Who says you can’t go home? Kristin Hanson did, and now she and her brother, Eric Plunckett, are fostering the growth of their family-owned autism therapy center, Axis Therapy Centers, bringing their vision to life in their small hometown roots.
Kristin, a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), had moved away from Maxwell, Iowa — a tiny town located northeast of Des Moines — to pursue her education, work, and start a family. However, in 2017, after years of working in various places, she decided to return home to her roots, bringing her family with her. With the unwavering support of her brother Eric and their extended family, the idea for Axis Therapy Centers, a family-owned autism therapy center, began to take shape that same year. What started as a small, passion-driven initiative with Kristin, Eric, a handful of behavioral techs, and a friend training to become an occupational therapist, would soon evolve into a robust family-owned autism therapy center serving the local community and beyond.
Axis Therapy Centers: From a Dream to Reality
Axis Therapy Centers was headquartered in Ankeny, Iowa, just a short distance from Maxwell, where Kristin and Eric grew up. Their decision to open the family-owned autism therapy center near home had more significance than simply convenience — it was about creating a lasting legacy within their tight-knit community. They focused on delivering exceptional autism therapy services and making a difference in the lives of those affected by autism spectrum disorder.
Bootstrapping the Dream: A Family Investment in the Future
Like many entrepreneurs, Kristin and Eric had to face the financial challenges that come with starting a business. The duo didn’t have venture capital or large loans from banks, so they turned to family to fund their startup costs. The most significant investment came from their grandparents, who believed in their vision and were willing to help their grandchildren make their dreams a reality. With a loan of $80,000 at a 2% interest rate, Kristin and Eric were able to launch Axis Therapy Centers.
“It was actually the majority of the startup capital that we needed,” Eric shared in an interview with Autism Business News. “They were so adamant about helping us because they’re so proud of us as their grandkids.” Despite their immense financial support, Kristin humorously notes, “After seven years, I still strongly believe they have no idea what we do.”
Their story of bootstrapping is not one of just financial commitment but also an emotional investment. The love and pride their family had in their endeavors fueled their passion and determination to see their family-owned autism therapy center succeed. It was a deeply personal project for the Plunckett-Hanson family, and their success is a testament to what happens when families rally behind each other.
Growth and Expansion: The Road to Success
Fast forward to 2023, and Axis Therapy Centers is a far cry from the small team that once made up the company. The family-owned autism therapy center has grown significantly, operating four clinics and a day camp, employing 106 people, including 15 board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs). The company provides a wide range of services, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy, primarily delivered in their centers. In addition, Axis offers some school-based and community-based care.
The company’s revenue has also seen impressive growth. Approximately 60% of their revenue comes from Medicaid, 35% from commercial insurance, and 5% from private pay. In 2023, Axis Therapy Centers reached an annual revenue of about $4.7 million. This steady growth is the result of a strong commitment to high-quality care, alongside smart business decisions made by Kristin, Eric, and their team.
Despite their success, Axis Therapy Centers’ growth came with challenges. One of the most significant was finding the right balance between the company’s legacy as a family-owned autism therapy center and the evolving demands of a larger, more complex organization. Kristin and Eric found themselves constantly adjusting their roles to meet the organization’s needs.
Transitioning Roles: Navigating Change and Growth
As Axis Therapy Centers grew, so did Kristin and Eric’s roles within the company. From the beginning, the two siblings found themselves in charge of different aspects of the business. But as the company expanded, their responsibilities shifted, often as a result of what they refer to as “defining conversations.” These discussions typically led to one or both of them changing their roles in the company to align with the current needs of the organization.
For Kristin, this meant transitioning away from working directly with patients to focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, and company management. While this was a challenging shift, it was necessary to keep up with the increasing demands of their growing business. “Every time it happens, it gets scary, and it’s a hard transition,” Kristin shared. “But when I get into that new role, it’s such a great feeling.”
This transition was more than just a change in duties — it was about embracing a new passion for leadership and business management. Kristin, who was previously focused entirely on clinical work, immersed herself in self-directed courses on business and corporate leadership. She discovered a new sense of purpose in mentoring and teaching, aspects of leadership that resonated with her in a way she hadn’t anticipated. “I found my true passion in doing that,” she added.
Eric’s journey, meanwhile, took him through a variety of ventures. Before diving into autism therapy, Eric explored various business opportunities, including marketing and coaching firms, franchise ownership, a seed and chemical company, a barbershop, and even a whiskey bar. When it became clear that the company needed more than just a “business guy,” Eric embraced the world of autism therapy and health insurance, shifting his focus entirely to Axis Therapy Centers. His diverse background gave him a unique perspective on the business side of the company, and his entrepreneurial spirit brought invaluable insights to the table.
The Struggles and Triumphs of a Family Business
For Kristin and Eric, the constant role changes, along with the challenges of growing a family-owned autism therapy center, have not been without their struggles. But through those struggles, they’ve seen their company and their bond grow stronger. The “defining conversations” that led to their role transformations weren’t always easy or pleasant, but they proved essential to the healthy growth of the company.
Their experiences have also provided them with a deeper understanding of the autism therapy industry as a whole. The industry is known for a tension between clinicians who are moving into management positions and businesspeople who must understand the clinical side of operations. Kristin and Eric’s personal journey of navigating these challenges serves as a microcosm of this broader issue, showcasing how clinical expertise and business acumen must come together to create a thriving enterprise that serves those in need.
The journey of Axis Therapy Centers is far from over, but Kristin and Eric’s story is already one of immense success, personal growth, and family dedication. From a small, family-owned autism therapy center startup to a growing enterprise with over 100 employees, Axis Therapy Centers stands as a testament to the power of homecoming, determination, and the vision to make a meaningful impact on the autism community. Through every challenge and transition, the Plunckett-Hanson family remains committed to their mission of providing exceptional care, while building a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
