Global Franchise 10.2

After two decades growing 100% Chiropractic into a thriving national franchise, Drs. Jason and Vanessa Helfrich have learned that enjoying business success and a strong marriage aren’t competing priorities, but built on the same foundation Whybusiness andpleasure can be inperfect alignment We find ways to enjoy the process, even during stressful times, and remind ourselves that things always work out. Great companies and great relationships are built by working through challenges, and we take pride in our ability to navigate them. We’ve always been good at dividing up our responsibilities in a way that plays to our strengths.We allow each other to shine and handle what makes the most sense for the business.We never hesitate to ask for the other’s opinion, but we trust each other to lead on the projects that fall within our areas of strength. We always present a united front – to clients, employees, and even our kids – and if we have differing opinions, we talk them through. What makes it work is space and trust.We respect each other’s opinions and know we’re working toward the same goal. If we hit a wall in a conversation, we pause discussion and revisit it with a fresh mindset the next day. The fact that we’ve built this successful business up together is incredibly rewarding. It makes every challenge worthwhile.We celebrate our wins daily – often on our back deck watching the sunset – and spend as much time as we can with our three boys and our new daughter-in-law. The biggest lesson we’ve learned is that not everything needs to be done together. Trust each other to get on with your tasks and productivity soars. Agree on the goals, revisit them often, and always remember you’re striving toward the same thing — even if your paths differ. At the end of the day, the strengh of your relationship comes first. Business will inevitably test you, but if you stay listening, always respect each other, and keep your priorities straight, you can achieve incredible things together. Our biggest strength, though, is how we come together on vision.We both love chiropractic, and we both love business.We probably talk about work too much, but it’s always been part of our connection – I can’t imagine it any other way. People sometimes assume that working together means you lose individual time or independence. That can be true for some couples, but we’ve always found what works for us.When we were in practice and raising three young boys, we had opposite schedules, so one of us could be home with the kids. Now, as empty nesters, we work in separate offices and reconnect at sunset over a glass of wine to recap the day. The balance has shifted over time, but the principle remains: find out what fits your relationship. We’ve also learned that having clearly defined roles is essential. Early on, we both did the same work and often stepped on each other’s toes.When we created separate lanes that played to our strengths, everything became smoother.We don’t always agree, and sometimes it gets heated because we’re both passionate, but that’s maybe 1% of the time.We’ve been together since high school, and we usually see things the same way.When we don’t, we listen, respect each other’s perspective, and find common ground. It’s actually a strength having two viewpoints – it makes for better, more balanced decisions. The most rewarding part of this journey has been the memories we’ve created together. Building something from an idea 20 years ago into what it is today – and doing it side by side – has been incredible. The relationships we’ve built along the way and the legacy we’re creating for our family make it all worthwhile. Having a soulmate to share in the struggles, victories, and everything in between has made our relationship even stronger. Dr. Jason Helfrich My wife,Vanessa, and I share the same goals for the company, our family, and our relationship, and even when we differ on how to get there, we know we’re pushing toward the same outcome. Dr.Vanessa Helfrich Jason is an incredible communicator who thrives in front of people, while I’mdrawn to spreadsheets, numbers, and the detail-oriented side of system creation. “Great companies and great relationships are built by working through challenges, and we take pride in our ability to navigate them” “It’s actually a strength having two viewpoints – it makes for better, more balanced decisions” 82 GLOBAL FRANCHISE Issue 10.2 Interview | FEATURE