Northwest Physical Therapy (NWPT) was founded in 1993 by Brian and Wanda Dean, who met in 1987 while they both were attending Physical Therapy School at Washington University in St. Louis Missouri. After graduation, the couple moved to Northwest Ohio, taking jobs in Toledo.
After seeing the need for services in the area, the Deans opened their first location on February 22, 1993, in Ottawa, Ohio. In the early days of opening the business, Brian Dean worked single-handedly with some office aids before hiring their first Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) in August of 1993, Anita Loman, who is still with NWPT to this day!
The Ottawa location has relocated two other times since opening in 1993. In 2006 a 25,000 sq. ft. building was built and houses the administrative staff and space for other tenants (PEAK Fitness Club & Blended Hair Studio). Three other locations also opened in the area; Bluffton (1999), Delphos (2000), and Lima (2001). Locations were open for a small period of time in Kalida & Findlay but were later closed to condense patient load into the other clinics.
Wanda believes that the key to their success, like any successful business, is "all about the grit". The couple continues to be 'boots on the ground'- practicing with patients daily while a trusted executive team assists in running the business. "It's a marathon, and you run through the tape. You don't quit."
"When you know that what you're doing has such value and can make people more independent, feel safe in their homes, and help people live independently for longer… helping people get back to their sports, get back to their jobs, help them sleep at night without pain… those things are real, and they are tangible, and those things make it worth it." Wanda proudly states.
"No success has come without the backbone of this company – the team members, every single one of them. Wanda & I are nothing without the therapists, office staff, and administration. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for making this business everything that it is today, and of course, the patients who trust us with their health. Thank you." – Brian Dean
In Good Health,
