Building a Healthcare Empire Through Mentorship with Dr. John Gallucci Jr.

What if one conversation at 16 could shape the next 40 years of your life?

In this episode, Dr. John A. Gallucci Jr., President & CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, shares his remarkable journey from a high school wrestler with injuries to building one of the Northeast's largest physical therapy empires with 170 locations serving New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Through the pivotal mentorship of Rich Giardano (a relationship that began with a literal smack to the back of the head and the question "What do you want to STUDY?"), John discovered his calling in sports medicine and learned invaluable lessons about business, integrity, and the importance of balance. From nearly losing everything in the first six months to serving over 700 providers and 2,000 employees, John reveals how one mentor's wisdom about networking, continuous learning, and kindness became the foundation for an organization that treats everyone "like a VIP professional athlete."

John reflects on how Rich's mentorship shaped not just his clinical skills, but his approach to building culture, fostering the next generation of leaders, and why he believes "one kind brings two." This principle guides JAG Physical Therapy's mission to help people "get back to the life you love."

 

[00:04:35] What John Does: Dual-Licensed Healthcare Leader

• Dual licensed as both a certified athletic trainer (ATC) and physical therapist (PT, DPT)

• Master's degree in sports science and master's in physical therapy, plus doctorate in physical therapy

• President, CEO, and Founder of JAG Physical Therapy (John Anthony Gallucci = JAG)

[00:08:11] Most Rewarding Case: From "Never Walk Again" to Dancing

• Woman hit by a taxi cab in New York City

• Physicians told her she would never walk again without an assisted device

• John calls this "probably one of the most proudest moments in my professional career"

[00:11:05] Growth Strategy: Patients as Best Marketers

• 80% of growth in just the last two years came from former patients opening doors

• Patients have spoken to insurance groups, doctors, and healthcare systems to bring JAG into their communities

• Vision: "My goal is the people that need us have access to us"

[00:12:37] Teaching the Next Generation: Network = Net Worth

• "Your personal network helps you grow your professional network"

• As professional network grows, it creates more opportunities personally AND professionally

• Importance of being ingrained in the community while building personal and professional networks

[00:13:53] The Million Dollar Question: A Life-Changing Mentor

Who Changed Everything: Rich Giardano

[00:14:00] Pivotal Person: Rich Giardano - The 40-Year Mentor