From Burnout to Bold Vision: How Two Pediatric OTs Built a Thriving Therapy Staffing Company

Brittany Smith and Janki Patel did not set out to become CEOs. They set out to create a better way to help children. What began as two friends feeling burnt out by the limitations of the healthcare system evolved into a growing, multi-state staffing agency that now supports over 100 employees and continues to scale with care and intention.

In this episode of Badass Women in Business, Brittany and Janki open up about the highs and lows of launching Jump Ahead Pediatrics. They talk about starting with no funding, learning to lead while leading, and the power of building something real with someone you trust. Their story is equal parts practical and inspiring. It is a roadmap for anyone dreaming about building something from the ground up.

Two Therapists. One Vision. Zero Investors.

Brittany and Janki were college friends who stayed connected through the early years of their careers. As pediatric occupational therapists, they were passionate about their work but frustrated by the constraints of the system. They were seeing kids for 20 or 30 minutes at a time, driving long distances, and getting lost in the grind of direct care without seeing the long-term progress they hoped for.

They began dreaming of something different. At first, it was just a few conversations. Then it became a plan. And finally, a leap.

Their very first space came from a former boss who had extra room in a building above his own clinic. He rented it to them for $250 a month and let them use his equipment. That one act of generosity gave them the start they needed.

From there, they bootstrapped everything. They worked their full-time jobs and reinvested every dollar they earned through Jump Ahead back into the business. Brittany’s dad helped with construction. They bought equipment off Facebook Marketplace. Friends and family pitched in. They made it work with hustle and humility.

The Power of Partnership

What sets their story apart is the strength of their partnership. Brittany and Janki describe it as a marriage, and they treat it with the same level of commitment and respect. They split the business 50/50. They are deeply aligned on values. And they have learned how to disagree without derailing their progress.

Over the years, they have taken turns holding each other up. When Brittany had children, Janki stepped in to lead more of the day-to-day. When the business needed someone to drive growth or navigate tough conversations, they leaned into each other’s strengths.

They do not compete. They support. They communicate. They recalibrate. And they always come back to the question: What is best for the business?

This kind of partnership is rare. It is not accidental. It is the result of clear roles, honest feedback, and an unwavering commitment to the mission.

Doing Business Differently

From the beginning, Brittany and Janki wanted Jump Ahead Pediatrics to feel different from other agencies. They knew how isolating it could be to work in schools as a therapist. They had experienced agencies where you heard from leadership once or twice a year and only when something went wrong.

They decided to create the company they always wished they could work for.

Every team member is a W-2 employee. They do not rely on independent contractors. They hold structured interviews and make thoughtful placements. They check in with schools regularly. They check in with employees even more often. They run monthly meetings. They offer wellness stipends. They celebrate wins and address concerns before they spiral.

Culture is not an afterthought. It is a priority. And it shows.

Their quality control process is simple but effective. Three rounds of interviews. Direct communication with hiring districts. Honest follow-ups and constant feedback. They care about who they place because every placement reflects who they are.

Learning to Lead

Neither founder went to business school. Neither studied leadership. They have had to learn it while living it.

Over time, they have worked with business coaches. They have taken assessments. They have had hard conversations with each other and with their team. They have made mistakes. They have grown.

Janki owns the operations and finance side of the business. Brittany leads on culture and people. They each play to their strengths but are not afraid to step into uncomfortable spaces when the business requires it.

Leadership is not something they ever expected to love. But they do. Because they are doing it on their own terms. And because they are always improving.

Scaling with Purpose

Today, Jump Ahead Pediatrics has grown far beyond its original footprint. The company operates in multiple states and is actively expanding into new markets. Their next frontier is adult therapy staffing. They are exploring contracts with skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and hospitals.

Their goal is to reach 500 employees in the next five years.

That kind of growth does not happen by accident. It requires planning. Financing. Strategy. Systems. It also requires letting go of some of the early-day habits that made them scrappy and learning to operate like a scalable company.

Brittany and Janki are ready. They are building smarter. They are investing in legal and financial infrastructure. And they are staying true to the reason they started this work in the first place.

Why This Episode Matters

This conversation is not just a business story. It is a reminder of what is possible when you bet on yourself. When you take action before everything is in place. When you build something around real needs and real people.

Brittany and Janki are not overnight success stories. They are builders. They are problem-solvers. They are the kind of leaders who show up with honesty, care, and clarity.

They have created a business that works. And they are doing it their way.

Takeaways for Founders and Leaders

• Ask for help. Always. The relationships around you are more valuable than any investor

• Do not wait until you feel ready. Just start

• Protect your culture. It is your most powerful retention tool

• Build with someone you trust. Partnership can be your greatest asset

• You do not need to have all the answers. You just need to be willing to learn

• Be underestimated. Then prove them wrong

Connect with Brittany and Janki

Website: jumpaheadpediatrics.com
Instagram: Jump Ahead Pediatric Therapy
Facebook: facebook.com/jumpaheadpediatrics
LinkedIn: Jump Ahead Pediatrics

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1931351/episodes/17228217