Our Story
From College Roommates to Doctors of Physical Therapy in Franklin, TN
Dr. Brian Kaufmann
Co-Founder
Dr. Nathan Stiffler
Co-Founder
Where It All Began
At just 18 years old, Brian and Nate found themselves living on the same floor of the freshman dorms at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. What started as a chance encounter quickly blossomed into a lifelong friendship, fueled by their shared passion for exercise and wellness. As they worked out together and pushed each other to grow stronger, they began to dream bigger—talking late into the night about one day opening a gym where they could inspire others to achieve their fitness goals.
A New Vision Takes Shape
Four years later, Brian and Nate found themselves pursuing their Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy at West Virginia University. By this point, their original dream had evolved into something even more ambitious: they envisioned opening a Physical Therapy clinic...inside a gym. This unique concept would blend the best of both worlds—clinical expertise with performance training—creating a space where people could not only recover from injury but also build long-term strength and resilience.
As roommates for nearly 7 years by this point, Brian and Nate had developed an unshakeable bond and a shared commitment to making their vision a reality.
Different Paths, Same Dream
Upon graduation as Doctors of Physical Therapy, Brian and Nate made the difficult decision to pursue separate paths to gain valuable experience in the field. Brian headed straight to Franklin, TN, where he pursued advanced education in orthopedics and began building his Physical Therapy expertise in the Nashville area. Meanwhile, Nate embarked on an exciting cross-country travel Physical Therapy adventure, treating patients in diverse settings and gaining a wealth of clinical experience.
Despite the distance and their different journeys, the dream of opening a gym with a physical therapy clinic never faded. It remained a constant source of inspiration and motivation for both of them.
Elevate615 is Born
In February 2021, after years of preparation and planning, the moment finally arrived. Brian discovered an 800-square-foot space in Franklin, TN—located next to a 10-minute oil change shop—and immediately knew this was it. He sent Nate pictures of the humble space, and together they made the bold decision: Elevate615 Physical Therapy was officially created!
Nate didn't hesitate. He rapidly sold his home in North Carolina and relocated to the Nashville area to make their now-decade-long dream a reality. What started as late-night conversations in a college dorm had finally materialized into a tangible business—a testament to their unwavering friendship, shared vision, and relentless determination.
Growing & Thriving in Cool Springs
Today, Elevate615 has grown exponentially. Now located in a 2,500-square-foot facility in Cool Springs, Franklin, TN, these Doctors of Physical Therapy are providing their unique blend of personal training and Physical Therapy services to the amazing residents of Williamson County and the 615 area. Their innovative approach combines one-on-one Physical Therapy, performance training, and longevity-focused care—exactly the vision they dreamed of all those years ago.
Though their dream has evolved many times and continues to grow and adapt, their passion for inspiring a community of wellness can be noticed from the moment you step into their facility. The energy, dedication, and genuine care that Brian and Nate bring to every patient interaction reflect the friendship and shared purpose that started it all.
Brian and Nate would love for you to join them on the next chapter of their story!
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Experience the care and passion that Brian and Nate bring to every session. Schedule your free consultation today and become part of the Elevate615 family.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationLearn More About Physical Therapy & Wellness on Our Franklin, TN Blog →