Meet Nicole Dority | Physical Therapist and Entrepreneur

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

Hi Nicole, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I have been a clinician and entrepreneur for over 20 years. I also have 2 children and a husband. Being a mom, a family member, a wife, a friend, a business owner, and so much more can be a constant juggle. I regularly remind myself that the days are long, but the years are short, and to live with intention.

When the children were very small, parenting was very intensive. During that time, I focused on my clinical work and my home life. My husband traveled a great amount, so a majority of the parenting and house stuff was on me. I savored that time, asked for, and received, help. At a point in that phase of life, my mom was able to come out and help support our son academically while we were figuring out a medical issue he was confronted with.

As the kids got older, with some added support from our nanny, I was able to balance start-up and clinical work simultaneously, while also being a full time mama. My husband was also around quite a bit more, so we could share in the home duties. It was a very nice, very balanced time, as most things were in sync. During that time, my daughter started to become my bigger focus, as our son’s medical issues had subsided, and it was her turn to get more of the support.
I continued on the journey of startup and went full bore with my biggest project. Eventually, that project became more of a full time effort. I was able to flex my hours and be more available for all of the kid’s stuff, including driving to and from school.

Today, I own two businesses, have two teenagers, and my husband owns his own business. Somehow, we make it all work, and the teenagers are a HUGE focus. They need as much support as they did when they were young. And, I am so lucky to be able to have flexibility with my schedule, being able to work at different hours and adjust my schedule as needed. We also try and sit down to dinner as a family as often as possible, amidst evenings filled with volleyball, soccer, basketball, track, and school activities. My husband and I work as a team to make it all happen.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have had a long and unusual career. My experiences set me apart simply because the last 30 years have been an interesting and meandering path. I am most proud of my children. They are my single best accomplishment, hands down. They are so special and loving and unique.

I started as a Biochemistry major at the University of Miami. Simultaneously, I was in the Army ROTC program. When I graduated, I was commissioned as an Active Duty Office in the US Army. That career offered me such great leadership experience, including Chief Medical Officer of the post of Fort Huachuca, AZ, and a Medical Company Command of a 180 person unit. I had THE most amazing enlisted and officer mentors who I learned from and listened to so I could be the best leader I could be.

I then moved to Colorado to attend CU Health Sciences Center and received both my Masters and Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. I had the best opportunities for my clinical internships. My mentor at the Aspen Club, who supported me in my most independent (and final) clinical rotation is someone I look up to, to this day.

My career has included staff physical therapist, clinical manager, clinical co-owner. I have also been involved in 4 start up ventures. My roles included Founder, Co Founder, and operations. These opportunities taught me so many skills including fundraising, staffing, business planning, pivoting, and so much more. I have loved all of the opportunities and experiences I have had along the way.

I have gotten to where I am today by saying YES. Taking risks. Being bold. Believing in myself. And, most of all, surrounding myself with the best and brightest leaders I have ever known.

And, I would not be who I am today without the love and support of my beautiful family.

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?
Denver is AMAZING.

Of course, I am biased, but Nurture is one of the most beautiful spots to workout, dine, commune, recover, be taken care of and nourished, and so much more.

The Botanical Gardens is the most serene place in the city. Running up on Green Mountain on a beautiful summer morning is gold. The Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver is a magnificent icon sent in the middle of our beautiful city. South Gaylord and Wash Park are amazing for hanging out – food, shopping, frisbee, volleyball and picnics galore. I highly recommend heading to South Pearl on a Sunday morning for the farmer’s market. Visit Endorphin, the best gym in the city, to get your sweat on. Go to Sakala for an amazing sound bath or breath working event. And, if it is wintertime, head to Vail and ski the backbowls and Northwoods.

Dining in Denver is amazing. From Devil’s Food for baked goods, to Root Down for healthy options, to the Greenwich for its special ambiance and food. And Mercantile and Provision at Union Station is a Denver must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My colleagues, mentors, and leadership in the military were far and beyond the most inspirational for me. I learned the value of trusting your staff, good communication, team work, and mission oriented mind set. Everyone had one another’s back, and there was no competition and drama in my experience there. It was foundational and incredible.

I would also like to thank my mentor and business partner, Peter Strauss for all of his support, education, and trust over the last 7 years. He has believed in me when I could not believe in myself, and for that I am forever grateful.

Finally, I would like to thank my family. My husband has been a great support as I have taken on new ventures, and has always been a great partner in raising our children.

Website: balanceptdenver.com and visitnurture.com

Instagram: @nikki_dority

Linkedin: Nikki Mercaldo Dority

Facebook: Nikki Mercaldo Dority