Maggie Dye and Claudia Ring are the proud owners of Evansville Pelvic Wellness and Rehabilitation. The medical practice, founded in 2024, specializes in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders for people of all ages. Maggie and Claudia’s small business journey was never part of their plan. In fact, it was the last thing either of them wanted to do.

The business was founded, not from ambition, but from conviction. Maggie and Claudia had worked alongside each other at a local hospital for several years, and in 2022 learned that their department was being outsourced. Maggie had been hired to start that department in 2012 and Claudia had joined the team in 2018 after relocating from Michigan.

“The transition didn’t go well,” they recall. “And we had to ask ourselves what we were going to do if we wanted to continue caring for patients the way we believe they deserved.”

They explored countless options. Owning a business felt overwhelming, intimidating, and risky, but ultimately, the choice came down to compromising how they practice or taking a leap into owning their own practice.

After a long vacation and a lot of reflection, Claudia instructed Maggie to “Put on your running shoes,” and they decided to go for it.

It took 14 months of learning, planning, and trusting to open their doors. Neither Maggie nor Claudia had business backgrounds. They didn’t know who to trust, and confidentiality mattered deeply.

A close friend pointed them toward the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where they were introduced to business advisor Julie Folz. “She broke it down to the very beginning,” they said. “We were completely oblivious to starting a business, and she was exactly what we needed.”

Starting in spring 2023, Julie guided them through registering the business, writing a business plan, evaluating cash flow, assessing branding, and finding the right location. She also connected them with a strong local team including Chris Wampler at Legence Bank, where they feel known when they walk in and count on great service, and Kyle Bernhardt at F.C. Tucker Commercial Realty, who they say was very responsive and knowledgeable. Their team also includes Laura Scott at Farmer Scott Ozete Robinson & Schmitt LLP, Renae Scholz at Kruse Dicus & Associates LLP, Daniel Marlow at McGowan Insurance Group, and Alyssa Paik at Thrive Marketing Strategies. They also worked with Digital Upgrade for IT support and Pollux Systems for insurance contracting and credentialing.

The hardest part was walking away from stable jobs and hoping the risk would pay off. “There were moments we were so stressed, and Julie would literally tell us to relax,” they laughed. “She reminded us that sometimes we complicate things too much.”

Though it may have caused additional stress, their meticulous planning paid off. They held an open house in spring 2024, and they already had a full schedule within a few weeks.

The support was overwhelming, in the best way. “Former and current patients, colleagues, peers, and community members showed up for us,” they said. “It was incredibly affirming.”

About five months after opening, another milestone arrived - profitability. “Being able to pay ourselves for the first time was such a great feeling,” Claudia said.

Now nearly two years in, they have no regrets.

Patients travel from across the tri-state to receive care. Many are referred by providers, and others find them through word-of-mouth, online moms’ groups, or through their own research.

Patient-first care, transparency, and honesty are core values. They take time to explain insurance, billing, and out-of-network considerations upfront.

Their favorite part of owning their own practice is autonomy. “We’re in control of our decisions. The red tape is only us,” they shared. “We can adapt quickly, and every decision is made with our patients in mind.”

In the future they plan to add another provider, stay active in the community, and continue offering a high-quality, boutique experience without growing so large that care loses its personal touch.

Their advice for other entrepreneurs: Be patient. Do your homework. Lean into your connections. Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know. Prepare thoroughly. Once you decide, jump in.

“It was a lot of work, lost sleep, and stress,” they said. “But thinking through every scenario helped us be ready when challenges came.”

Today they are enjoying their work and are incredibly grateful to their advisors, professional partners, and the patients who trusted them enough to follow them into something new.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit www.evansvillepelvicpt.com.

Photography by Christine Beyer Photography.