Episode 314 - Expensive Lessons Learned Launching My Wellness Business

Recap

Dr. Stephen shares the real-world challenges and wins from launching Bonfire Wellness, a new family-run wellness center focused on recovery, vitality, and longevity.

In this episode, he unpacks lessons from the first six months of operating the business, including what went right, what went wrong, and what he’d do differently. From a costly $350,000 contract mistake to retraining ICU nurses in inside-out health principles, Dr. Stephen breaks down the difference between owning a business and operating one. He also gives a clear view into what happens when chiropractic philosophy is applied to a non-chiropractic venture.

In this episode you will:

Learn how to apply the Five Domains to a wellness startup
Avoid costly legal oversights during buildout and hiring
Discover how to onboard medical staff into a vitalistic health model
Hear how strong messaging shapes marketing and sales
Understand the shift from hands-on operator to strategic owner

Episode Highlights

1:37 – Introduction to Bonfire Wellness and the inspiration behind its launch

4:40 – Why lifestyle alignment is essential to wellness and not just weekly adjustments

6:44 – The decision to shelve Bonfire in the past and focus on one business

8:17 – Lessons on wealth building and the myth of running multiple businesses

10:09 – How Dr. Stephen’s family became co-founders of Bonfire Wellness

13:19 – Full family involvement and the leadership roles within the business

16:19 – Lessons learned from buildout mistakes and overspending

19:03 – How one missed contract detail cost $350,000 and what to do differently

21:08 – Using credit instead of SBA financing and the impact on cash flow

22:39 – Shifting ICU-trained nurses into a vitalistic model of care

24:57 – Why the education of the team was the most critical investment

25:52 – Building the brand with referrals, internal, and external marketing

26:45 – The role of SEO and digital ads in a modern wellness center

28:10 – Future plans for diagnostics, business roles, and financial systems

29:52 – Operationalizing and professionalizing a new business from day one

31:24 – Vision for multi-site growth and what’s next for Bonfire Wellness

32:30 – Dr. Chris is joined by Success Partner, Dr. Jeff Langmaid of The Smart Chiropractor to discuss Patient Pilot, a reactivation tool designed to bring past patients back into care. The system sends short, personalized emails that match the voice of the practice, tracks engagement in real time, and builds smart recall lists for more efficient outreach. Discover why reactivation should be a core focus for any growth-minded chiropractor.