A Clinician's Journey from Fear to Faith in Building His Practice

UNCAGED CLINICIAN
Blog

October 12, 2025

Finding his calling was the key!

Starting your own business can feel like standing on the edge of a cliff — thrilling, terrifying, and full of unknowns. But what happens when you decide to take the leap, not because your job is bad, but because you feel called to something greater?

That’s exactly the story of Zach Schmucker, owner of Reconnect Physical Therapy in The Villages, Florida.

In today's edition of the UNCAGED CLINICIAN blog, we chronicle his journey from staff physical therapist to faith-led entrepreneur.

His is a story that may give someone hope and encouragement who is struggling with their own doubt over "Can I really do this?"

When Zach began his physical therapy career in Indiana, he had what most would consider a dream job.

Zach admits that he was in a great situation where the clinic was privately owned, all treatments were one-on-one, he had wonderful patients. He added that he felt very supportive from the owner.

However, he could feel an inner pull towards something else.

That spark came when a friend introduced him to fascial counterstrain, a manual therapy technique that despite its effectiveness, doesn't fit neatly into the traditional insurance-based business model.

“Within 30 minutes of that course, I knew this was going to change my career,” Zach recalled.

He saw that fascial counterstrain would be a differentiator for him.

More importantly, he instinctively knew that there would be a population of clients who would crave the treatment.

From this came a growing desire to serve patients at a deeper level beyond the traditional "PT" and healthcare model.

As his desire to offer more grew, Zach soon discovered pursuing that calling came with a whole new challenge.

It would require him to step out in faith, leave behind the security of a known paycheck, and trust that he could build build something from nothing - of which he had never been taught how to do.

Like many who consider starting their own practice, Zach wrestled with self-doubt.

“Fear for me mostly revolved around doubting my own capabilities — as a clinician, as a business owner, as a leader, and quite honestly, as a man,” he admitted.

Initially, he planned to start a business with a trusted colleague. But when logistics made that partnership impossible, Zach faced a decision: delay the dream or move forward alone.

“I was honestly on the verge of a panic attack,” he said. “But the moment my friend told me he couldn’t move forward, I felt complete peace. I knew in my spirit — this is where the Lord is leading me.”

From that moment on, Zach’s faith became his anchor. “My worth isn’t tied to my business success,” he said. “My worth is secure in who God says I am.”

What Zach recognized early on in his journey was that his faith would be tested in such a way that required his surrender and obedience.

David and Zach both touched on a common truth that many clinicians face when starting a business: it’s not just about knowing what to do — it’s about becoming who you need to be.

“Being a great therapist doesn’t automatically make you a great business owner,” David reminded listeners. “You have to grow into a new mindset.”

For Zach, that meant confronting his beliefs about value.

“In the insurance world, you’re constantly told your services are only worth so much,” he said. “I had to learn that my skills — my ability to help people heal — have real value. And the people who see that value will find me.”

That mental shift wasn’t easy, but it was transformative.

As Zach put it, “You can’t grow without challenge. And you can’t serve people well if you don’t believe in the worth of what you offer.”

Zach compared the early stages of business to hosting a party. “You know it’s going to be great, but at first, no one shows up. You start wondering if you invited the wrong people,” he laughed. “But then they start trickling in. You just have to trust the process.”

His advice for anyone considering the leap?

“Yes, you can do this. It’s overwhelming at first, but take one step at a time. Have a game plan, and surround yourself with people who’ve done it before.”

And for those walking by faith, he shared his guiding scripture:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

I love the heart and intentionality behind what Zach has and is doing. As his mentor and coach, I unashamedly can't help but to celebrate his courage and growth.

What I love about his story is that it’s real.

From a literal and spiritual realm, Zach is walking through the valley — and that’s what people need to hear.

We can easily fall into the trap of thinking that we should already have everything in business (and in life) figured out.

On the contrary. One doesn't have to have it all figured out to start their own journey. Nor will they in the beginning.

Zach’s journey is a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t just a professional step — it’s a spiritual one.

When fear meets faith, and when purpose outweighs comfort, incredible things happen.

Be sure to watch for the Oct 15, 2025 release of The UNCAGED CLINICIAN Podcast when Zach Schmucker is our guest!

There is more to the conversation!

The UNCAGED CLINICIAN Podcast can be found on iTunes and Spotify.

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The UNCAGED team