Today we’d like to introduce you to Emil Kizer.
Hi Emil, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Like many immigrants, our journey began as a result of a political crisis in our home country, Venezuela. We no longer felt it was a safe place for us. After evaluating our options, we considered both Europe—where we could continue our professions as dentists—and the United States. Ultimately, we chose Miami due to its proximity and the presence of close family and friends.
Over the course of two years, we traveled frequently to the U.S. in search of a business opportunity, specifically in the healthcare field, where both my wife and I could work together under the same company. We initially found a business we were interested in, but it was beyond our budget at the time, so we set it aside. Six months later, the broker reached out again to inform us the price had dropped and invited us to make an offer. After a series of negotiations, we reached an agreement that worked for both parties.
We then applied for and were granted an E-2 investor visa. Once everything was approved, we had two months to relocate permanently to the U.S. and take over the business. Those weeks were filled with mixed emotions and non-stop activity—packing our home and dental practices, which we didn’t want to close but rather delegate, finalizing legal paperwork, and preparing for the move.
Our first day at the business was challenging. Although it was in the healthcare field, it was still a completely new environment for us. We paid for a month of training with the previous owners, and after that, we were on our own. We divided responsibilities— I focused on marketing, contracts, and public relations, while my wife handled the administrative side. We each dedicated ourselves to learning every aspect of our respective roles, slowly adapting the business to our vision.
Today, we’re proud to say that all the effort and sleepless nights have paid off. We’ve relocated to a more central location—designed entirely by us based on our past experiences. Our business is now very close to what we envisioned from the beginning. We’re proud to have built a workplace where patients feel welcomed and respected, and where we, as business owners, are present and accessible every day. Our doors are always open to any patient who wishes to speak with us.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been an easy path. We faced many personal and professional sacrifices. We had to give up our successful dental careers in Venezuela, which we had built over 12 years. We left behind our home, cars, and immediate family in pursuit of a better quality of life and a meaningful career.
When we first arrived, we stayed at my father-in-law’s home and shared one car while we searched for a place of our own. During the early years, we were the first to arrive and the last to leave the office every day. We learned every administrative position in the business from the ground up, and to this day, we are capable of covering any staff role ourselves. This hands-on experience has allowed us to shape the business according to our needs and personal values, which has been a key factor in our success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Associates Rehabilitation Inc?
We are a Physical and Occupational Rehabilitation Center, originally founded over 20 years ago and managed by us for the past 10 years. We treat patients ages 7 and up with no upper age limit. Our facility spans over 4,000 square feet and is equipped with a wide range of tools and technology to support recovery.
We are conveniently located just two blocks from Dolphin Mall and offer ample parking for our patients. One of our main advantages is that we accept 95% of medical insurance plans in Florida. We handle a broad range of cases, from falls to car accidents.
We take great pride in the fact that the majority of our growth has come through word of mouth and direct referrals from medical centers. Our main goal is always the full recovery of our patients, and we make all our resources available to support their healing. What sets us apart is our personal approach—our patients are treated with genuine care, and we maintain a daily presence in our office to ensure they always feel supported and heard.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What we love most about Miami is the opportunity it offers to new investors and entrepreneurs. The cultural diversity here is inspiring—people from all over the world, each chasing a better life and a brighter future than what they left behind.
What we love least is the rising cost of living in all areas—from housing to basic services—as well as the complexity and high expense involved in maintaining a stable immigration status.
Pricing:
- Physical therapy session $ 120.00
- Occupational therapy session $ 120.00
- Vestibular Therapy session $ 120.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rehabilitatetoday.com
- Instagram: @a_rehabilitation
