In 2018, Morgan Huey and Josh Feldbauer stopped in State College, Pennsylvania on their way home from a visit to Southeastern, PA. The stop led to an unexpected outcome: they had found the perfect home for the chiropractic clinic they hoped to establish. 

In May 2019, while both were completing doctorate programs at New York Chiropractic College, Huey and Feldbauer were ready to formalize the plans for their clinic, to be named Backcountry Spine & Sport. After hearing about the Penn State SBDC from other small business owners and entrepreneurs who had worked with the SBDC, they reached out for guidance with business planning, deal structuring, funding, and securing a location. They ultimately connected with SBDC consultant, Will Hooten.  

Over the course of the next several months, the clients and Will met numerous times in-person and via email to develop and review the couple’s business plan, financial projections, market research, and loan packaging information. Commercial real estate is expensive in the area, but Dr. Huey and Feldbauer found a location that is well-suited to their needs on Walker Drive in State College, PA.  

In December 2019, Dr. Huey graduated from New York Chiropractic college. Shortly thereafter, Northwest Bank helped her and Feldbauer secure a small business loan for working capital and equipment, which, coupled with their own capital contributions, enabled them to open their practice in January 2020.  

Within a few months after opening, Backcountry Spine & Sport, like many other business owners, faced the difficult challenge of responding to the spread of Coronavirus throughout the United States. On March 20, the owners adhered to the recommendations given by state health officials that all non-essential businesses close their doors temporarily. Since then, the couple has reconnected with their business consultant at the SBDC for assistance with applying for SBA and CARES Act disaster funds. Hooten has remained in contact with them as they await the outcome of their loan applications.  

In the meantime, they have been actively communicating with their customers via social media and on their website, where they have successfully adopted an online booking system. Morgan and Josh are eager to re-open and pick up where they left off in mid-March 2020.