BIG MOUNTAIN FAMILY MEDICINE -DPC- What is your business name? Big Mountain Family Medicine What year did you open for business? 2020 Tell us a little about your business and what you do. Big Mountain Family Medicine is an independent physician owned primary care medical clinic. As a business leader, how do you define success? I don't define my success in terms of income or bank accounts. I know I am succeeding when my customers (patients) are happy and well cared for. Success means patients refer their friends and loved ones; seeing my patients make changes in their life and health; engaging patients in their healthcare journey while maintaining a personal work/life balance. Who are or have been your role models for success? My biggest role model was my childhood YEARS IN BUSINESS doctor, Dr. Janicke. He knew my family for generations, and felt more like a friend than a doctor. He shaped my idea of what it means to be a family doctor--a kind, knowledgeable provider who has their patients' best interest at heart and helps guide patients to a place of better health. The uniqueness of every business is part of what makes our community great. What are one or two things your business or organization is known for that is unique? A very personal approach to medicine. I know my patients very well, and they know they will receive superlative care. Appointment times are longer than normal (usually an hour) and patients can get in to see us quickly (usually same day). My clinic has a very welcoming feel so patients don't feel intimidated or fearful coming in to see me--even kids look forward to coming in for care. As a small business I have the freedom to adapt to my patients' needs. I am able to see my patients after hours and on weekends, or make home visits. How do you personally, your employees and/or organization give back or work to support and bolster this community? I volunteer with the schools whenever possible (chaperoning events, judging speech and debate, providing sports physicals) and support a number of local non-profits. Our community and the business climate has transformed in many ways over the last several years. How has your business successfully evolved and adapted to these changes? With the large influx of new residents, we have been able to help many people establish or maintain medical care by being able to address their needs in a timely manner. As an independently owned practice I have been able to adjust to changing needs and better accommodate my patients' needs throughout the pandemic and after. Tell us how you are planning for future success and what cool things you have on the horizon. At heart, we are a primary care medical clinic. The direct primary care model allows me time to really explore wellness with my patients and go above and beyond the typical model of only treating illness. Moving from treating disease to preventing disease allows me to help my patients feel well and stay healthy, as well as treat illness early to minimize serious complications. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their business or organization? The more planning you do before you open will help you avoid potential challenges after you open. Prioritize all of the things you think you "need" to open- in our case we had three lists: must have, like to have and wish list items. Manage your cash flow diligently. You need to have perseverance and belief in your mission. There will be good days and bad days, and sometimes seemingly insurmountable challenges. Meet the challenges head on and one piece at a time. Find a mentor who can help you learn from their successes and failures. 406.306.7700 704 East 13th Street Suite F-3, Whitefish, Montana 59937 BIG MOUNTAIN FAMILY MEDICINE -DPC What is your business name ? Big Mountain Family Medicine What year did you open for business ? 2020 Tell us a little about your business and what you do . Big Mountain Family Medicine is an independent physician owned primary care medical clinic . As a business leader , how do you define success ? I don't define my success in terms of income or bank accounts . I know I am succeeding when my customers ( patients ) are happy and well cared for . Success means patients refer their friends and loved ones ; seeing my patients make changes in their life and health ; engaging patients in their healthcare journey while maintaining a personal work / life balance . Who are or have been your role models for success ? My biggest role model was my childhood YEARS IN BUSINESS doctor , Dr. Janicke . He knew my family for generations , and felt more like a friend than a doctor . He shaped my idea of what it means to be a family doctor -- a kind , knowledgeable provider who has their patients ' best interest at heart and helps guide patients to a place of better health . The uniqueness of every business is part of what makes our community great . What are one or two things your business or organization is known for that is unique ? A very personal approach to medicine . I know my patients very well , and they know they will receive superlative care . Appointment times are longer than normal ( usually an hour ) and patients can get in to see us quickly ( usually same day ) . My clinic has a very welcoming feel so patients don't feel intimidated or fearful coming in to see me -- even kids look forward to coming in for care . As a small business I have the freedom to adapt to my patients ' needs . I am able to see my patients after hours and on weekends , or make home visits . How do you personally , your employees and / or organization give back or work to support and bolster this community ? I volunteer with the schools whenever possible ( chaperoning events , judging speech and debate , providing sports physicals ) and support a number of local non - profits . Our community and the business climate has transformed in many ways over the last several years . How has your business successfully evolved and adapted to these changes ? With the large influx of new residents , we have been able to help many people establish or maintain medical care by being able to address their needs in a timely manner . As an independently owned practice I have been able to adjust to changing needs and better accommodate my patients ' needs throughout the pandemic and after . Tell us how you are planning for future success and what cool things you have on the horizon . At heart , we are a primary care medical clinic . The direct primary care model allows me time to really explore wellness with my patients and go above and beyond the typical model of only treating illness . Moving from treating disease to preventing disease allows me to help my patients feel well and stay healthy , as well as treat illness early to minimize serious complications . What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their business or organization ? The more planning you do before you open will help you avoid potential challenges after you open . Prioritize all of the things you think you " need " to open- in our case we had three lists : must have , like to have and wish list items . Manage your cash flow diligently . You need to have perseverance and belief in your mission . There will be good days and bad days , and sometimes seemingly insurmountable challenges . Meet the challenges head on and one piece at a time . Find a mentor who can help you learn from their successes and failures . 406.306.7700 704 East 13th Street Suite F - 3 , Whitefish , Montana 59937