STEP #1- THE IDEA OF IHMS?
•Louise was working at Burton Snowboards and an employee who had just been treated stated:
“You are like a body mechanic” “I know when I have an ache or pain, you will come and take it away, teach me how I got it, and most importantly how to avoid getting it again.”
The more I thought about it, the more I decided that this was a unique PT niche-this is how the “PREVENTATIVE BODY MANTAINANCE” (PBM) originated.
MANY THANKS GO TO THE BURTON BMC EMPLOYEES FOR BELIEVING IN ME. THEY ARE IN MY PRAYERS DAILY AND I PRAY THEY WILL FIND JOBS WITH COMPANIES THAT APPRECIATE THEIR DEDICATION. THEY ARE TRUE HARD WORKING VERMONTERS WHO MADE A SUPERIOR PRODUCT!!!!!
STEP #2: THE BUSINESS PLAN WAS WRITTEN AND IHMS INC. IN VERMONT ON FEBUARY 14TH, 2003 WITH LOUISE AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE S CORP
Erica had been a student of mine in her Junior year at UVM. We became great friends and she was always energetic and a “get it done” girl. She would watch my kids and always help me out of my binds. I hired her and trained her right after college-in fact she was the first person in her class to get a job. So naturally it made sense to start the company with her—besides she was much younger which would be helpful as I got old!!! We started IHMS in my cellar! We did not take out any loans! Louise provided the funds and Erica provided the "sweat". We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
STEP #3- FIRST DAY OF WORK- APRIL FOOLS DAY 2003
We worked out of my cellar-no PT just prevention. Leslie Bell, PT was kind enough to let us bill through her office when we did have to treat patients. Burton, Lane Press, DEW, and Bombardier were a few companies who started contract for our new "PBM Program" which allowed us to pay ourselves in the first month. We hired Amy Benson a PT student at the time to watch my kids (3,8, 13) and answer phones over the summer. When she went back to PT school, we hired Penny Bolton. (Louise and Erica had worked with her prior) We had a lot of request for FCE's and PT. My husband was tired of our house becoming a busy office, so we started to look for space for the first IHMS.
Step #4: IHMS Clinic
We found a small space in the Champlain Mill where we could rent month to month. We were on the river (great energy!) and had a place to call ours-we were ready to expand our business and now provide clinic services in addition to our health promotion business.
It was exciting, but scary! We hired a 2 PT's, a PTA/massage therapist, a part time OT, and Amy Benson worked as an aide. We hired Martha Burroughs as an aide, Mary Beth Morriseau as an office Manager and eventually Sue Trainer as another office person. Growth happened very fast.
Step #5: New Clinic
Staff came and went. The construction in downtown Winooski was having a negative impact on our business. While Erica was on maternity leave with Colby, Louise began the search for new space. We found the perfect option on Water Tower Hill. The new space and addition of Kim Fuller, PT (Louise's old boss at GMSPT) and Charles Alexander, OT. Business continued to grow.
NEXT STEP: Where are we now??? This economy has become rough on our business. We constantly have to recreate ourselves. We have lost some customers due to budget constraints, but have also gained other who see the need to keep employees healthy and productive. Our plan for the future is to sell our "PBM Program" around the country and be a resource in injury prevention and health promotion.
We thank you our customers and especially the employees that work at those companies. They are the true hard working Vermonters that make me keep doing what I am doing without being discouraged. Thier enthusiasm and commitment to Vermont Quality make me proud!
We are proud to call ourselves a Vermont Company
Special thanks goes to my many mentors who supported and still support my idea's: Roy Matheson, Wayne Enright, OT, Jeannie Lynch, Phyllis Severence, Joe Blanchette, John Diblasio, PT, Leslie Bell, PT, and Sue Trainor.
