What is it like living and working together—and what have you learned about each other through this shared business journey?
Living and working together has been both challenging and very rewarding. You don’t get to hide behind titles or roles when you’re building something side by side—you see each other under pressure, in uncertainty, and in moments of deep purpose. What I’ve learned most is the depth of our trust. We’ve learned how differently we process stress, how we lead in different seasons, and how powerful it is when we stay aligned. This journey has refined our communication and strengthened our respect for one another—not just as spouses, but as partners with a shared mission.
What strengths do each of you bring to the business that the other couldn’t replicate?
I bring vision, strategy, and a deep curiosity for the science behind healing—I’m always asking why the body does what it does and how we can optimize it. I’m also constantly thinking about how we can bring new wellness modalities to Siouxland to keep people here rather than having to travel out of town.
Amy brings knowledge, intuition, connection, and an incredible ability to make people feel safe and heard. She truly listens to people and understands the emotional side of healing in a way that can’t be taught. Those strengths are complementary, not interchangeable, and Thrive wouldn’t function the same without both perspectives.
As both spouses and business partners, how do you navigate disagreements in a way that protects your marriage, and what boundaries make that possible?
We had to learn early that being “right” isn’t as important as being respectful. We don’t make big decisions when emotions are high. Plus, we rely a lot on our faith and prayer. Most importantly, we remind ourselves that we’re on the same team. Protecting the marriage always comes first, because without that foundation, the business wouldn’t exist.
You’re often described as a living testimonial of your clinic. Can you walk us through your health journey—what life looked like before, the moment you felt a real turning point, and how your health ultimately began to change?
My wellness journey has been shaped by both belief and circumstance. I grew up watching my mother battle severe, chronic illnesses—diabetes, kidney failure, blindness, a failed transplant, and years of dialysis—before she passed away in her early 50s. Watching that unfold instilled a quiet belief that poor health was simply my destiny.
As an adult, that belief seemed to play out. While I looked normal on the outside, I was a disaster on the inside. I struggled with weight, mental health challenges, type 2 diabetes, and more. But everything came to a head in February of 2019, when I was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident on my way to work. I was rear-ended, sent down an embankment, and crashed into a tree—a near-death experience that forced me to confront the trajectory of my life.
The aftermath was brutal. I underwent two major back surgeries, including a two-level lumbar fusion, and became dependent on pain medications—along with more than a dozen prescriptions for various health issues. By 2022, I wasn’t truly living; I was simply surviving.
It was during that season that family members encouraged me to explore alternative and integrative wellness approaches. That decision changed everything. I spent nearly a year traveling to Omaha pursuing advanced wellness therapies, committing fully to healing my body rather than just managing symptoms. Truly, I began healing from the inside out.
Over the past 3+ years of my wellness transformation, I’ve discontinued 14 medications and lost approximately 55 pounds—but more importantly, I’ve reclaimed my life. I have energy, clarity, and freedom I didn’t think were possible. This is the best I’ve felt in my adult life. I’ve truly gone from surviving to thriving—and that transformation is the heart behind everything we do at our clinic. I feel like I’ve been reborn and have a second chance at life.
Was there a specific moment that made you realize this was bigger than just improving your own health—that this was a calling to build something for others? What did that realization look like? (Your approach with people who are hesitant, burned out by conventional solutions, or unsure whether this approach will work for them)
Yes—when friends and family started asking, “What did you do?” and then experienced their own breakthroughs, I realized this was more than personal healing. It became a mission to create space for people who had tried everything and were still searching. Especially those who were skeptical, tired, or unsure—we built Thrive for them.
How has living this transformation shaped the way you show up for clients at Thrive—especially when you’re introducing therapies that may feel new or unfamiliar to them?
It’s shaped everything. I never approach a client with pressure—only education and empathy. I’ve been in their shoes, the person who was unsure, hesitant, and overwhelmed. I lived it; therefore, I can meet people where they are and explain why something works, not just that it does. Trust comes from understanding, and we prioritize that above all else. Education, real-life client testimonials, and transformations are very valuable tools.
When offering care that challenges mainstream thinking, what misconceptions and skepticism have you encountered, and what has it taken personally to stay grounded in your beliefs?
The most common misconception is that this care is “alternative” or unproven, but it’s grounded in human physiology and supported by data. We explain the scientific principles behind our modalities to help skeptics understand their validity and effectiveness, emphasizing that many have been used for decades. Outcomes speak louder than opinions. We remain anchored in integrity, continual education, and measurable results.
Thrive Wellness offers everything from hormone optimization to cryotherapy. How do you help clients understand where to start on their wellness journey and make it less overwhelming?
We always start with the individual, not the menu. Comprehensive assessments and conversations guide everything. We help clients understand their bodies first, then build a plan that makes sense for their goals. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—and we make sure clients never feel rushed or confused.
However, we believe in 4 foundational D’s of health transformation:
- Discovery, 2) Diagnostics, 3) Detoxification, and 4) Discipline.
The 4 D’s is how we approach care for our clients.
What client transformation or story has reaffirmed that this work is precisely what you were meant to do?
There are many, but the ones that stand out are the clients who walk in feeling hopeless—and leave believing in their body again. Watching someone regain energy, confidence, and quality of life after being told, “This is just how it is,” is incredibly powerful. Those moments reaffirm that this work matters.
We’ve had a few post-stroke clients who went from poorly functioning with physical and mental handicaps, to not being able to tell they even had a stroke. So, watching a total body transformation is gratifying. We are just appreciative of the opportunity to be part of so many clients’ health and wellness journeys.
No business story is without its tough chapters. What has been the most significant professional challenge you’ve faced together—and how did it shape how Thrive operates today?
Building credibility while doing something different was hard. We had to earn trust without shortcuts. That challenge shaped Thrive into a clinic that values education, transparency, and long-term relationships over quick wins. It made us better leaders and more intentional partners.
As a nurse and healthcare executive with 23+ years of experience, I saw many clients struggle in the conventional healthcare system without improvement. Many clients rely on a pillbox every day just to survive.
Thrive is here to change the narrative that people can get better, and it’s about health optimization, not just daily survival.
Looking ahead, what do you hope your legacy will be—not just as business owners, but as partners helping redefine what healing can look like?
Our hope is that Thrive becomes known as a place where people feel heard, empowered, and transformed. We want people to understand their bodies so they can live their best lives. It’s truly about a ‘Healthspan,’ not just a Lifespan. We want people to live healthy, prosperous, and vibrant lives.
As partners, we want our legacy to reflect alignment, integrity, and courage—to show that healing can be proactive, personal, and deeply human.
