February 7, 2023 - US Business News

From Burnout to Breakthrough: The PT Hustle Approach to Six-Figure Success in Physical Therapy

US Business News Staff on February 7, 2023

Doctors of Physical therapy Dr. Kyle and Andrea Rice, are transforming the physical therapy profession, uprooting mindsets and propelling other physical therapists to experience freedom financially and professionally.

Fueled by their personal experiences in the profession, navigating physical therapy school, imposter syndrome, student loans and more, Drs. Kyle and Andrea Rice established The PT Hustle to help other physical therapists thrive.

Their experience emphasizes the significance of having a fulfilling job and financial success in the industry. It offers physical therapists insightful information and valuable tools to help them reach these objectives. Additionally, Kyle and Andrea are legitimate sources of knowledge and motivation for everyone in the physical therapy profession due to their experience and expertise, making their narrative a worthwhile read for anyone hoping to advance and achieve in the industry.

One half of the dynamic duo and the visionary behind PT Hustle is Kyle Rice.

Although today he is a standardized test strategist and an accomplished physical therapist, Kyle’s journey with successfully overcoming standardized tests has been difficult. After attaining his Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy, Kyle was up against the mandatory National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), a standardized exam required to be licensed to practice Physical Therapy. After rigorous preparation for the NPTE Kyle obtained a perfect score of 800/800, which motivated him to start PT Hustle.

So in 2017, The PT Hustle was established as a company to help PT students who struggle with test-taking anxiety, and standardized tests pass the NPTE. Today, PT Hustle has transformed into a million-dollar company that also goes beyond the NPTE to provide resources, education, and community for physical therapists to attain professional and financial success.

The other half of PT Hustle is Andrea Rice, an experienced travel physical therapist with expertise in acute care and pediatrics.

A colossal problem Kyle and Andrea sought to solve and teach other PTs to overcome was the problem of student loan debt.

According to statistics, more than a quarter of those with student loan debt claim that their debt has affected their choice or ability to buy a home (29%), go on vacation (35%), or buy a car (31%).

Even though Kyle and Andrea Rice had a fair share of school debt, they managed to pay off their $205,000 in student loan debt in less than 18 months, an awe-inspiring feat that required a lot of dedication and labor.

Their experience acts as motivation for those who are battling student loan debt after graduating from physical therapy school. It proves that this obstacle can be overcome by tenacity and discipline. Kyle and Andrea’s experiences have helped them to become informed champions for financial literacy and to enhance their physical therapy careers beyond what is often taught in standard educational settings.

They have become role models to many physical therapists because of the uniqueness of their journey and how they have navigated every roadblock along the way.

Kyle and Andrea had to overcome imposter syndrome, the feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt experienced by physical therapists despite their successes and qualifications, as they built a successful million-dollar business from the start.

When Kyle decided to launch The PT Hustle, he encountered resistance and doubt from others. But despite the skepticism and cynics, he persisted in his vision and worked toward his business objectives. With Andrea’s encouragement, Kyle ignored the views of others who disagreed with his proposal and concentrated on his skills and abilities in helping other Physical Therapists. As a result, he overcame the difficulties and obstacles thanks to his tenacity and steadfast dedication to his objectives, and he eventually established a prosperous physical therapy business.

Navigating the Physical Therapy Industry

Kyle Rice has taken a different approach to the competitive culture of the physical therapy profession, which often emphasizes academic achievement and passing exams like the NPTE. He believes that success in physical therapy entails more than just passing exams, and many students who struggle academically can still become excellent physical therapists. Rather than listening to some narrow-minded perspectives on the profession, Kyle has focused on assisting students in developing the skills, knowledge, and passion required to succeed in their careers. He has challenged the industry’s conventional wisdom through his work with PT Hustle, demonstrating that physical therapy success is achievable for all students, regardless of academic background or test-taking difficulties. By breaking down the barriers and helping students achieve their full potential, Kyle has become a role model and inspiration to others in the field.

Together, Kyle and Andrea Rice encourage other colleagues to positively go against the grain, define what their success would look like, and prioritize themselves.

Their ultimate objective is to disrupt the competitive and frequently elitist culture fostered within the PT profession to advance a future in which physical therapists define their success and pursue fulfilling and lucrative careers.

How to Pick the Best Tenants for Your Rentals

US Business News Staff on February 7, 2023

Image Commercially Licensed From: Unsplash

Whether you’re a real estate investor or simply wanting to make some extra money by renting a small unit, what should you keep in mind when looking for tenants? Obviously, you want to find the right tenant and have a good experience, but how can you make sure that is the case?

Georgina Steward of US Business News caught up with investor, author, and tax attorney, Brian Boyd, to ask him a few questions. Boyd is the author of Replace Your Income: A Lawyer’s Guide to Finding, Funding, and Managing Real Estate Investments for his expert advice on how to make sure you get the right tenants.

Georgina: What are the top advantages of choosing good tenants right from the start?

Brian Boyd: Choosing the best tenants for your properties is just as important as choosing the right properties for your investment. Why do I say this? I say this because tenants are as much of an investment as the property. Choosing the right tenant is choosing someone who is invested in living in a good home. They are dedicated to taking care of the property for themselves and their family that lives with them. By being discerning about the tenant in your property, you will find someone who wants to be in the property. They want to take care of their new home. They want to pay the rent. They want a good relationship with the landlord. In turn, the property owner wants to keep the tenant happy.

Georgina: If you’re renting a newly acquired property, can good tenants improve a property’s financials?

Brian Boyd: Yes, a good tenant can increase the cash flow of a property through their maintenance of the property. Every property needs light bulbs changed, air filters changed, and good communication with the landlord. A tenant that is invested in the property as a home will make sure the property is well maintained by keeping the landlord apprised of any issues, treating the property as a valuable investment in their future, even if it is only for a short time. In turn, this treatment will keep the property maintained and in good working order. This helps maintain value and keep values rising, even in a down market.

Georgina: What, specifically, do you look for in a good tenant?

Brian Boyd: A good tenant will have a good credit score, above 600. They will have a steady work history, no prior property evictions, no collections, and no criminal record. In my experience, the credit score acts as a barometer to how well a tenant will act, communicate, and pay their rent. Those with spotty credit history, collections, or evictions in their background tend to stay that course as tenants.

Georgina: There must be some red flags that you look for when considering potential tenants. Will you share some of them with us?

Brian Boyd: Red flags for potential tenants would be evictions, collections on their record, bankruptcies, and criminal histories. These tenants tend to break rental agreements at will, violate laws, and usually end up in Landlord Tenant court for another eviction.

Georgina: Let’s say you have a number of potential tenants vying for the same property. How do you manage this? Who do you decide to accept as your renter?

Brian Boyd: Narrowing down a tenant in a multi-application situation will come down to credit score and history. As a barometer of their life, the credit history shows how those tenants treat other obligations in their day-to-day life. This translates directly to how they perceive their obligations as a tenant in your property. The higher the score, the better the tenant tends to perform as a tenant.

Georgina: How do you know when you’ve found the right tenants?

Brian Boyd: You have found the right tenant when you visit a property and find it in better shape than when you turned it over. When a tenant makes the property their home, by planting flowers, putting up curtains, or placing a welcome mat outside the front door, you will know that this tenant is as invested in your property as you are.

Georgina: Do you think it’s important to meet with a tenant in person before you choose to lease to them? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Brian Boyd: I do not think that meeting a tenant in person is important. I think talking with a tenant, screening that tenant and learning about that tenant’s goals is the most important. When face-to-face interactions take place prior to a lease being entered, certain prejudices and proclivities tend to emerge. For example, meeting a tenant with purple hair in a spiked mohawk and multiple piercings might sway a landlord to not rent to that tenant. However, we have a tenant just like that, and that tenant pays their rent 5 days ahead of the due date every month like clock-work. As a buttoned-down lawyer, I might not have rented to that person. But, by not meeting them in person, I took away that possibility and chose the right tenant regardless of appearance.

Georgina: What else should a new or inexperienced landlord consider when they’re leasing a unit to someone new?

Brian Boyd: I think a new or inexperienced landlord should consider a tenant’s employment and income when leasing to someone new. If a potential tenant does not have the income to rent your property- where the rent is about 25% of their monthly income, then they cannot afford to rent the property. You do not do yourself or your tenant any service by allowing someone to rent a property that they struggle to make rent each month. The stress is not worth it to you or the tenant.

Georgina: What about pets? Do you rent to people with pets? If yes, why? If not, why?

Brian Boyd: Pets are a case-by-case basis. However, certain insurance companies will not insure properties with dogs that tend to have aggressive tendencies. Moreover, we do not allow aquatic animals or birds. If there is a cat, we will require a non-refundable pet deposit and pet insurance.

More on Brian T. Boyd, Esq.

As a lawyer in Nashville, Tennessee, Brian Boyd helps clients with real estate, construction, and business matters. It is with that knowledge that he and his wife, Dawn, have grown their portfolio to a six-figure income. Brian earned his BA from the University of Tennessee—Chattanooga, a JD from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, and an LLM in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center. When not practicing law or working with Dawn on their real estate ventures, Brian can be found on the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu mats at his local gym. His newest book is Replace Your Income: A Lawyer’s Guide to Finding, Funding, and Managing Real Estate Investments

Designer and Master Weaver Jakub Staron Launches Direct-to-Consumer Rug Company with Care-Free Collection

US Business News Staff on February 7, 2023

Creating a beautiful, comfortable, and functional living space is a dream of every homeowner. The right combination of furniture, decor and accessories can transform a room into a cozy haven where one can relax and enjoy quality time with family.

With this in mind, ViA Rugs, a new direct-to-consumer rug company, from Jakub Staron, announces its official launch to the public to offer high-end, handmade rugs with an emphasis on quality and accessibility.

“We’ve developed a unique product that stands apart from mass-produced area rugs available online. At this time, many of those rugs are machine made and seen as a “disposable” element in decor. High-quality, handmade, custom-designed rugs shouldn’t be out of reach for consumers,” said the brand’s founder, Designer and Master Weaver Jakub Staron. “Our materials and craftsmanship result in product durability strong enough to withstand life’s wear and tear while remaining cleanable and stress-free.”

ViA Rugs‘ launch collection, “The Empire Collection,” features four timeless designs and is available in seven colors. Each rug is handcrafted by skilled weavers using techniques passed down through generations. The rugs are fully cleanable, stain-resistant, and designed to be family-friendly, ensuring long-lasting quality and unique style.

With free shipping and a white glove delivery service available, ViA Rugs provides a seamless buying experience for consumers by delivering luxurious handcrafted, high-quality rugs directly to their doorstep. Their e-commerce platform was built from the ground up to provide the best customer experience possible while buying one of their handcrafted rugs.

“Everything we do is dedicated to designing functional and beautiful spaces,” shared Staron. “We labor over every detail to help you create spaces that offer comfort and creativity for all of life’s moments.”

ViA Rugs offers a perfect blend of style and practicality, making them ideal for any home. Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, offices, and even outdoor patio spaces can receive an instant style upgrade with ViA Rugs’ beautiful area rugs.

“Our home is our sanctuary, our comfort, a space reserved for our creativity and individuality, a place where all life’s moments happen. They reflect our past journeys and inspire the future. Beautiful things made with intention are always worthwhile,” Staron left off.

What is Ethical Leadership

US Business News Staff on February 7, 2023

Dr. Amin Sanaia, DSL, MHA

Ethical leadership is a type of leadership in which the leader demonstrates conduct for the common good, which is appropriate and acceptable in every aspect of their life. It can also be defined as a kind of leadership that demonstrates and promotes normatively appropriate conduct through interpersonal relations and personal actions. This kind of leadership helps in creating a positive work culture, fostering loyalty, improving brand image and reputation, and increasing productivity.

To put it into perspective, ethical leadership means that individuals in leadership behave according to a set of values and principles that are recognized by the majority as a basis for the common good. They include respect, integrity, fairness, trust, honesty, and transparency. Being an ethical leader is more than just being morally upright or having strong values. It is about demonstrating thoughtful and appropriate conduct inside the workplace, respecting ethical values and beliefs, and being motivated by the rights and dignity of others. As an ethical leader, you ensure that ethical values are aligned throughout the organization, avoid bias, promote open communication, and be willing to admit mistakes and accept responsibility.

In an organizational setting, ethical leadership involves putting people in leadership or management positions who will promote and be an example of appropriate and ethical conduct in their relations and actions in the workplace. This kind of leadership is defined by three major traits:

Be the Example – Leading by example is a noble quality of every ethical leader. Their actions tend to speak louder than words. Since people are more likely to judge an individual based on actions than words, the actions of an ethical leader inspire others to be ethical. By demonstrating the use of honest, ethical, and unselfish behavior, ethical leader earns the respect of their peers who naturally become their followers.
Effective Communication – Ethical leaders are good communicators and easily approachable. They are able to communicate with different members of the team, allowing for open communication. Followers can easily raise concerns, ask questions, or discuss issues with the leader opening. This quality allows ethical leaders to build camaraderie with their team and create quality relationships built on trust, integrity, fairness, compassion, openness, and respect.
Champion the Importance of Ethics – An ethical leader focuses on the overall importance of ethics in an organization, including ethical standards and conduct. As a champion for ethics, such leaders teach peers about ethics and how to address ethical issues.

Why Ethical Leadership is Important

Ethical leaders play an important role in organizations. They establish a positive environment with productive relations among the individual, team, and the organization as a whole. By nurturing relationships at these levels, ethical leaders promote positive outcomes. For instance, practicing positive communication can influence followers’ attitude and their job productivity. When the entire management team is involved in ethical leadership, they can improve the morale of the entire group leading to better performance scores. Individuals are also more likely to adopt a culture of respect for one another, improving the overall well-being of the company.

Ethical leadership touches almost every aspect of the organization, including the employees, customers, investors, and the company as a whole. Such a leader can help investors feel that the organization is trustworthy and worth investing in. On the other hand, the customer will be more likely to become loyal when they see an ethical leader at the helm of the organization. Similarly, vendors and partners feel that they can trust and work well with an organization led by an ethical person.

From a collective perspective, ethical leaders inspire those around them to behave ethically. They set an example and the direction for ethical behavior. Other members of the organization observe such behavior and act similarly. By adopting this kind of behavior, ethical leaders positively influence their followers and present them with a set of actions to adopt for the greater good. On a more personal level, an ethical leader is deemed to be credible and with high regard. This further booth self-esteem, leading to the optimal outcome and the opportunity to achieve full potential.

Ethical leadership has both short-term and long-term impacts on the performance of the organization. In the short term, the leader can help in boosting employees’ morale and help them feel excited about their work and the management. This further increases collaboration and positivity within the organization, making everyone feel happy to be part of the organization. In the long term, such a leader can prevent company scandals, ethical issues, and ethical dilemmas. They can also help the organization in gaining more customers and partnerships, which improves the bottom line.

Core Values of Ethical Leadership

Ethical leadership is a culmination of moral values that makes a person. An example of such a leader is a manager who manages several employees in an organization, showing respect to all of them equally. The leader listens to different views and opinions of the surbodinates, supports their beliefs and interests, and encourages them to always act in fairness. Such a leader also promotes honesty, being considerate of others, and leading by example.

The goal of ethical leadership is to ensure an all-inclusive future that allows people to be the best versions of themselves and perform to their full potential. As a champion of ethics and moral behavior, the core values of an ethical leader can be well understood using the acronym, FATHER:

Fairness – Ethical leaders are fair in the way they interact and associated with others. By being fair to others, they also expected to be treated fairly in return. Fairness also means non-tolerance of favoritism and ensuring that the situation is the same for everyone. This may include treating everyone equally, even when it comes to discipline. If two people commit the same error, then an ethical leader will punish them in the same way.
Accountability – Ethical leaders are accountable for their decisions and mistakes. They accept the fact that humans are prone to making errors and own such mistakes whenever they happen. Instead of blaming others or moving away from their mistakes, such leaders take accountability and choose to resolve the issues.
Trust – Trust is a key component for running a great team and achieving success. An ethical leader trusts their team to get the work done and perform exemplary. Whether is leading a high-performing team in an organization, a football team, or the military, ethical leaders empower everyone to trust in themselves and those they work with.
Honesty – An honest leader is more trustworthy, easy to approach, and tends to be appreciated by others. Such a leader is upfront, truthful, and transparent in all activities. By being honest, an ethical leader creates an environment for open communication and discussion on important issues. This further feed directly into the trust, encouraging followers to be honest too. It also challenges followers to be more open as well, especially during challenging situations.
Equality – Equality forms the basis of human survival and happiness. Simply put, no one wants to be treated unequally or discriminated against. Everyone wants to be given an equal share and be treated the same way as others. When a leader is discriminatory, it shows that they are not well-rounded or moral. An ethical leader provides a level playing field for everyone and fosters an attitude of looking at issues with the same level of respect around team members.
Respect – Respect is at the core of being an ethical person. While the leader may not agree with the other person, being respectful shows regard for their feelings, wishes, and rights. Being respectful also means the ability to consider the thoughts and ideas of others, and why there are differences in points of view and thoughts. The leader acknowledges others, their feeling, ideas, and principles, allowing for a cordial relationship with others despite the differences.