BRIAN D'ORAZIO

September 17, 2008 12:15 am

DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS: Since 1983, OSPTA has provided physical therapy for patients in the Fredericksburg area. Our therapists specialize in diagnosing and treating orthopedic conditions, rehabilitating patients following surgeries, and working with athletes to improve their performance. My area of research and expertise is treating neck and back pain.

EDUCATION: B.S. in physical therapy from SUNY-Buffalo, M.S. and doctorate in physical therapy from the Medical College of Virginia/VCU

FAMILY: Wife, Teresa

CAREER HISTORY: Before starting OSPTA, I served as the chief of rehabilitation at Westminster Canterbury in Richmond and as a staff physical therapist at Henrico Doctor's Hospital in Richmond and at Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y. I've also written two medical texts on low back pain, served as chairman of a national spine society, and currently chair the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce's Healthcare Council.

FIRST JOB: Cutting grass in cemeteries

WORST JOB: Nurse's aide in a nursing home

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? Near Niagara Falls on Grand Island, N.Y.

HOW DID YOU END UP OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS? I have a very specific vision of patient care delivery, and I felt the only way I could fulfill that vision was to open my own practice.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB NOW? Helping patients overcome pain and disability to achieve a better quality of life

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? Growing up, my parents taught me to do the best I could in all my endeavors. I continue to be motivated to improve myself.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS? Work hard, empower those around you to be successful, and don't try to be the accountant, the attorney, the plumber, etc.

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT THE BUSINESS CLIMATE HERE? Business leaders in our community are generous with their time and talents. Most of them are genuinely interested in mentoring or educating other emerging business people.

WHAT'S THE WORST? Health insurance companies are gradually eroding the ability of medical care providers to offer the best care possible.

WHO IS THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL BUSINESS LEADER YOU KNOW? WHY? While I didn't know him personally, Walt Disney continues to inspire business leaders to provide exceptional customer service and creative innovations.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? Travel, play golf, work out, study history, participate in Rappahannock Rotary Club

WHAT'S THE BEST BUSINESS LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED? Always be open to new ways to diversify or improve your scope of services.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS TRYING TO START A BUSINESS? Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Be willing to delegate tasks to people with greater skill sets than your own.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS? We'd love to increase the sports performance side of our practice. We work with professional athletes John Maine (N.Y. Mets), Jason Godin (Wilmington Blue Rocks) and Kelvin Jones (Richmond Kickers), along with numerous local amateur athletes to improve their ability to compete and reduce their chance of injury.

ON THE NET: ospta.com

--As told to Pamela Gould

To nominate a business owner for The Deal, e-mail: DealMaker@freelancestar.com

Provide a description of the business, how long it's operated, its location, contact information, Web site and why the owner should be featured.

The Free Lance-Star's coverage of area businesses in The Deal does not mean that the newspaper is endorsing any particular business.