Rock Valley Physical Therapy founder Steve Layer went instant “Buzz Lightyear,’ when asked if he knew the amazing heights his one-clinic beginning would become four decades later. “Absolutely,’’ Layer said. “To infinity and beyond,’’ that’s how long I see this going,’’ Layer added, quoting comedian Tim Allen, who voices Lightyear in the Disney Pixar animated films “Toy Story.’’
“The priority of our business has always been great patient care,’’ continued Layer, who founded Rock Valley in July of 1984, then just a few months later, combined forces with Mark Levsen, owner of Black Hawk Orthopedic and Sports, to create the template for what would become the gold standard in physical therapy care.
“And great patient care is still the backbone of Rock Valley,’’ Layer shared, his voice rising. “When we started, we were so consumed with great care, learning all we could, advancing techniques and never saying no. This will never change. What you have now is an amazing expansion of those beliefs reaching other areas in need.’’
That Rock Valley Physical Therapy would grow to 60-plus clinics, covering Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska, was not part of Layer’s plan. He did, however, know during his career and now in retirement, Rock Valley would remain a nationwide leader in rehabilitative care, driven by collaboration, compassion and forever dedicated to bettering the lives of those it serves.
Over four decades, Rock Valley’s patient-focused-mission has helped it grow into one of the nation’s largest therapist-owned and led private physical therapy practices. Its 500-plus team members provide personalized care in clinics in Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska.
“When we created the legacy (business) model, that we would always be led and owned by therapists, I knew things would work for a long time,’ Layer said. “The leadership team we put in place – the (Mike) Horsfields, the (Eric) Sacias, the (Randy) Boldts, the (Greg) Blaskes, the (Todd) Kerstens and the (Greg) Monsons – would do great work, still assure the outside world we would provide great care and see to it that like-minded therapists would follow. The world can change, healthcare models can change, but passionate care will always win out. I give that group and other leaders credit for their amazing vision.’’
Rock Valley cornerstone Wanda Robb joined Layer and Levsen in 1985 and would later become an owner. She continues to marvel at company growth and lauds every team member for their efforts to do things the right way.
“Rock Valley will be in my heart forever, Robb said. “It’s amazing what has happened and 40 years of bettering lives and having an impact in the community should be celebrated.”
“It (Rock Valley) was my life for so many years,’’ added Robb, who sold her shares to the company in 2008, then remained on as a consultant and trusted advisor for the next decade. “I am absolutely amazed how one location and two therapists has grown to over 60 and 500-plus employees. Our growth – and it will always be “our’’ and “we’’ with me and Rock Valley – has led to so many amazing opportunities for so many amazing people.’’
In celebration of its 40 years of serving its respective communities, every Rock Valley Physical Therapy team member, and their families, are sharing a night at the ballpark, calling on the theme from the movie Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.’’
Celebratory nights shared will be at ballparks in the Quad Cities (Iowa, Illinois), Clinton, Iowa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Waterloo, Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa, Peoria, Ill., and Omaha, Neb. Rock Valley family members will toss out the ceremonial first pitch at each event.
In Waterloo, nine-year-old Paisley Eckholm, daughter of Rock Valley’s Brandon Eckholm, PT, DPT, sang the National Anthem.
Long dedicated to being philanthropic stalwarts in every community it serves, Rock Valley will – through a variety of fundraising efforts – provide $40,000 to 40 different at-need projects across its nine regions in honor of year No. 40.
“We are so grateful for all our co-workers, patients, and community partners who are part of our story,” said Horsfield, PT, MPT, MBA, OCS, Rock Valley’s CEO. “Mark and Steve began Rock Valley believing there was a better way to take care of people. It is such an honor to work alongside so many who believe this pursuit of better never ends.’’
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller