"Well, I’m back in the saddle again, as we say down here in Texas and I’m thrilled to be back with Five Star.

"Dr. Noel Lloyd and I first met in 1996. I was green as grass. He and I were a great team. I was achieving my goals, I had lots of money and I was on my way to the top.

"He and I were “married” for more than 5 years. Then, I changed. I wanted something I thought Five Star couldn’t give me. I wanted a multi-discipline office and didn’t think Dr. Lloyd could help me navigate it. So I “filed for divorce”. It was all amicable and he was a gem as we parted company. Never a bad word was said. He even told me that the light would always be on for me at Five Star.

"I signed up with another management company where I spent at least a zillion dollars on a pipe dream, I raised my stress through the roof, I ruined my staff, and alienated my patient base. Things were not working out and I missed the great advice I got from Dr. Lloyd.

"That's when I started my journey back to Five Star. It started with a phone call asking Noel for his opinion on a couple things.  "No problem" he said. I felt like the light really had been left on, just for me.  His advice worked perfectly. That phone call, the warm reception and the wise counsel resulted in me re-signing with Five Star, even with another coaching contract still in force (not an inexpensive one I might add).

"Now I have just returned from my first Galaxy (Five Star’s upper level group) meeting in Chicago. Not my first Galaxy ever, but the first since being back with Five Star. What I found was 20 plus doctors doing exceptional work, really happy, goal oriented, team-driven and happy to see me back. Funny thing, that’s exactly what I left 2 years ago.

"It felt like homecoming Chicago. The information was new, refreshing and empowering. So I brought it home and started “unpacking” what I learned. Now my office team is better than ever, especially my exceptional associate (who coaches with Dr. Lloyd as well) and my awesome physical therapist.  We have a renewed vision and are dedicated to wringing out all the positive aspects of Five Star we can.

"What I want everyone who reads this to know is that Dr. Lloyd and the other Five Star coaches and staff represent what is good in Chiropractic today. They have “been there, done that and are still doin’ it” each and every day.

"It’s easy for chiropractors to get caught in the “the grass is always greener on the other side” trap. What made it so hard for me is the constant bombardment of ads about the latest equipment, latest techniques and the “best ever” seminars that promise a brand new secret. Add to that, the problems with insurance and sometimes you can feel like you just can’t help it. But I think I’ve learned my lesson.

"Why in the world would any chiropractor want to reinvent the wheel?  Why not plug into a system of ethical practice coaching that works day in and day out?  Why in the world would a chiropractor practicing today, in this tough environment, not have a coach or mentor?  You need someone to hold you accountable.

"Think about it, why do the best athletes in the world have coaches and some chiropractors turn their nose up at the word “Coach or Consultant?”  From a practicing doctor, living the real life of a busy practice, I cannot even imagine going it alone. I’ve got patients to treat, lots of them. I need systems in place that allow me to be the doctor and treat them all with energy and passion.  Chiropractors need proven systems and Dr. Lloyd’s got’em.

"Wow, what a feeling of elation knowing someone with Dr. Lloyd’s skill and experience cares as much about his clients as he does.

"I’ve taken many phone calls over the years from doctors asking what I think about Five Star and Dr. Lloyd.  My answer is always the same, even was when I received calls while paying another management company. “Just do it.  You cannot go wrong.”

"What if I would have just stuck with what I was doing or asked Dr. Lloyd for the help navigating my new model of multi-discipline?  I can tell you I would have a whole lot more money in my pocket right now, be further ahead from where I am right now and be a lot happier. We’re getting back to where we belong, but it sure was an unnecessary and expensive detour, but such is life.

"So, if I can help just one other chiropractor not make the same mistake I made, I’ll do it. It is not worth it.  Stick with what works.  'Nuff said. 

"Cheers to Dr. Lloyd and Five Star.  The rest of 2004 and 2005 are going to be record breakers."

Dr. Todd Whitehead   Amarillo, Texas