How Charm City Integrative Health Cryotherapy Business Became a $35K/Month Wellness Hub

Meet Dr. Tom Ingegno and His Vision for Whole-Being Health

Dr. Tom Ingegno, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, is the founder of Charm City Integrative Health (CCIH)—a thriving Cryotherapy Business dedicated to improving overall well-being through a blend of Eastern and Western therapies. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, this innovative center offers over 14 different treatments designed to work synergistically, helping clients achieve optimal health.

While acupuncture remains the flagship service, CCIH has incorporated cutting-edge therapies that align with its core goals: improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and normalizing immune function. Clients can explore customized treatment plans to experience quicker and more sustainable results. Like maintaining physical fitness, Dr. Tom emphasizes that true health requires consistent effort. The clinic even offers memberships to encourage ongoing wellness, making it a one-stop solution for integrative healthcare.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinic was bustling with nearly 150 service appointments per week, generating a gross monthly revenue of $35,000. Today, it continues to grow, fueled by a commitment to patient care and a holistic approach to wellness.

From Idea to Reality – The Birth of Charm City Integrative Health

Dr. Tom’s journey into integrative medicine began with a childhood steeped in healthcare exposure. Growing up, his grandfather, a pharmacist, often reminded him of the importance of finding practical, affordable health solutions. This foundation, paired with a serendipitous postcard from an acupuncture school during his junior year of college, led him down the path of Eastern medicine.

After earning a BS in Health Science and a Master’s in Oriental Medicine, Dr. Tom moved to Baltimore in 2006, eager to start his practice. Initially lacking business experience, he built his career gradually, eventually envisioning CCIH as a comprehensive wellness center.

The cryotherapy business idea was simple yet revolutionary: create a clinic where various therapies complement each other to address both symptoms and root causes of health issues. Inspired by the “biohacker” movement and classical East Asian medicine principles, Dr. Tom developed CCIH to help clients improve performance, combat aging, and enhance overall well-being.

Navigating Challenges – Building a Business with Purpose

Launching CCIH in 2016 came with its challenges. Clients and staff had to adapt to the clinic’s unique approach, which emphasizes frequent visits and a proactive stance on health, much like a gym. For Dr. Tom, scaling the practice meant learning essential business skills on the go. With guidance from a network of passionate business mentors and a dedicated team, he successfully bridged the gap between medicine and entrepreneurship.

Positive client feedback has been instrumental in overcoming initial hurdles, transforming once-overwhelming obstacles into exciting opportunities for growth.

A Data-Driven Approach to Wellness

One of CCIH’s standout features is its ability to adapt. Viewing the cryotherapy businessclinic as a “lab,” Dr. Tom constantly evaluates and refines services based on clinical research and client outcomes. This approach has led to the development of popular service bundles like the RESET package, which combines therapies to target common health concerns efficiently.

The clinic’s ultimate goal? To create a repeatable, scalable model for integrative healthcare centers across the country.

From Launch to Growth – Building a Cryotherapy Business

Launching a business is never a straight road, and for [Name], the journey of creating a cryotherapy business was no exception. With the lease starting in May 2016, the goal was to open doors by July 1st—an ambitious timeline given the logistical challenges of sourcing equipment globally.

The whole-body cryotherapy machine, expected to be the “bestseller,” faced delays shipping from Poland. Still, with creativity at its core, the launch was promoted using a clever Game of Thrones theme. A sign in the window and active promotion across social media created buzz and built anticipation.

Overcoming Initial Challenges

The financial burden was significant. With a 45-page business plan created using LivePlan, Dr. Tom estimated over $100,000 for equipment and $25,000 for the build-out. While bootstrapping seemed daunting initially, it proved to be the right decision in hindsight. Professional videos were created for marketing and linked to an Indiegogo campaign to pre-sell services, generating early momentum.

Creative marketing efforts—such as leveraging the summer Olympics and local TV features—gave the business additional visibility. An open house event drew 100 visitors, kickstarting word-of-mouth marketing, though true growth required persistence and a multi-year commitment to building reputation and trust.

Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Customers

The business thrives on word-of-mouth and online presence. Partnering with other local small businesses, leveraging a membership program, and engaging with niche influencers have been pivotal. The membership program emphasized regular treatments, creating a sense of value and loyalty among customers.

“People combat stress every day, and if we can ease that, even for a little while, they’ll live happier, healthier lives,” Dr. Tom explains. Partnerships and collaborations have also fostered long-standing relationships and broader community engagement.

The Evolution and Challenges of 2020

Entering 2020 with record-breaking January and February months, momentum was abruptly halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With doors shut and revenue streams interrupted, Dr. Tom pivoted to creating passive income streams, such as online classes, virtual consultations, and product sales.

“Being exclusively brick-and-mortar, the shutdown was a significant challenge, but it’s taught me the importance of diversifying revenue streams,” Dr. Tom reflects.

Lessons Learned as an Entrepreneur

From business planning to outsourcing, several lessons stand out:

1. Standard Operating Procedures Are Crucial
   Documenting processes streamlines operations and prevents repeated mistakes.
2. Outsource Weaknesses
   “[I] realized that trying to handle every aspect of the business was not only inefficient but also led to burnout. Outsourcing tasks like bookkeeping and web design has made all the difference.”
3. Build Strategic Partnerships
   Networking with other small businesses and practitioners in related fields has created win-win opportunities for growth and innovation.

Tools and Resources Driving the Business

Efficiency is a priority, and Dr. Tom relies on a mix of tools, including:

• Acuity Scheduling for appointment management (integrates with platforms like Square and Mailchimp).
• Google Workspace for non-HIPAA-compliant tasks.
• RingCentral for phone system management.

For personal and professional growth, books like The E-Myth Revisited and resources from Dr. Rhonda Patrick have been invaluable. Meditation, supported by tools like the Muse headband, has also been instrumental in maintaining focus and balance.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

1. Start with a Plan
   “A well-thought-out plan acts as a guide and helps navigate unforeseen challenges.”
2. Avoid Fads
   Innovations are exciting, but they need to align with the business’s core purpose to ensure sustainability.
3. Invest in Networking
   Collaboration with others in your field can lead to shared solutions and growth.

Future Goals and Opportunities

Looking ahead, Dr. Tom envisions expanding the clinic model nationwide and developing products tailored for practitioners. While actively seeking partnerships with investors and franchising experts, there’s also a desire to engage in more public speaking, events, and interviews to raise awareness about the benefits of the business model.

“I believe that health practices focused on overall well-being are the future of healthcare. The current pandemic has only reinforced this belief.”

Key Takeaways

• Launching a business requires perseverance, creativity, and adaptability.
• Diversification, networking, and strategic planning are essential for sustainable growth.
• Outsourcing and collaboration can alleviate pressure and foster innovation.

By sharing this journey, Dr. Tom hopes to inspire others to take the leap, learn from challenges, and create businesses that not only succeed but also make a positive impact.