Rehabbing the Industry
How Athletico founder Mark Kaufman reshaped the physical therapy field
Growing up in Olds, Iowa—a rural community with a population of only 200 people—Mark Kaufman never imagined he would reinvent what physical therapy care means to millions of patients. But in August 1991, the physical therapist and athletic trainer recognized a gap in sports rehabilitation services in Chicago and decided to open his own clinic. That single clinic was the foundation for Athletico Physical Therapy, the Oak Brook-based company that has since grown to nearly 900 clinics in 24 states and Washington, D.C.
As a first-generation college student, Kaufman was initially drawn to physical therapy because it combined his love of sports with a desire to help others. What started as a curiosity during his undergraduate years at the University of Iowa soon led him to advanced degrees at the University of Arizona and Northwestern University, shaping a lifelong career rooted in sports, science, and service.
Oak Brook Magazine had the chance to ask the Athletico Founder and Executive Chairman about his journey from small-town beginnings to a big-league career—and the lessons learned along the way.
Oak Brook Magazine (OBM): While studying athletic training and physical education in college, what type of career did you have in mind?
Mark Kaufman (MK): Throughout my college career at Iowa, Arizona, and Northwestern, I thought I would end up working at the collegiate level as it was all I knew, and I enjoyed working with the athletes. I gained experience in a couple of outpatient physical therapy clinics. I immediately saw the parallels to the athletic treatment centers and training rooms I had worked in—and saw some opportunities to improve upon them as well. I knew I wanted to stay in the Chicagoland area and knew there were only so many collegiate athletic training jobs locally, so outpatient physical therapy became my focus.
The first Athletico center was located on Clark Street in Chicago
OBM: What was your experience in the field prior to opening your own clinic?
MK: My first job from 1989-1991 was at a clinic in Lincoln Park/Chicago, where I worked for two years before opening the first Athletico in August of 1991. I also started an outreach athletic training program by doing the work myself at three different downtown high schools.
OBM: What was the need or gap you saw in the field that Athletico filled?
MK: A more conducive and positive environment for healing. A more open and interactive setting like the collegiate athletic training setting that I was used to versus an examination room environment that many physical therapy clinics had at the time. Plus, the community outreach athletic training program.
OBM: When did you first know that Athletico would be successful and/or expand beyond the initial clinic?
MK: When I started receiving direct referrals from the best physicians in Chicago along with patients referring patients to us, combined with the interest and demand we were creating with our athletic training outreach program.
OBM: What were your goals and/or values when starting the clinic? How have they evolved or stayed the same?
MK: Deliver differentiated care and customer service. Doing things with detail that positively impacts the patient’s entire experience. Relationships matter. Everything matters. Be willing to outwork anyone. I had to always continue to improve as a PT, as an athletic trainer, a manager, and a leader. No standing still, either [we are] getting better, or we are getting worse.
OBM: What are some of the challenges of expanding a company?
MK: Personally, leadership, business, and management skills. Scale and managing the business and financial operations. Surrounding yourself with good advisors and consultants (along with developing and building a great team) [is necessary].
OBM: How have you grown as a brand and stayed at the forefront of the field through expansion?
MK: We deliberated our growth for many years (20+), growing steadily but rather slowly. When we decided we could take this business outside of Illinois, and successfully did, we started to think bigger. Our name and brand have been built by the team’s dedicated service and efforts since 1991.
OBM: What does it mean to you to be able to serve so many people in over 900 locations?
MK: All credit goes to the team for the day-in and day-out work and service they provide to patients, athletes, injured workers, etc. When I take a step back, it is sometimes hard to digest how far we have come since I opened in August 1991 with one employee to 10,000 employees in over 900 locations in 24+ states.
Kaufman treating a field hockey injury.
OBM: How has your role in the company changed over time?
MK: I was always more comfortable being part of the team and contributing than being CEO, but naturally, I had to assume that role and responsibilities. I stepped down as CEO in the summer of 2019 and have remained active as Executive Chairman since. Our CEO is Dan Guill.
OBM: What are your goals for the future of Athletico?
MK: Fully bounce back from the hit the industry and business took from COVID and begin growing again in the areas and communities we choose, all the while keeping the focus and energy on the customer and patients’ experience and providing a differentiated experience.
OBM: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to start their own business or pursue an entrepreneurial idea?
MK: Be prepared to be “on” 24/7 for a very long time. That [it] can be fun, and it can be exhausting and consuming.
OBM: How do you like spending your free time outside work?
MK: I enjoy being with my 3 daughters and family and extended family and staying connected to as many friends as possible. My hobbies include reading/learning, fitness, and golf. I would like to get back to photography, numismatics, and some learning or interest around wine and hospitality.
OBM: Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?
MK: I am very proud of what we have created at Athletico and know it would not have been possible without the contributions, work, and commitment of our great group of people.
