Q&A with Dr. Bryan Schwebke, DPT | Owner & Physical Therapist at Paramount Performance
Q: Hi, Dr. Schwebke! Our readers might not know you as well as we do. Tell us about your company, Paramount Performance.
A: Paramount was started to create a place that covered the continuum of care, whether someone had never exercised a day in their life, was a professional athlete, or was dealing with everyday aches (and everything in between). We’re big on culture, fun, and relationships. It’s about seeing people beyond why they initially came to us and helping them live better lives.
Q: After you met our founder and CEO, Terry, how did you two get from meet-and-greet to developing a wellness program together?
A: I found Packer online. Within about 30 seconds of being on their website, I thought, “These people are awesome.” Packer was looking for a program that genuinely helps employees. The best part was that Terry and I were aligned. He gave me the freedom and trust to design what I thought was best, and that trust has been the foundation of our relationship ever since.
Q: How would you describe the Industrial Athlete program to someone who’s new to it?
A: The program doesn’t start with someone’s job. Instead, it starts with the person. The goal is to help people move better, feel better, and become more resilient in their everyday lives.
And, we model the program after how professional athletes are developed. Athletes don’t train just one thing. They focus on movement quality, strength, mobility, recovery, mental health, and long-term sustainability. That same mindset is applied here.
Q: How did you identify the specific wellness challenges Packer employees face in their work?
A: Job-related needs are important, but where we spend most of our time is in understanding the people. We ask, “What does their life look like outside of work?” “What activities do they enjoy?” With the answers to those questions, we build holistic resilience in everyone first.
Q: What would you say to an employee who might be nervous about starting the program?
A: Those nerves happen for many reasons. They might have had negative experiences in the past. They might be new to wellness programs and feel overwhelmed. I always encourage people to simply give it a shot and leave preconceived expectations at the door. We focus on building relationships, making you feel heard, and meeting you where you’re at. No pressure. No stress.
Q: We know you meet with Terry often to optimize the program. Tell us about an adjustment that made a big difference.
A: We added monthly coaching (in addition to the on-site physical therapy services we already provide). This emphasizes ownership while giving employees better tools for movement, strength, nutrition, and recovery. We’ve also built systems to ensure employees at out-of-state locations have access to physical therapy and wellness support.
Q: With a 75%+ utilization rate, Packer must really like the program. What do employees say about it?
A: We hear that this program is changing lives—in some cases, saving lives. Many people feel unheard or underserved in traditional healthcare. There are barriers like co-pays and long wait times, and on the fitness side, many programs feel overwhelming or intimidating. This program has become a first step when they otherwise felt stuck.
Q: How does the Industrial Athlete program help employees do great work?
A: The program improves physical health and resilience, removing distractions like pain and helping employees stay focused. Just as important, it gives people the tools and confidence to enjoy life outside of work. When employees feel fulfilled outside the workplace, they return energized, motivated, and ready to give their best. |
