If you’re familiar with the blog, you know that I started a Black-owned business directory in 2020 to amplify Black voices and entrepreneurship in our community. It’s been so amazing to watch this list grow with so many incredible businesses. To celebrate Black History Month, I want to go a step further and get to know a few of the business owners listed in the directory. Check back weekly to learn about someone new!

After moving from Ottawa (where he was born and raised) to Kingston six years ago, Jonathan Daniel (JD) opened 3 Physiotherapy clinics (one in Napanee and two in Kingston) within a 4 year span, each called JD Physiotherapy. They are multidisciplinary private practice clinics that offer and array of treatments for all types of conditions and injuries. Each location is staffed with a very knowledgable team and has private treatment rooms to ensure a safe and healthy environment. Learn more about JD’s journey as a business owner and his advice to others.

When and why did you start your private practice?

Owning my own clinic has always been a dream of mine. I wanted to combine my love of Physio with my passion for motivating people to get healthy and live better lives. When I had the opportunity to take over my first clinic I jumped at the chance even though it meant I had to move cities. In July of 2014 I opened up my first JD Physiotherapy Clinic in Napanee ON. By the time 2018 rolled around I had opened two more locations both in Kingston ON. My dreams of running my own clinics had materialized but more importantly, I am able to create jobs for the Kingston community and help change lives in a positive way.

Why Kingston?

After running my Napanee location for a year, it gave me the motivation to grow my business in Kingston. I knew that Kingston already had some really good physio clinics, however I wanted the challenge of more locations and the amazing team I work with was up for the challenge as well. I really love the small town feel here because if you are good at what you do and offer great service, people will not only come to see you but they will also tell others, and word gets around pretty quickly here which is amazing!

What has it been like growing your business here?

Getting to know other health care professionals in the city has been great because they are willing to refer patients to you and vice versa. Also, I have really enjoyed getting to know people in the community and getting involved by sponsoring events, sports teams, families and charities. To me it’s all about giving back and Kingston has amazing programs and schools that I can do this for. The support has been extremely good, and I feel honoured that I have been so accepted in the community.

Advice to aspiring business owners

My advice would be to not be afraid of the grind. If you have a goal/dream no matter how big it is, and you work hard and stay focused, anything is possible. In fact, never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Use doubt and fear as fuel to move you forward, rather than having it slow you down. Have faith in yourself, make a plan, execute that plan and have the grit to see it through!

“If you have a goal/dream no matter how big it is, and you work hard and stay focused, anything is possible. In fact, never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Use doubt and fear as fuel to move you forward, rather than having it slow you down.”

– JD, JD Physiotherapy clinic

Keep up with JD Physiotherapy on Facebook, Instagram and their website.