Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Dr. Josh Funk of 3 Counties directly outside

Dr. Josh Funk shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Josh, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Typically, very peaceful. I wake up early before my family does (including my 8 month old son) and I go through my usual routine of hydration, supplements and coffee. Beyond that, I plug in and knock out what I would consider “unfun” but necessary work, prior to the sunrise or my infant son waking up.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dr. Josh Funk, and I’m a physical therapist, entrepreneur, and the Founder & CEO of Rehab 2 Perform (R2P) — a modern health care company that’s redefining what physical therapy looks and feels like. With 12 brick-and-mortar locations across Maryland, D.C., and Virginia, R2P is on a mission to help individuals of all ages and backgrounds “Perform for Life.” Whether that means returning to sport, staying active with your kids, or simply moving without pain, we strive to deliver a health care experience that is as dynamic, engaging, and forward-thinking as the people we serve.

Our brand stands out because we’ve flipped the traditional clinic model on its head. Instead of cold, sterile environments, we create gym-based, energetic spaces where recovery and performance go hand in hand. Our team of over 70+ expert clinicians focuses on movement-based, capacity-driven care with a strong emphasis on education, empowerment, and injury prevention — not just symptom relief. We don’t just help people feel better; we help them become better versions of themselves.

What started as a small idea after my own experiences as a Division I athlete and physical therapy patient has now evolved into a movement that’s changing how people view and experience rehab and wellness. We’re not just growing in size, but in impact — from launching our R2P Academy to educate the next generation of rehab professionals, to developing digital products that make performance health accessible beyond our walls.

Right now, we’re focused on expanding our reach, building stronger community partnerships, and developing initiatives that promote healthspan, longevity, and performance for everyday people. I’m also incredibly passionate about leadership, culture, and the entrepreneur’s journey — topics I speak on often and will continue to share more about as our brand evolves.

At the end of the day, we want people to say: “I didn’t have to go to physical therapy… I got to go to Rehab 2 Perform.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Without question, the relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with my mom. My parents divorced when I was just a year old, and from that point on, she was the constant in my life — my foundation. Whether it was school drop-offs, navigating childhood illnesses, cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, or pushing me academically, she showed up every single day with unwavering strength, love, and support.

She was, and still is, the rock that held everything together. Watching her manage so much on her own taught me the values of resilience, responsibility, and relentless effort — all of which deeply influence who I am as a father, leader, and entrepreneur today. Her example instilled in me a belief that showing up consistently, even when it’s hard, is one of the most powerful things a person can do. I owe so much of who I am to her.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self: “You don’t have to be perfect — just focus on BE > Yesterday.”

Life has a way of throwing challenges, comparisons, and pressure your way, especially when you’re ambitious. But growth doesn’t come from being the best right away — it comes from showing up consistently, learning from failure, and committing to progress. That mindset — which eventually became the heart of my personal philosophy and our company mantra, BE > Yesterday — has been a guiding force in everything I do.

You don’t need to have all the answers. Just keep evolving, one step at a time.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies our industry tells itself is that “treating everyone the same is a good thing.” It’s the health care version of the Golden Rule — treat others how you would want to be treated. But in practice, that mindset falls short. In modern rehab, the real standard should be: treat people how they need to be treated — not how you would want to be.

Each person brings a unique mix of history, habits, personality, goals, and understanding of their own body. And increasingly, they’re also bringing preconceived ideas shaped by search engines, social media, and “Dr. Google.” While access to information is powerful, it can also be misleading — people often show up thinking they know what they need because of a YouTube video, Instagram post, or Reddit thread. But movement health is nuanced. What worked for one influencer or blogger with back pain doesn’t mean it will work for you.

That’s where the one-size-fits-all approach completely breaks down. If we as providers aren’t actively listening, personalizing, and leading — we run the risk of becoming glorified technicians instead of experts who guide people to sustainable, high-performing outcomes.

At Rehab 2 Perform, we focus on individualization over standardization. We don’t just dispense exercises — we educate, challenge, and empower. We help people cut through the noise and find the plan that’s right for them, not the internet. Because real rehab isn’t just about treating symptoms — it’s about building trust, creating clarity, and helping people perform for life.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When have you had to bet the company?
The biggest bet we’ve made was during the pandemic — when the world hit pause, we hit the gas.

While many businesses were scaling back, retrenching, or even shutting their doors, we made the decision to double down on our vision for Rehab 2 Perform. It wasn’t an easy call — uncertainty was everywhere. But we believed that adversity creates opportunity for those who are willing to lead boldly. Instead of retreating, we chose to expand. Fast.

We accelerated our hiring. We opened new locations. We increased our marketing spend. While others were holding onto every dollar, we invested in our people, our brand, and our footprint. The idea was simple: if we could grow during a time when most were shrinking, we’d emerge not just intact — but ahead.

It was risky. Every new lease, every hire, every campaign felt like a test of conviction. But we believed in our model, in our culture, and in the long-term demand for performance-driven, personalized rehab. And because of that bet, we didn’t just survive the pandemic — we scaled significantly, grew our team, and expanded our impact in the communities we serve.

That period proved that strategic offense in the face of fear isn’t recklessness — it’s leadership. And that mindset continues to shape how we move today: eyes forward, solutions first, and never settling for status quo.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Betting on the Brightside: Developing and Fostering Optimism

Optimism is like magic – it has the power to make the impossible a reality

What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?

There is no one path – to success or even to New York (or Kansas).

Finding & Living with Purpose

Over the years we’ve had the good fortunate of speaking with thousands of successful entrepreneurs,