Chamber News

Giving back is what it’s all about

Seaford chiropractor honored by Nassau Council of Chambers

Posted

When Gary Sgroi injured his back lifting weights more than 30 years ago, he didn’t realize the long-term impact that would have on his life. Eventually, he healed, but treating others with back ailments became his calling.

Now he is Dr. Gary Sgroi and has his own chiropractic office on Merrick Road in Seaford. He was named the 2014 small businessperson of the year by the Seaford Chamber of Commerce and was recognized along with 40 other entrepreneurs at the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce annual legislative breakfast on Oct. 17 at the Crest Hollow County Club in Woodbury.

At 16, Sgroi was a patient, and he bounced from doctor to doctor seeking relief from his pain. He went to a chiropractor and finally began to feel better.

“It kind of piqued my interest,” he said, “because I knew I had to make a career decision.”

He attended New York Chiropractic College in Brookville for five years and earned his degree. Sgroi started his career as an associate at a practice in his hometown of Flushing, where he worked for a year. Following a stint as a chiropractor in Yonkers, he found a practice for sale in Seaford.

At 26 years old, Sgroi was newly married and looking to move to Long Island. He liked the location, and he and the doctor who was selling the practice hit it off.

More than two decades later, his practice is still going strong. Sgroi said he has several long-term patients who depend on his chiropractic services for health, wellness and maintenance, and, in some cases, to manage chronic pain. He also has short-term patients, like he was once himself, who come in for treatment of an injury. “There’s that diversity factor in the practice,” he said.

Being a chiropractor is a hands-on job, Sgroi explained. It’s not just about listening to a patient and writing prescriptions, but working on them to make adjustments. “It’s a participation sport, so to speak,” he said.

Even as a doctor, customer satisfaction is a top priority. Sgroi says the best way to grow a business is through positive referrals from happy patients.

To keep his patients satisfied, Sgori keeps himself versed on the latest developments in his field. He learns new techniques and technology by taking post-graduate seminars at the New York Chiropractic College’s teaching clinic in Levittown. “There’s always new innovations,” he said, “and to be able to do the best job for the patients you really have to stay on top of your game. Not everything is for everybody.”

Sgroi, 49, has been involved in the Seaford Chamber of Commerce since 1992, and said it is another avenue that has helped him to grow his business. He has been a sponsor for many events including the annual Easter egg hunt and holiday lighting, and spoken at career days at the middle school.

Ken Jacobsen, the immediate past president of the Chamber, said Sgroi deserved to be this year’s honoree. “He’s always been very supportive of the Chamber, both as a member and his generosity in the community,” Jacobsen said. “We felt it was a long time coming.”

Sgroi said he was surprised but honored by the award. “I hope to continue to have a nice long career here in Seaford,” he said.