Daviess County CEO Cohort Visits Hawkins Health Center. On October 22, members of the Daviess County CEO Cohort joined the Martin County Cohort for an inspiring and informative visit to Hawkins Health Center, where they had the opportunity to learn from Brooke Hawkins. Brooke, who works alongside her husband, Jordan, shared the story behind their journey into chiropractic care and the many lessons they have learned while building and growing their business. Also participating in the discussion were two members of the Vision Team, Gabby Hyde and Leyna Wagler, who offered additional perspectives and insight.
Brooke began by encouraging students to dream big, discover their passion, and pursue what truly matters to them. Becoming a chiropractor had always been a dream of hers, but turning that dream into a successful business came with a learning curve. With no formal business education, she and Jordan had to navigate unfamiliar territory, overcome unexpected challenges, and learn through the bumps along the way. She reminded students that success doesn't require having every answer before getting started. Sometimes, the greatest lessons come from simply taking the first step.
One of Brooke's strongest messages was the importance of being willing to fail and learning from the experience. Her advice to her younger self would be, "It is okay to fail." She encouraged students to embrace mistakes, trust their instincts, and keep moving forward rather than allowing setbacks to hold them back. Her philosophy of "Fail forward—no regrets" served as a reminder that failure is not the opposite of success, but often an important part of achieving it.
The discussion also focused on the importance of diversification and planning for the future. Brooke challenged students to think beyond their original business idea and consider what additional services or products they could offer to better serve their customers and grow their business. She also emphasized the importance of having a succession plan. Business owners should think ahead about the future of their company, how it will continue to operate, and who will eventually carry the vision forward.
Beyond business strategies, Brooke stressed that personal priorities and character play a major role in leadership. She shared that God must always come first, serving as the foundation for the decisions she makes in both business and life. She also challenged students to consider an important question: What are you doing when nobody is watching? Her message reinforced that integrity is not simply about how we act when others are present, but about the choices we make when no one is there to see them.
Another central theme was the importance of creating a positive workplace culture. Brooke encouraged everyone to appreciate the opportunity to come to work each day and never lose sight of their "WHY"—the purpose and passion behind what they do. She explained that a strong business is built on more than products and services; it is built on people, relationships, and shared values.
Brooke discussed the importance of establishing a clear mission statement and core values that guide a business from the beginning. At Hawkins Health Center, these values influence everyday decisions, patient relationships, and teamwork:
## Leadership: Leading patients, doctors, and teammates with confidence and compassion.
## Chiropractic: Sharing chiropractic stories to promote awareness and understanding.
## Passion: Demonstrating a heartfelt commitment to patient wellness.
## WOW Service: Consistently going above and beyond to exceed expectations.
## Integrity: Always doing what is right, even when no one is watching.
Brooke explained that these values help create an environment where both employees and patients feel valued and supported. She also encouraged students to make time for reflection, remain coachable, continue expanding their vision, and lead others with grace.
The visit provided both cohorts with valuable insight into the realities of entrepreneurship. From navigating the learning curve of owning a business to planning for the future, maintaining strong personal values, and building a positive culture, Brooke offered lessons that extend far beyond the walls of Hawkins Health Center.
As the visit came to a close, both cohorts expressed their appreciation to Brooke, Gabby, and Leyna for sharing their experiences and knowledge. Students were reminded that success is not about having a perfect plan or never making mistakes. It is about staying true to your purpose, putting your priorities in the right order, continuing to learn, and having the courage to move forward—even when the road gets bumpy.