Opening a business is about more than providing a product or service. For Dr. Julie Gawith, owner of TRUE Physical Therapy, her mission goes beyond physical healing; it’s about living her faith boldly and making a significant impact. But what does it mean to align a business with deeper values, especially in a world full of busyness, uncertainty, and pressures?
In his book Brand for Impact, Grove9 Founder + Chief Brand Strategist Justin Eklund shares Julie’s perspective on leading with faith, overcoming fear, and using her purpose to impact lives both personally and professionally.
Justin: As a leader, what gets you up in the morning? What’s your why?
Julie: Before opening TRUE Physical Therapy, I had a soul-sucking experience working for another clinic. Our missions and vision didn’t align. As I’ve grown in my relationship with the Lord, now my why is to be what He has made me to be. I used to be very achievement-driven. Now I strive to use my gifts to serve Him and further His kingdom. I don’t believe God calls us to be meek and mild. He doesn’t call us to hide in a corner. Go for it.
Justin: Why do you think more businesses choose not to incorporate their faith into their brand?
Julie: I think it comes down to fear. Satan puts fear into people’s hearts to distract them from what God has intended for them to be. They are afraid what they say might negatively impact their business. It’s different to find a bold organization that doesn’t give in to what society says is right. You can start in a good place, but you can get distracted and unfocused as you go along. Worry, status, envy, and greed overtake you.
Justin: What impact have you experienced, positive or negative, in being a faith-forward business?
Julie: Sometimes we run across people who have had negative interactions with Christians and have a skewed version of who we are. One time a man came in and heard the Christian music we were playing as he was filling out his paperwork. He asked the front desk if we were one of those Jesus-loving places, when they said, ‘yes, he said, ‘I’m not into that’ and slammed his paper down on the desk and left. On the other hand, we get a lot of positive feedback. We hear things like, “I could tell this place was full of love and joy.”
Sometimes, with permission, we even pray with our patients. We have the privilege to serve them at all stages of their journey. They might have a simple injury or terminal cancer. I don’t work in a church. But I believe God has me exactly where He wants me.
Justin: What is the book you’ve given most as a gift, and why? Or, what is a book that has greatly influenced your professional life?
Julie: Imagine Heaven by John Burke. In the book, he writes, ‘How do we know our unique purpose? It always starts with loving and seeking God, then following his lead to love the people closest to us, and then using the gifts and passions he’s put in us to serve humanity. You don’t need to worry about not fulfilling your purpose; if you seek God and his will, you will live it.’
The message of the book aligns closely with the verse God gave me when we decided to open our business. Philippians 4:8 says, ‘. . . whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.’
The story of TRUE Physical Therapy is a powerful reminder that business can be about more than just profit—it can be a platform to live out values, serve others, and make a lasting impact. Dr. Julie Gawith’s unwavering faith and commitment to purpose have shaped her practice into a space of love, care, and intention. Her words inspire us to consider what truly matters in our own lives and work. Whether thriving or challenged, staying rooted in purpose and truth can lead us toward impact that resonates far beyond the walls of any business.
Interested in reading more inspiring high-impact case studies? Pick up your copy of Brand for Impact.
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