We had the good fortune of connecting with Blake Upston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Blake, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My mentor from Battle Creek, MI really believed in me. He pushed me into starting my own and not going to work for someone else. I also wanted to practice chiropractic my way and the way I thought it was right for my community and patients. It has been almost 14 years now and am glad I took that chance all those years ago.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have own and operated Upston Chiropractic Wellness Center for almost 14 years now. I started from scratch. It was not easy, because I wanted to do things different than a typical Chiropractic practice. I wanted every person to be treated individually. I wanted patients to be responsible for their own health as well but showing exercises and healthy lifestyle. We wanted a practice where people weren’t reliant on just us, but also knew that we were always there for them. It was a lot of hours of going to community events, lunch meetings, and anything else I could do to get my name out there. I helped a local high school with their football team as well. Now the practice has 2 chiropractors, myself and Dr. Kali Edwards. I also work at Western Michigan University in their sports medicine department part of a multi disciplinary practice style. Nothing was ever easy, but I wouldn’t change any of it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of our favorite spots here in the Kalamazoo/Portage area favorite spots are Monellis for some good food, One Well also has a tasty beverage and games to play. There are also some great golf courses around the area and love to get on the links for that. Saturdays and nice summer days always amazing to get away and get to South Haven and enjoy a nice beach day. Art hop downtown is always a great Friday night as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve had the privilege to have a great couple of mentors in Dr, Don Wooten, Dr. Kirk Lee, and Dr. Dan Miller. Without these people I wouldn’t have made it thru this he first few years and be where I am today. I would also have to thank my parents as well. They have been people that have done any and everything for me. They believed in me before I even knew to believe in myself. They were business owners and showed me how to treat their employees. Last but not least, my amazing wife Samantha, my two daughters Skye and Vada. They have helped me thru the merger in the business the last few years and also going out of the way to encourage me and push me to be my best.

Website: https://upstonchiropractic.com/

Instagram: @upstonchiropractic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-blake-upston-53328634

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039530205281

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/upston-chiropractic-wellness-center-kalamazoo-township

Image Credits
Open Arms Photography

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