jenkins, which I wouldn’t have explored otherwise, and I’m now getting 1 to 2 Pelvic Health referrals a week. That wasn't something I would have had in the clinic had I not partnered with FYZICAL.

A: Can you explain a little more why offering Pelvic Health screenings/evaluations has been such a critical part of your practice?

A: Everyone needs to know about pelvic health—any woman who's had a child or any man with prostate issues. Incontinence is a leading reason people end up in nursing homes, but many don't realize it. When I share this with community groups like Rotary clubs or senior centers, I often get 2-3 referrals immediately. People tell me, "I don't want to end up in a nursing home, and I have an issue." Even mass mailers, which people do not like, have driven patients to talk to their providers.

I did a mass mailer, and multiple people had talked to their providers after seeing that. Or, they saw their provider later that year, and when their provider suggested Pelvic Health services 45 minutes away, they mentioned, "Oh no, they have that in my town," thanks to the mailer. As a result, the provider referred them to me instead. I'm now receiving referrals from physicians in the Twin Cities, an hour and a half away, as doctors Google for providers closer to their patients' homes. That's not something I could have offered or even pursued without access to Ruth.

Q: What is your favorite part of being with FYZICAL?

A: As a therapist-owner, I have access to people who can help me grow my skills at my fingertips. I had a challenging Pelvic Health patient come in and emailed Ruth. She immediately emailed back, saying, "Yep, I got you," and she sent me some information I could access immediately. The balance component has also been a big part of what we do here. I can email Brian Werner quickly or glance at FYZICAL College to get what I need. Having access to those things is fantastic. 

When I put on my business owner hat,  I’ve learned to understand and track my metrics. Before, I didn’t know what my KPIs were or what to focus on, but now I have a much clearer understanding of my business and its performance.

"I think it was brilliant of FYZICAL to identify these niche areas that genuinely serve the community while helping businesses grow beyond what others are doing."

-Renae Rombach, Physical Therapist and Owner, FYZICAL-Grantsburg, WI

Q: What was most surprising about joining FYZICAL?

A: As an outpatient clinic surrounded by self-referring hospitals, offering unique services like balance and Pelvic Health—unavailable elsewhere—has become our niche, helping us build a strong client base. I think it was brilliant of FYZICAL to identify these niche areas that genuinely serve the community while helping businesses grow beyond what others are doing. I love that they thought outside the box and said, "Balance and Pelvic Health are being overlooked in hospitals, so let’s focus on those."

Q: Do you have any advice you would give a newer franchisee or someone looking to expand their business?

A: I would say pick your locations really well and be in lockstep with your FRC. They want you to succeed, and so they'll help you find the locations that will serve you best.

Thank you for your time.