Social Ape is excited to introduce our new blog series featuring our clients! This week we will cover 13 questions with Hydrate Medical. Hydrate Medical is Charlotte’s original IV Hydration Therapy clinic, providing IV hydration therapy from trained ER nurses to put much needed hydration, vitamins and minerals quickly into your body. Read along to learn more about Hydrate Medical & its co-founders, Jonathan Leake and Keith Parris.
1 Why did you start your business?
Jonathan and Keith wanted to break from the work of fighting disease in the emergency department and focus on encouraging health and wellness. Hydrate Medical was designed to have a beautiful place for clients to come and receive treatments that could boost their overall health and energy and improve their lives. We also wanted to create a place that was fun to work and enjoyable for our employees as we knew this would translate to great experiences for our clients.
2. When and how did you start your business?
Hydrate Medical opened in August 2014. Keith and I started with working most of the time ourselves. We did a lot of footwork going door to door to get the word out. Jonathan handled social media for the first year. As we grew, we moved towards hiring professionals to support this side of the business and it has made a huge effect on the growth of our brand and presence in a professional manner.
3. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your business?
The first challenge we faced was getting the word out about our company and how we are professionals offering safe and effective services. Once reputation was perfected, growth development and hiring the right individuals was another challenge we have faced. We have now mastered hiring and growth development, but at first it was difficult making sure we replicated the experience, skills and atmosphere at each new location we opened. Hydrate Medical has now successfully opened 4 wonderful locations with more coming soon. Finding the right team to support our brand and growth has been tough as well, but Social Ape is rocking it and growing our business with us!
4. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Keith is a successful triathlon competitor and has done 6 full IronMan triathlons. He is now a beast at Crossfit and competes locally. Jonathan is also a true Petrol Head and loves cars. He also owns an european auto shop (Euro Cars Southend), has restored cars including a 1969 Alfa Romeo GTV, and owns and races a 2002 Porsche 911tt race car (sponsored by Hydrate Medical).
5. If you weren’t working in your current role/industry, what would you be doing?
Jonathan would probably be a high end custom car builder or technician. Keith would be a male model (kidding), keith would probably do exercise coaching and outdoor work. He loves the outdoors, nature and spending time out west.
6. What attracted you to your industry?
The ability to truly impact others lives for the better. Improving their health and wellness and making their day to day better is what drives us.
7. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
It is important for entrepreneurs to spend a lot of time planning, but don’t be afraid to take the leap and get moving when you think the time is right. It is also important to continuously look ahead to the future and keep in mind any barriers you may face so you are better prepared for them. Make sure to always treat your team with respect and continue to honor their hard work because their work is truly the heart of the business. Always care for your team and they will pass that care on to your clients or customers.
8. What’s your favorite social media platform and why? (both professionally and personally)
Instagram is our favorite because it reflects the true nature of how I think and reflects our business and personal life realistically. Instagram easily allows you to share with others what is going on in your day to day life or fun experiences.
9. How long have you lived in Charlotte?
Jonathan has lived in Charlotte for 16 years now. Keith lives in Boiling Springs and has done so for over 15 years.
10. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Travel Travel Travel. We love seeing different parts of the world and having new experiences.
11. What’s your favorite restaurant?
Bardo in Willmore. The chef is amazing and the experience is always great!
12. What’s one thing you would change about Charlotte?
I wish Southend development had been better planned with better traffic management that focused more on pedestrian safety. We love all the Southend businesses, but just wish it was easier to explore and travel around safely.
13. What do you like most about working with Social Ape Marketing?
The Social Ape team is wonderful. We can see how much they truly care about our business and team. They spend a lot of time learning about the business industry we are in and using that knowledge to push Hydrate Medical in the right direction.
Are you ready to try your First Drip at Hydrate Medical? Click here. Social Ape is here to help with all your marketing needs! Contact our team today for more information.
