Kyle Richmond, D.C. (‘21), exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to patient care that Palmer College fosters in its graduates. As the founder of REBUILT Strength + Rehab, Dr. Richmond’s practice has expanded rapidly, integrating chiropractic care with sports performance training to help athletes optimize their health and achieve peak performance.
“The mix of a solid curriculum and hands-on experience at Palmer College gave me the skills and confidence I needed to start my career,” reflects Dr. Richmond. “The resources and support there really set me up to make a difference for my patients.” He also credits Dr. Percuoco, one of his professors, as having a particularly significant impact. “I was Dr. Percuoco’s first intern in the student clinic, and if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have the confidence in my skills that I have today,” he shares.
Dr. Richmond’s entrepreneurial success didn’t happen overnight – but it did happen quickly!
“I wasn’t sure where I’d go after Palmer, but I ended up working with a friend from high school near my hometown,” Dr. Richmond recalls. After encountering challenges in this position, he faced a pivotal decision: stay in a traditional practice or take the plunge and start his own business. “It was the best worst thing that ever happened to me,” he says. In his first year in business, he was named the “Best of Chiropractor in the Southland.”
After quitting his job in July 2023, Dr. Richmond launched his own practice and saw immediate success, even being named the “Best of Chiropractor in the Southland” in his first year in business. By the following year, he expanded to a state-of-the-art 7,000 sq. ft. facility, which now houses REBUILT Performance, a specialized sports performance center. This growth was made possible in part through a partnership with Josh Lambo, a former NFL kicker who shares Dr. Richmond’s vision for blending chiropractic care, rehab, and performance training. “Josh and I signed the lease for our new building in July 2024, exactly one year after I’d been on my own. It’s connected to an indoor sports facility, which is perfect for what we do.”
Dr. Richmond’s practice attracts athletes of all levels, from local high school players to professional athletes. He has treated players from the Chicago Bears and Chicago Fire, and his partnership with Lambo has brought additional attention to the business. “Josh Lambo is the sixth most accurate kicker in NFL history and we’re lucky to have him!” Dr. Richmond explains.
Yet what truly sets Dr. Richmond apart is his integrated approach to patient care. By combining chiropractic techniques with rehabilitation and strength training, Dr. Richmond ensures his patients recover from injuries while elevating their performance. “We focus on athletes from high school to professional levels,” Dr. Richmond explains. “Whether it’s optimizing movement, enhancing recovery, or preventing injuries, we’re committed to helping athletes unlock their full potential.”
When asked about the most rewarding part of his career, Dr. Richmond is quick to mention his patients’ health improvements and the impact he can have on their lives. “My favorite part of being a chiropractor is the impact I can have on someone’s health journey. Being the person they turn to for pain relief and injury recovery, and seeing them come out the other side feeling better, is incredibly gratifying,” he says.
Many of Dr. Richmond’s patients are high-level athletes, and helping them overcome performance barriers is something he finds particularly fulfilling. “My patients want to get better at their sport or get more mobile, so getting results is a challenge I love taking on,” he explains.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Richmond has built a powerful social media presence, amassing over 100,000 followers. “Social media has been a huge part of my success,” he says. “It’s opened doors for me, including opportunities to work with major companies, treat celebrities and athletes, and it’s allowed me to financially grow my clinic.” He credits his success to consistency, having posted daily for over two years. “You have to use it, especially in our day and age and the best part is that it’s free,” he adds.
Dr. Richmond’s success can also be attributed to his upbringing. “I started working at 15 because my parents wanted me to have a strong work ethic, and I owe everything to them. Plus, my mom was always into holistic health so I saw a chiropractor my entire life,” he shares. He credits his time at Palmer for equipping him with the skills necessary to succeed, and now, with his own practice flourishing, he has the opportunity to give back to his community. “I’ve been able to build a practice in my hometown, and having that support has been invaluable.”
For those entering chiropractic school or contemplating a similar entrepreneurial path, Dr. Richmond offers the following advice: “Find what works for you. It’s easy to spend a lot of time looking for the perfect answer, but you won’t learn everything you need until you’re out in the field, doing the work.” As for chiropractic school, Dr. Richmond advises students to enjoy the journey. “I wish someone had told me to slow down and enjoy the process. Chiropractic school was one of the most fun and rewarding times of my life. And, trust me, I know you’re busy now but once you’re working in the profession, especially if you’re running your own practice, you won’t have more time. You’ll probably have less so enjoy it now!” He adds, “Palmer is unique in that it’s a close community where everyone from your class knows each other. We did everything together and helped each other out, which you don’t find at other schools!”
As Dr. Richmond continues to grow his practice and help athletes and patients achieve their optimal health, he serves as an example of Palmer College’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurs who innovate in their fields.
