Gateway CEO students were fortunate to spend time with Dr. Arthur Langston of Integrity Spine and Joint Center in Troy, where he welcomed our students into his lobby and shared the story of how he got to where he is today.
And it wasn't a straight line.
Dr. Langston entered Lindenwood as an athlete and explored several career possibilities—from dentistry to becoming a PA to orthopedics—before ultimately earning his bachelor's degree and continuing on to Logan College of Chiropractic. His passion for sports and helping athletes led him to pursue a Master's in Sports Medicine as well.
After earning his doctorate, he intentionally gained experience working alongside several different doctors, including in pain management, podiatry and physical medicine. Each experience gave him another perspective and another skill set that would eventually help him build his own practice.
Today, students can see that growth throughout Integrity Joint & Spine, from one building to expanded services and continued growth.
But perhaps the most valuable part of the visit was hearing what Dr. Langston has learned along the way.
A few lessons he shared with our students:
📚 Understand the path before you start it. Doctorate programs don't always require a bachelor's degree, even though they may require specific courses. Talk to someone in the field and understand exactly what is required.
💼 Learn business, no matter what career you choose. Many professional careers eventually involve owning or operating a business. Understanding the business side can be just as important as understanding your profession.
🧾 Get an accountant. Understanding quarterly payments, taxes and business finances can save you from some very painful surprises later.
📣 You don't need a huge marketing budget. Dr. Langston built awareness through volunteering and small sponsorships within the racing community. Those relationships helped introduce people to his business and eventually build his customer base.
🔄 Don't be afraid to pivot. COVID forced many businesses to rethink how they operated. Dr. Langston leaned into social media and video to keep Integrity Joint & Spine connected with its audience and thriving through a difficult season.
🤖 Don't be afraid of AI. Learn how to use it as a tool to help your business, including brainstorming and creating social media content.
❤️ Find something you're passionate about. Money alone isn't enough to sustain you. When you genuinely care about the work you're doing, it doesn't always feel like work—and finding balance becomes especially important as life and family seasons change.
🗣️ Word of mouth is powerful. And it's okay to ask your customers for referrals.
Dr. Langston left our students with a reminder about being willing to adapt and flow around challenges, much like water.
That may be one of the biggest lessons of entrepreneurship: You can have a plan, but you also have to be willing to change the plan when life changes around you.
Thank you, Dr. Langston, for opening your doors, sharing your story and giving our students such an honest look at both the professional and business sides of your journey.
And thank you for your continued support of Gateway CEO as an investor and event sponsor. We are grateful for the way you continue to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders!
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