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Every March 22nd we stop to celebrate our birthday—the day native New Yorkers Dan Rootenberg and Dave Endres treated their very first patient, a man named Vito. Since that day in 1999, we have treated every patient that walks through that door to a personalized physical therapy experience that is focused on results, just like we did for Vito.
That 2-person, NYC startup practice was called Sports Performance Enhancement and Rehabilitation (S.P.E.A.R.), and today, 25 years later, that practice has given growth opportunities to hundreds of therapists, donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in time and money to the NYC community, and has gotten over 300,000 New Yorkers moving again.
Over the past 25 years, Spear has provided growth opportunities to hundreds of therapists, donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in time and money to the NYC community, and has impacted the lives of over 300,000 people.
Spear, established in 1999 by Dan Rootenberg and David Endres, emerged from the shared vision of two friends and graduate school classmates. After graduating from PT school and spending a few years in the workforce, Dan approached Dave about starting a practice together with the goal of creating a unique patient experience, and Spear was born. The first Spear clinic was located at 55th and Lexington Avenue and saw its first patient on March 22, 1999.
Spear experienced remarkable growth, expanding by 30% annually from 2004 to 2006. This period not only marked substantial business development but also served as a catalyst for refining our core principles and values. The essence of Spear's values came to fruition during this transformative phase. Delve deeper into our mission and values! here
While serving the community from a thriving location, Spear embarked on a brand update, revealing a fresh identity through a new logo and the introduction of two additional clinics!
January 1999
June 2008
Spear proudly earned the title of Inc. 5000 Winner for the first time.
Spear was featured in Chase Bank's Mission Main Street campaign and secured its place as an Inc. 5000 Winner for the second time.
In 2013, Spear positively impacted the lives of 5,693 New Yorkers-an achievement worth celebrating, and SmartCEO Magazine acknowledged this success. Spear's dedication to bringing New Yorkers #backtolife was recognized at SmartCEO's Future 50 Awards.
Furthermore, Spear was honored with the Columbia Award for Leadership in Clinical Education during the commencement ceremony of the 2013 class of Columbia University School of Medicine's Program in Physical Therapy. Notably, Spear was one of only two private practices ever to receive this award, which acknowledges a clinic or institution for its significant contribution to the education of future therapists.
For years, the New York Enterprise Report (NYER) has been recognizing the top companies in the Tri-state area for their exemplary business practices. Spear took pride in being included among the 30 finalists selected for the esteemed Best Practice and Best of the Year Awards. Additionally, Spear was honored as an Inc. 5000 Winner for the third time.
Spear introduced the Spear Future Leader Program (SFLP). This award-winning, MBA-style curriculum is the backbone of our commitment to employee growth - fostering development, providing opportunities, and creating the leaders of tomorrow. Additionally, we hit a milestone and celebrated 50 employees and 50,000 visits in a calendar year for the first time.
Spear marked a significant expansion by adding two new locations-W 57th Street and 30 Broad Street-bringing our total to six thriving facilities. During this growth phase, the Spear team also reached the remarkable milestone of 100 employees. Additionally, we proudly secured the Future 50 Award for the second time, affirming our commitment to excellence and innovation in our field.
In a groundbreaking moment, Spear achieved a historic milestone by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange during Small Business Week. Spear's CEO, Dan Rootenberg, expressed the profound significance, stating, "It was an incredible feeling to be on the floor of the exchange, and ringing the bell was a highlight of my career that I will never forget."
During that memorable summer, Spear expanded its global connections by sending therapist Jeremy Crow to the Olympics in Rio, fostering relationships with athletes and fellow therapists. Spear's commitment to excellence was further recognized with the Jane L. Snyder Practice of the Year Award from the Private Practice Section of the APTA. Reflecting on this achievement, the CEO acknowledged, "As much of an honor it is to be named the Practice of the Year, the process that got us there was equally enjoyable." - Read More
In the same year, Spear proudly clinched its third Future 50 Award. The journey of growth continued with the unveiling of a new brand identity, featuring a refreshed logo and brand colors. Additionally, Spear expanded its services to include Occupational Therapy, reinforcing its commitment to providing comprehensive care.
Spear, at 150 employees, expands in downtown Manhattan with its LA PALESTRA partnership, and its first Brooklyn clinic in Brooklyn Heights!
Spear made its debut appearance at the APTA's annual Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), marking a significant milestone as it ascended to the #2 position in the New York City market. Further advancing its reach, Spear achieved another noteworthy moment by establishing its inaugural location outside the city in Westchester.
In 2020, navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spear demonstrated resilience by retaining its therapists, actively recruiting individuals affected by industry layoffs, and exhibiting confidence by securing leases despite prevailing uncertainties. Adapting swiftly, we transitioned 80% of our physical therapy sessions to telehealth. Moreover, our commitment extended beyond our clinics, as we took a lead in hosting webinars, actively participating in the COVID-19 advisory committee. Our efforts were recognized with the APTA Board Service Award and our second Practice of the Year Award, underscoring our dedication to the industry's well-being during challenging times. Notably, Spear expanded its footprint by opening four locations, including the Times Square Performing Arts Center.
Spear gets a new look!
Marking our most significant year of expansion to date, Spear opened new locations in Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey. The team participated in its the New York City Pride Fest, showcasing our commitment to inclusivity. Our workforce surged to over 700 team members, a testament to our flourishing community. We celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Spear Future Leaders Program, reflecting a decade of developing leadership within our organization.
Spear celebrates its 25th anniversary with 700 team members, the Columbia University Leadership in Clinical Education Award (for the second time!), ranking on Inc. 5000, and the opening of many, many more clinics. But our journey is far from over! We look forward to many more years of innovation, growth, success, and our steadfast commitment to the patients we serve. - Read More
This initiative is designed to empower therapists who feel trapped in their careers and patients who feel held back by pain. We understand how frustrating stagnation can be, whether it stems from a lack of direction, motivation, or support. Our goal is to provide valuable resources and foster community connections to help you break free from these barriers.
Over the past 25 years, Spear has provided growth opportunities to hundreds of therapists, donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in time and money to the NYC community, and has impacted the lives of over 300,000 people.
Spear, established in 1999 by Dan Rootenberg and David Endres, emerged from the shared vision of two friends and graduate school classmates. After graduating from PT school and spending a few years in the workforce, Dan approached Dave about starting a practice together with the goal of creating a unique patient experience, and Spear was born. The first Spear clinic was located at 55th and Lexington Avenue and saw its first patient on March 22, 1999.
Spear experienced remarkable growth, expanding by 30% annually from 2004 to 2006. This period not only marked substantial business development but also served as a catalyst for refining our core principles and values. The essence of Spear's values came to fruition during this transformative phase. Delve deeper into our mission and values!
While serving the community from a thriving location, Spear embarked on a brand update, revealing a fresh identity through a new logo and the introduction of two additional clinics!
January 1999
June 2008
Spear proudly earned the title of Inc. 5000 Winner for the first time.
Spear was featured in Chase Bank's Mission Main Street campaign and secured its place as an Inc. 5000 Winner for the second time.
In 2013, Spear positively impacted the lives of 5,693 New Yorkers-an achievement worth celebrating, and SmartCEO Magazine acknowledged this success. Spear's dedication to bringing New Yorkers #backtolife was recognized at SmartCEO's Future 50 Awards.
Furthermore, Spear was honored with the Columbia Award for Leadership in Clinical Education during the commencement ceremony of the 2013 class of Columbia University School of Medicine's Program in Physical Therapy. Notably, Spear was one of only two private practices ever to receive this award, which acknowledges a clinic or institution for its significant contribution to the education of future therapists.
For years, the New York Enterprise Report (NYER) has been recognizing the top companies in the Tri-state area for their exemplary business practices. Spear took pride in being included among the 30 finalists selected for the esteemed Best Practice and Best of the Year Awards. Additionally, Spear was honored as an Inc. 5000 Winner for the third time.
Spear introduced the Spear Future Leader Program (SFLP). This award-winning, MBA-style curriculum is the backbone of our commitment to employee growth - fostering development, providing opportunities, and creating the leaders of tomorrow. Additionally, we hit a milestone and celebrated 50 employees and 50,000 visits in a calendar year for the first time.
Spear marked a significant expansion by adding two new locations-W 57th Street and 30 Broad Street-bringing our total to six thriving facilities. During this growth phase, the Spear team also reached the remarkable milestone of 100 employees. Additionally, we proudly secured the Future 50 Award for the second time, affirming our commitment to excellence and innovation in our field.
In a groundbreaking moment, Spear achieved a historic milestone by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange during Small Business Week. Spear's CEO, Dan Rootenberg, expressed the profound significance, stating, "It was an incredible feeling to be on the floor of the exchange, and ringing the bell was a highlight of my career that I will never forget."
During that memorable summer, Spear expanded its global connections by sending therapist Jeremy Crow to the Olympics in Rio, fostering relationships with athletes and fellow therapists. Spear's commitment to excellence was further recognized with the Jane L. Snyder Practice of the Year Award from the Private Practice Section of the APTA. Reflecting on this achievement, the CEO acknowledged, "As much of an honor it is to be named the Practice of the Year, the process that got us there was equally enjoyable."
In the same year, Spear proudly clinched its third Future 50 Award. The journey of growth continued with the unveiling of a new brand identity, featuring a refreshed logo and brand colors. Additionally, Spear expanded its services to include Occupational Therapy, reinforcing its commitment to providing comprehensive care.
Spear, at 150 employees, expands in downtown Manhattan with its LA PALESTRA partnership, and its first Brooklyn clinic in Brooklyn Heights!
Spear receives Corporate Culture Award by CEO Report.
Spear made its debut appearance at the APTA's annual Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), marking a significant milestone as it ascended to the #2 position in the New York City market. Further advancing its reach, Spear achieved another noteworthy moment by establishing its inaugural location outside the city in Westchester.
In 2020, navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spear demonstrated resilience by retaining its therapists, actively recruiting individuals affected by industry layoffs, and exhibiting confidence by securing leases despite prevailing uncertainties. Adapting swiftly, we transitioned 80% of our physical therapy sessions to telehealth. Moreover, our commitment extended beyond our clinics, as we took a lead in hosting webinars, actively participating in the COVID-19 advisory committee. Our efforts were recognized with the APTA Board Service Award and our second Practice of the Year Award, underscoring our dedication to the industry's well-being during challenging times. Notably, Spear expanded its footprint by opening four locations, including the Times Square Performing Arts Center.
Spear gets a new look!
Marking our most significant year of expansion to date, Spear opened new locations in Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey. The team participated in its the New York City Pride Fest, showcasing our commitment to inclusivity. Our workforce surged to over 700 team members, a testament to our flourishing community. We celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Spear Future Leaders Program, reflecting a decade of developing leadership within our organization.
Spear celebrates its 25th anniversary with 700 team members, the Columbia University Leadership in Clinical Education Award (for the second time!), ranking on Inc. 5000, and the opening of many, many more clinics. But our journey is far from over! We look forward to many more years of innovation, growth, success, and our steadfast commitment to the patients we serve.
This initiative is designed to empower therapists who feel trapped in their careers and patients who feel held back by pain. We understand how frustrating stagnation can be, whether it stems from a lack of direction, motivation, or support. Our goal is to provide valuable resources and foster community connections to help you break free from these barriers.
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