Employee Spotlight
Brad Zielaskowski & Brian Houchin
Name: Brad Zielaskowski, PT, DPT
What is your current position at Athletico?
Facility manager at Grand Rapids – Cascade in the David Ghena region.
How long have you held this position?
I have been a manager with Athletico for 12 of my 13 years but currently managing the Grand Rapids Cascade facility for about 2 yrs.
What led you to Physical Therapy as a profession?
Kalamazoo college 1st year Evolution/Genetics class. Decided if med school was harder than that class then I wanted nothing to do with Med School. However, I still loved medicine and working with people so PT school seemed like a perfect fit and I jumped in.
Why did you choose to work at Athletico?
I interviewed with Grant Koster and Allan Van Every and thought both seemed like people I would want to work alongside. I learned it all came down to patient care and doing what was right which really resonated for me. Athletico also was a company that allowed autonomy to grow which was huge for me as well.
What do you like best about managing a clinical team?
To me it is not managing, it is about teamwork. It is all about going back to the basics of finding what makes your teammate excited and happy at work. Giving them that freedom to grow and flourish is what excites me. That is the best thing about managing, it is about the team.
What is your greatest accomplishment in your current position?
I have been afforded the opportunity to find out what it is like to grow Athletico with a great team in Grand Rapids. There have been some ups and downs, but I have to say my biggest accomplishment is what our team has accomplished in 1.5 years. This has been a completely new experience and have continued to grow as a facility manager.
Do you have any additional Areas of Specialization?
I enjoy treating all types of patients, but have been mostly drawn to patients that are not progressing. I want to figure out the puzzle and help those patients.
When I’m not working I am…
Enjoying time with my family and friends, small group, growing more spiritually, fishing, hunting, exercising, and most just appreciating life.
Name: Brian Houchin PT
What is your current position at Athletico?
I am the Work Comp Regional Director for Missouri, Illinois.
How long have you held this position?
I’ve been in this position since August 2017, but have many years of experience managing clinical teams as the Work Comp Manager for Missouri Territory and a Facility Manager in the Arnold, Missouri clinic.
What led you to Physical Therapy as a profession?
I wanted to work in an area that makes a difference in the lives of people. Physical therapy was a great fit as one of the many roles of a therapist is to help patients maximize their function and motivate people to do their best.
Why did you choose to work at Athletico?
I have worked for Athletico for 17 years (previously PRORehab). This is a company that is dedicated to superior customer service, quality patient care, and a patient’s first philosophy.
What do you like best about managing a clinical team?
The Work Comp Specialist team is a group that is dedicated to generating an excellent outcome. They are highly motivated individuals who take a lot of pride in the product that they deliver – whether that’s in the clinic working with patients, or onsite working in a consulting capacity with employers. It is exciting working every day with such a great team.
What is your greatest accomplishment in your current position?
Having the opportunity to make an impact for companies and seeing growth of employer and work comp services.
When I’m not working I am…
Spending time with my wife and 3 kids.