Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Kropik.
Hi Angela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am the youngest of 10 children, born and raised in Houston, Texas. I was one of only three that took college classes and one of two who received degrees. I started as a fine arts major in dance at HSPVA. Through my studies of dance I received a scholarship to Sam Houston State University where I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. I knew there was more. My mother took us to a chiropractor in south Houston growing up. I researched it as a career and decided to pursue it. I went back to HCC and took the science and math classes I needed to be accepted to the Doctor of Chiropractic program at TCC. I graduated from Texas Chiropractic College in 1995. I began my career as an associate. In my first office I learned a lot from the owner but the location in College Station wasn’t a fit. I started working for Elizabeth Glass, D.C. in Houston and in 4 short years she sold me the practice. I struggled as an owner, not with clients but with business aspects. I am married to a finance man and he did his best to help, but my education and my hearts desire was the patient aspect. I love people and I love seeing my profession be the reason they are better. I had so much help along the way. Mentors that God put in my path like Elizabeth Glass, Lisa Reese who led my front desk, Lu Gunn, Cynthia Delino, my cousin and massage therapist Sam Mandola, Vonda Kohanski whom is my forever employee and friend of almost 30 years. She has the best work ethic of anyone I know and can complete my sentences! I joined another established practice in 2020 and have been able to turn my full attention to my patients. Dr. Smith who owns Spring Spine Center welcomed me to his practice. He’s the businessman and for the first time in many years I have been blessed to just focus on my patients. It even allows me some extra time with my family which I love. I plan on working until retirement age. I workout and stay as healthy as possible so that my body will hold up as long as possible so I can continue my vocation.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not perfectly smooth. I had no business experience so I didn’t understand the quarterly payments to the IRS. I had just purchased the business and had a 3 year old daughter and found out how much I owed to the IRS for the previous year. I won’t mention the amount but with late fees and all, it was difficult; but I paid it and on time! Then I had some staff issues. Just not knowing how to follow up on the specifics of their jobs. I had to let a few go for not being compliant, which was very difficult for me. I also had overhead issues with rent, it just kept going up and up. I learned really quickly what triple net meant! And OH who knew that when you own the business you own all of it. Property taxes were due on the equipment you already paid for, lights would go out, fuses (large expensive fuses) would go out on our air conditioner, and my amazing husband and I would spend weekends on repairs and such. My first month in business lightening struck the outside and damaged my fax line and some phone lines. We had a break in to the building and to some cars in the parking lot on two separate occasions. Just things that added to a young business owners stress, none too serious thankfully and we survived them all!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a sole proprietor of a chiropractic clinic. I have been in practice for close to 30 years. I have remained in the Klein area for the entirety of business ownership with the exception of my first few years in College Station as an associate. I practice diversified chiropractic techniques. I now offer spinal decompression which has helped naturally reduced the likely hood of many patients having spine surgery. I think what sets me apart is I truly care about my patients and their families. I sometimes prefer to call them my 30 year friends. I am now adjusting the children and grandchildren of some of my “30 year friends.” I offer a gentle approach, which many of my patients of all ages appreciate. My youngest patient I’ve ever treated was 4 days old (that would be my daughter Ashley) and my oldest was 105! You can contact me easily even on the days my office is closed, and trust that if I cannot help you that I will lead you in the right direction. I work closely with medical doctors in my area as chiropractors are not licensed to prescribe medication. I prefer not to, however; there are situations that require medical intervention and I feel comfortable that I can refer to well know providers in the area and outside the area if they are willing to travel to the Houston Medical Center.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I was walking down the street with my family in the French Quarter in New Orleans and I ran into Ed McMahon. I have a picture which I included. I was very young to watch Johnny Carson but I did. My parents were 40 and 43 when they had me, the 10th of 10. We watched Johnny Carson every night. I just couldn’t believe Ed McMahon made it out of the T.V. and found me! Unfortunately at the time he only had a carnation to give me, not a check for $1,000,000.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spinecentertx.com
- Instagram: @angelakropikdc
- Facebook: https://facebookcom/WindroseChiro
