Built Different | 10 Years of KIME

Built Different | 10 Years of KIME

Ten years ago, Tony Mikla and Russ Dunning set out to build something different—a physical therapy organization that would challenge the traditional healthcare model by delivering world-class care to everyday people while creating meaningful, rewarding careers for clinicians.

In this special 10th Anniversary episode of KIMEcast, KIME Co-Founder and CEO Tony Mikla sits down with Director of Talent & Culture Jessie Baratta to reflect on the first decade of KIME Performance.

From the early vision to the challenges of building and growing a company, Tony shares the decisions, lessons, and defining moments that shaped KIME into what it is today.

The conversation explores the importance of staying true to your purpose, building a culture of excellence, developing leaders, and knowing when to say no—even when an opportunity looks successful on paper.

In this episode, we explore:

• The two founding principles that continue to guide every major decision at KIME

• Why KIME was built to do physical therapy differently

• The challenges, sacrifices, and lessons of the first ten years

• How adversity became an opportunity for innovation and growth

• The importance of investing in people and creating lifelong career opportunities

• Tony and Russ's partnership and the leadership philosophy behind KIME

• Why growth should never come at the expense of purpose

• What's next as KIME pursues its vision to Upgrade 100,000 Lives by 2030

At its heart, the KIME story isn't simply about physical therapy. It's about people—people who believe in doing great work, challenging what's possible, and continuously striving to be better.

Ten years later, KIME has grown, evolved, and expanded its impact. But the principles that started it all remain unchanged.

Built Different. PT Done Differently. And we're just getting started.