What does this business do? “It is a comprehensive medical practice that incorporates a lot of the different (health care) fields that should all be working together, but are not normally,” Dr. Azlan Tariq said. “That includes personal trainers, chiropractors, physicians, acupuncturists, nutritionists. So we all have the same goal of providing an ideal environment for a patient to feel better.”
What was the impetus for opening this practice? “I wasn’t happy with the way that health care was provided. I wanted to introduce a model where preventative health and fitness are part of the health care. That was the primary reason.”
What is the best thing about being in Naperville? “I have roots here. It seems like the community here is a little more educated on their own health, and more invested in their own health. (They) go above and beyond to be active, and go above and beyond to find the right fit doctor. There is an understanding already of preventative care.”
What is the biggest challenge about Naperville? “I haven’t found anything. We have been very impressed how educated people are about ways of getting better.”
When is your busiest time of year? “Most definitely right after New Year’s.”
What is the most popular service you provide? “Probably the most popular would be the personal trainer, one-on-one, but especially the small group classes. People become friends, and it’s always nice to have that motivation in a group dynamic.”
What is a less popular thing you would recommend? “The medical fitness side of things, like when you have a specific diagnosis of diabetes or blood pressure. We have specific programs for that. A lot of people with those conditions are afraid to work out or start a program. But with my supervision and orthopedic input, they can do well and not get hurt.”
What is the thing you most like to do as part of your business? “Seeing the changes. We have had people come in and lose 100 pounds. People went from not being able to comfortably walk to running, being healthy overall. That’s very rewarding.”
What is the best thing about owning your own business? “Anything can happen in real time. I am able to make the changes that are the most appropriate, up to date and cutting edge. With a boss it would take time and a lot of red tape. Hospitals, for example, they can’t move in a fast pace. Also, I like to see the effects of the changes.”
What is the biggest downside to owning your business? “The worst thing about it is that it really does take a lot of time. On top of your time in the clinic, I still have to spend a lot of time on top of that for other stuff, like paperwork, planning. But I enjoy it, I really do. And having the right employees really helps.”
What is the biggest misconception about your business? “When it comes to weight loss, a lot of people think that they automatically have to get on some pills. Or it’s very expensive and unaffordable. It’s actually not. Sometimes it’s even comparable to the price of your gym membership. That’s one. On the orthopedic side of things, (the misconception is) just because you have pain somewhere in your body doesn’t automatically mean you have to get shots or surgery. A lot of things can be done to that will prevent that kind of scenario.”
How would you describe your business philosophy? “God heals, and the physician is the worker.”
Do you have any future plans to expand? “We’ve actually grown out of each of our locations every two years. We are probably, in the next year or so, looking for a bigger location. Currently we have an almost 3,000-square-foot gym, and we will probably grow out of that by next year.”
What advice would you give someone thinking about starting a business? “Persistence pays off. A lot of new business owners may want instant results, instant profit, but it takes time. Be persistent, and if you believe in your mission, it will grow.”
Daina Saleh is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
