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Gettels sell chiropractic business, already planning new adventures
Published 11:20am Wednesday, February 6, 2013After 25 years of providing chiropractic treatment in Fergus Falls, the Gettels have decided to move on to something new.
Gettel Chiropractic owners Tony and Margie Gettel sold the business on Dec. 31 to Jon and Tracie McDonald. Previously, Jon was a practicing chiropractor in Utah. Tracie, a Breckenridge native, will serve as the office manager.
For the Gettels, the decision to sell was part of a plan set 25 years ago when they first moved to Fergus Falls.
After graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic (Davenport, IA) in the fall of 1984, Tony and Margie Gettel visited Fergus Falls as one of the communities they had narrowed down from a list of places they’d like to start a business and family. Impressed by the gorgeous fall colors and friendly people they met on their visit – they moved to Fergus Falls 28 1/2 years ago, and shortly after opened Gettel Chiropractic.
They had a plan when they opened their business that by the time they were both around 50 years old, or after 25 years in business, they would both try something new. Their plan was delayed for a few years when Margie was diagnosed with breast cancer. But once she was healthy enough to concentrate on selling the business, the plan was back on.
“We knew it was going to be a lot of work to sell the practice, from finding the right doctor that fit into the business, to cleaning out the closets,” Margie said. “We started this as a ‘mom and pop’ operation and wanted to find owners that would carry that on, not a corporate owner. I’m confident we found that fit with Jon and Tracie McDonald.”
Tony has had some great experiences as a Chiropractor during his 28 years practicing. He was chosen as the treating chiropractor for the 2004 Summer Olympic Decathlon team, received his Diplomat credentials in spinal rehabilitation, earned a strength and conditioning degree; was an instructor for the Red Cross Protect Your Back program; was a firearm safety instructor, and Range Commander for 6 years, and both he and Margie have been guest lecturers as numerous chiropractic management conferences to teach people how to run a practice.
Tony is still contracted to help with the transition at Gettel Chiropractic for another month or so; and will keep up his chiropractic license so he can act as a consultant and fill in when needed. But he’s really looking forward to being able to focus on his hobby turned business – “Tony’s Forends and Grips,” creating custom-made gunstocks.
“It started as a hobby about five years ago, and just exploded about 2 1/2 years ago,” he said. “I never dreamed it would grow this big. And my new schedule should allow me to be involved more in community groups and activities, I’d like to give more back to the community that has supported me for so many years.”
Margie was officially done with her part of the practice on January 31, and wants to take a few months to figure out where her next focus will be. Margie has always been active in the community, having served as a Board member and President of Noon Kiwanis; she is now a Trustee at Our Lady of Victory Church and just recently launched a new “Stewardship as a Way of Life” program at the church; active with the Pretty in Pink fundraising team for the Cancer Center; co-facilitating a breast cancer support group. She started as a Mary Kay consultant in 2001, and as a director for a few years. She was #2 in the nation in personal sales in 2007.
“The clinic was my first born child. Next I’ll be looking for a job where I can have interaction with people and put my talents to use,” she said. She will also continue selling Mary Kay.
While they will both miss the interaction with their patients, they are both excited about whatever new adventures await them.
