Meet Joe Rapaport | Health Tech. Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joe Rapaport and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joe, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
One of my favorite quotes, which resonates deeply with the work we do at Kenko, is actually a piece of wisdom my father often shared: “The needs determine the structure.” This principle has been a guiding light for me, especially in the context of building a company and developing products. It underscores the importance of listening and responding to the needs of those we serve, in our case, physical therapists and patients.

What I appreciate about this quote is its profound simplicity and its application across various aspects of business and product development. It reminds us that the foundation of any successful venture should be the requirements and values of its users. This approach ensures that our products not only meet but exceed the expectations of our customers, providing them with solutions that are both innovative and practical.

In practice, this means that every feature we develop, every service we offer, and every decision we make is driven by a clear understanding of our users’ needs. It encourages a user-centric design philosophy, where feedback loops are integral, allowing us to continuously refine and adapt our offerings. This perspective has been crucial in shaping the development process at Kenko, ensuring that our solutions are not just technologically advanced but also deeply relevant and accessible to those who rely on them.

Ultimately, this quote is a constant reminder that our work’s value is measured by its impact on real people’s lives. It instills a sense of responsibility and purpose, guiding us to build products that genuinely make a difference. In the fast-paced and often complex world of tech startups, it’s a principle that keeps us grounded, focused, and aligned with our mission to enhance the well-being of physical therapists and their patients.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Kenko is at the forefront of revolutionizing patient care and adherence in the field of physical therapy. Our mission is to bridge the critical gaps that often exist between formal therapy appointments. By empowering physical therapists to curate personalized home exercise plans and monitor patient milestones, alongside fostering effective communication, Kenko stands out in the health tech landscape. For patients, Kenko offers a user-friendly platform to perform prescribed exercises, track improvements in real-time, and maintain constant communication with their therapists.

What sets us apart is not just our innovative platform but our commitment to a holistic recovery experience. Unlike traditional methods that often rely on paper-based instructions or isolated digital tools, Kenko provides a comprehensive solution that integrates clinical expertise with practical, at-home action. This approach not only offers therapists valuable insights into patient progress but also keeps patients engaged and motivated throughout their healing journey.

Getting Kenko to where it is today, with our beta released to over 30 clinics and more than 70 physical therapists across the United States, was far from easy. My co-founder and I, not being developers, faced a steep learning curve. We had to immerse ourselves in the technicalities of software development, from understanding different programming languages and technology stacks to building the actual product. The journey was filled with trials and errors, but it was these challenges that taught us the most valuable lessons.

One of the key lessons we’ve learned is the importance of having a clear vision and purpose behind what we’re building. It’s crucial to pay attention to every detail and ensure alignment among all team members working on the project. This focus on clarity and cohesion has been instrumental in overcoming the obstacles we faced.

I want the world to know that Kenko is more than just a brand; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the belief that technology can profoundly transform lives for the better. Our story is one of navigating through uncertainty and learning from each setback. It’s a narrative that we hope will inspire others in their entrepreneurial journeys.

As we continue to grow and impact more lives, what excites us most is the potential to contribute to a world where physical therapy is more accessible, engaging, and effective. Kenko is not just about overcoming physical limitations; it’s about empowering people to lead pain-free lives, one day at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d be thrilled to showcase the vibrant culture and natural beauty of our area, especially given our shared love for the outdoors and great food. We would start our adventure in Malibu, catching some waves or exploring the scenic trails, depending on our mood. After our outdoor activities, we’d refuel with a legendary burrito from Lily’s Malibu—a perfect kick-off to our epic week.

Next up, we’d embark on a leisurely bike ride along the beach path stretching to the South Bay and winding through Palos Verdes. This journey offers breathtaking ocean views and a unique perspective of the coastline’s beauty, making it an unforgettable experience.

Culinary experiences would be a central theme of our trip, diving into the diverse Los Angeles food scene. We’d start with a hearty meal at Jinsol Gukbap in Koreatown, known for its soul-warming soups. Then, we’d switch gears to Thai cuisine with a visit to Luv2eat in Hollywood, offering authentic flavors that transport you straight to Thailand.

No culinary tour would be complete without a stop at Grand Central Market and Manuela in the Arts District, where we’d indulge in a variety of dishes showcasing LA’s food diversity. Street tacos on Lincoln and the iconic Godmother sandwich from Bay Cities are non-negotiables, offering a taste of the local favorites. For breakfast, Blueys would set the tone for the day, followed by delectable baked goods from Jyan Issacs and top-notch pizza at Ghisallo.

Entertainment would be just as varied and exciting as the food. We’d catch a show at the Lodge Room in Highland Park, immerse ourselves in the electrifying atmosphere of an LAFC game, and experience the iconic Greek Theater for an unforgettable live performance.

This itinerary combines the essence of LA’s outdoor lifestyle, its culinary excellence, and vibrant entertainment scene. From the thrill of surfing in Malibu to the diverse tastes of the city’s best eateries and the exhilarating experiences of live shows and sports, it’s a week designed to celebrate the very best of what this area has to offer. In my view, these experiences not only highlight the dynamic and eclectic nature of our region but also create memories that last a lifetime.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Absolutely, I’m thrilled to participate in the Shoutout series because it’s a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge those who have played a crucial role in our journey. Success is rarely a solo endeavor; it’s built on the foundation of support, mentorship, and encouragement from a community that believes in our vision.

First and foremost, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire community at the University of Southern California (USC), especially the professors and faculty members from both the Business School and the Engineering School. From the incubation phase of our project to where we stand today, their guidance has been invaluable. Their insights, feedback, and unwavering support have been critical in shaping our approach and strategies. A special mention goes to ShiaoFong Yin, whose close advisory role has been instrumental in navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities that have come our way.

Equally important to our story are our families. My co-founder Allen Song and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to our spouses. Their understanding, patience, and sacrifices have made this journey possible. The entrepreneurial path is one filled with uncertainty and demands a level of commitment that can strain personal lives. Their belief in our vision and their willingness to support us, even when it meant significant sacrifices, have been the bedrock of our resilience and perseverance.

I also want to acknowledge the broader community that has supported us—friends, early adopters, investors, and mentors outside of USC. Each person has contributed a piece to the puzzle, helping us refine our ideas and scale our impact.

In essence, our story is a tapestry woven from the contributions of many, and this shoutout is a tribute to everyone who has been a part of this journey. It’s a journey that reflects not just our ambition and hard work but the collective faith, expertise, and support of a community that believed in making a difference. Thank you all for being an integral part of our story.

Kenko would not be where it is today without the team. I want to take a moment to emphasize just how crucial the team’s hard work and efforts have been in getting Kenko to where it is today. From my co-founder Allen Song, our technical lead Khoa Truong, and our PT Advisor Cheri Chan. Each and every member of our team has poured their heart and soul into this project, tirelessly dedicated to the vision of helping people get back to living life to the fullest.

Website: Kenkopt.com

Instagram: @kenko.pt

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerapaport/