20 - Vince Cunanan on Clinic Ownership, Leadership, and the Future of Physio in BC

In this episode of The Health of Business, Danielle sits down with Vince Cunanan, physiotherapist, new clinic owner in Kelowna, outgoing President of PABC, and advocate for mental health. Vince shares his 25-year journey from Saskatoon to Kelowna, his rapid early clinical development, and over two decades of professional volunteer leadership.

He opens up about:

- Taking over an established clinic after a succession plan fell through

- The emotional reality of leaving a team you love

- What it actually feels like to step into ownership

- Why systems and process matter more than people think

- Organic growth without spending on marketing

- Burnout in physiotherapy and the importance of life outside clinic walls

- The evolving role of PABC and what members need to understand about HPOA

- Why physiotherapists must stand tall and value their education

- Vince speaks candidly about leadership, vulnerability, and why a healthy business is one rooted in love.

If you are a clinic owner, aspiring owner, or simply navigating your own career path in physiotherapy, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Learn more about Vince's clinic: https://www.vinnyandassociatesphysio.com/
Friends of Felix: https://www.instagram.com/friendsoffelixbrand/

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome + Vince’s 25-year journey into physiotherapy

03:00 – Moving from Saskatchewan to Kelowna

06:00 – The decision to open a clinic

09:00 – Taking over an existing practice and rebranding

12:00 – Early operational challenges and learning curves

17:30 – Emotional challenges of leaving a previous clinic

20:00 – Real estate realities in Kelowna

22:00 – Direct billing, insurers, and administrative hurdles

23:30 – Growing organically without marketing

26:00 – Leadership philosophy and service

31:00 – Mental health advocacy and burnout

35:00 – The Kelowna business landscape

42:00 – Why Vince joined PABC

45:00 – Diagnostic imaging, scope, and advocacy

52:00 – Public physio roles and top-of-scope practice

56:00 – How members can get involved with PABC

1:05:00 – Legacy, systems, and succession planning

1:10:00 – Wearing multiple hats and avoiding burnout

1:12:00 – What makes a healthy business

KEYWORDS:

Physiotherapy leadership Clinic ownership BC Kelowna physiotherapy PABC Health Professions and Occupations Act Diagnostic imaging physiotherapy Physio burnout Men’s mental health Healthcare entrepreneurship Private practice physiotherapy Physiotherapy advocacy Business of physio Physiotherapy career paths Canadian physiotherapy