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

Hi Nicole, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I first graduated from PT (physical therapy) school, I worked two jobs and six days a week. After doing that for two years, I noticed I was getting burnt out. I decided to go down to one job and started getting back to loving my job. I take pride in my work and have always been dedicated to my job. However, after I got married and had children, my perception of work life balance changed significantly. As a business owner, it is hard to “leave work at work.” There is a lot of paperwork as a physical therapist and as a business owner. What I learned to do was prioritize my tasks and work on my paperwork while the kids are sleeping or at school. I make sure that I do not miss a sporting or school event and be present with my family as much as possible.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have always wanted to own my own business. I minored in Entrepreneurship in undergrad to learn more about owning/running a business. However, learning how to run a business from a book/class and actually running a business are pretty different. I wish I could say everything was textbook, but it was not. It gave me a good foundation, but everyday tasks of running a business continues to be learned daily. I have had to ask A LOT of questions to other business owners, especially my Godparents. My Godfather is an electrician, and my Godmother assists him with running his company. They have been doing it for decades and they are my go-to when I have any business questions. I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have them and their guidance in helping build a successful business. I have learned that there is a lot more paperwork involved in running a business. I continue to treat patients as well as run the business so trying to find the balance and time to do both is very challenging. I am a first-generation Italian American. My dad came to the United States when he was 16 and built a life here through hard work. My parents have always instilled hard work and dedication, and I continue to use what they taught me as a driving force for my business.

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?
I live in a small town that borders Rancho Palos Verdes. My office is technically on the border of San Pedro and Rancho Palos Verdes. I was born and raised in San Pedro. Some of my favorite places to eat are J. Trani’s or Trani’s Dockside and Raffaello’s. You also have to have a margarita at The Green Onion. One of best parts of San Pedro is the coastline. I like to walk down along Paseo Del Mar/Point Fermin and hear/see the waves crashing along the rocks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All the jobs that I have worked have been because of the community of the University of Southern California. I received my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree there in 2014. I got my first job because I was a student PT at the clinic during my third year of PT school. My second job was for one of my professors from PT school because one of my classmates worked there and then I came to my third job because of another friend from PT school. I have always wanted to own my own physical therapy business. About five years ago, one of my friends from PT school, reached out to me about being the clinic director for his company in Rancho Palos Verdes. I agreed since it was so close to home. I was pregnant with my first child, and my husband and I decided it would be a good idea to work close to home as we started our family. Then, 1.5 years later, he wanted to sell his company and asked me if I wanted to buy it. After a long discussion with my husband, we decided to buy the business, while I was pregnant with our second child, to have the autonomy so we could raise a family. I have been the owner since March 2022. We could not have done this without the help of my parents and my in laws. They have helped and continue helping with school pick-ups and babysitting while my husband and I work.

Website: https://www.avantiptandsportsmedicine.com

Instagram: avantipt_sportsmed

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