The Dude Guy Page & Dr. Thomas Noonan shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Guy & Dr. Thomas, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
We provide free stress, relief, acupuncture to all veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, and their family members. A few months back, we entered a contest that slipknots lead Cory Taylor puts on once a year called The Taylor Foundation. He donates money to small businesses that help veterans and first responders. This contest covered the United States in Canada. We came in second place and he donated $10,000 to our clinic to help us continue providing we acupuncture to our heroes in San Diego. After that, he came to San Diego to play at the house of blues and actually interviewed me for 45 minutes as well as giving us VIP passes to see his show.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
After attending an acupuncture seminar in 2017 in San Diego held by Acupuncturists Without Borders. The reason I attended it because I was told I needed back surgery and started getting Acupuncture, which helped me so much. I did not have to get the surgery. It got me more interested in Acupuncture. When I found out, I could open up a clinic and partner with Acupuncturist Without Borders and provide free acupuncture to our heroes in San Diego. I quit my job, cast in my 401(k) and had the keys to my clinic within 90 days. With no business plan or budget, I contacted some of the Acupuncturist that attended the seminar. One person that stands out the most is Dr. Thomas Noonan. I phoned him and asked if he wanted to volunteer and provide free acupuncture. He didn’t hesitate one second and has been the lead Acupuncturist for 7 1/2 years now. Since then, we got contracted with the VA who sends us referrals. thanks to Dr. Thomas Noonan and Acupuncturist Without Borders. We have provided over 8000 free stress, relief, acupuncture treatments. We love attending events with the San Diego fire department, as well as going inside the VA and treating the doctors, nurses, mental health therapists and support staff.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I honestly never thought that we would make it this far. When Covid hit there were lockdowns and social distancing. We actually had to obtain a second clinic in the same building just so we could treat our heroes in a safe manner during Covid. Somehow the universe worked alongside us. A lot of businesses were closing down, but somehow we were able to stay open. I myself cannot take credit for all this. It’s the mass amount of volunteers that continue showing up no matter what. Without the help of volunteers, we would not be here today.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Never ever give up. No matter what your head tells you, whether you’re not good enough or how are you gonna make ends meet? Never give up and take life one day at a time. Around yourself with wonderful people and enjoy every day like it through the last day on the planet.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
Here’s the deal. I know Acupuncture works. When I was supposed to get back surgery, they told me I had a 50% chance of recovering and that process was gonna take two years. I didn’t really care for those odds so I started utilizing holistic modalities instead of getting surgery. So to answer this question, I 100% believe that acupuncture works from my experience. I cannot prove that the acupuncture worked other than I’m completely healed with no back problems whatsoever.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When have you had to bet the company?
Right after Covid, I was almost broke. I put everything that I had into the clinic.
I believed in my mission. I had to sell my condo to keep the clinic open. It was either sink or swim and selling the condo was the best thing that I could think of to keep doing what we do, and that’s healing people. It paid off and we were actually able to expand. It was either sink or swim, and I wasn’t ready to give up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.innspotacu.com
- Instagram: @Theinnspotcommunityacupuncture
- Youtube: The Inn Spot Acupuncture Corey Taylor
- Other: https://www.acuwithoutborders.org
Image Credits
Jason Ritchie and Derek Plank Photography
