Alumni Feature

Logan Grad Is First to Open Chiropractic Clinics in Walmart Stores Across U.S.

Janelle Farris, DC (‘06) was raised in a business-minded family. Over time, she’s adopted the same entrepreneurial mindset, always looking for ways to start her own business and be her own boss. Over a year ago, after moving to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the idea for her latest business venture sprouted: Open chiropractic clinics within Walmart stores across the country.

“I went into a Walmart in Murfreesboro and saw an open lease space inside the store and thought about how perfect a location it would be for a chiropractic clinic,” Dr. Farris said. “I called the phone number listed on the sign, but it was out of service.”

Determined to succeed, she didn’t let that stop her.

“I started calling every distributor I could think of who sold their products at Walmart. I got bounced around a lot but eventually was put in contact with a businessman who opened veterinary clinics inside Walmart locations around the country,” said Dr. Farris. “He was a huge help, and I ended up getting in contact with Walmart’s health and wellness department.”

Dr. Farris pitched her business plan to Walmart’s team, but they passed on the opportunity. She was disappointed but not discouraged. Instead, she started brainstorming ways she could get a second chance to present her ideas.

“I went to the closest Walmart to my house, told the manager my situation and asked if I could work as a janitor at his store,” Dr. Farris said. “He agreed, and I started cleaning Walmart.”

Then, as an official employee, she reached back out to Walmart’s corporate leasing office with her employee identification number and asked for a second chance. Walmart agreed, and Dr. Farris pitched her presentation again.

This time, she got a yes. The home location in Murfreesboro, Tennessee—called “the BACKSPACE”—is up and running, and Dr. Farris is determined to keep growing. She’s thankful for her partners at

IMAC Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMAC).

The partnership will launch 10 the

BACKSPACE locations this year and can be found online at Back.co.

“Two of the locations I’m most excited about are in Florida, near Disney World, and in Chesterfield, Missouri, down the street from Logan’s main campus,” said

Dr. Farris. “I really want the Chesterfield location to be a teaching clinic for Logan to utilize and train students. I learned so much from my professors and experiences at Logan, and I want other students to have access to the same great learning opportunities that I did.”

For this reason, Dr. Farris said her goal is to spend time with every doctor she hires at each location.

“This project is so important to me, and I want to make sure we’re hiring people who will serve our patients to the absolute best of their ability,” said

Dr. Farris. “I’m so excited to see how much this will grow!”

Chiropractic is a Crocker Family Affair

Chiropractic is the family business for the Crockers, so it’s no surprise that Jacob Crocker, DC (’16) was named 2021 Chiropractor of the Year by the Missouri Chiropractic Physicians Association (MCPA).

“I was incredibly honored and shocked by this win, especially as it is a nomination by peers,” he said. “Chiropractic has been a cornerstone of our family for decades, and it’s rewarding to be recognized with this award.”

Dr. Crocker’s parents, Jack Crocker, DC (’82) and Melani Crocker, DC (’84), met while students at Logan and have been practicing for almost 40 years in Lebanon, Missouri, where they were both born and raised.

As a child, Dr. Crocker witnessed the influence his parents had on their community and their dedication to their patients.

“My parents have had patients for more than 20 years, and I saw firsthand the positive impact that chiropractic had on their physical and mental health,” Dr. Crocker said. “It inspired my sister and me to follow in their footsteps.”

Dr. Crocker was also an avid athlete, running cross country and track, and had many injuries that caused him to seek chiropractic care to improve his performance.

After completing his undergraduate studies in southern Missouri, he attended Logan University, where he met his wife, Jessica Crocker, DC (‘16). Upon graduation, they moved to Springfield, Missouri, where they live with their two children and both continue to practice. Currently, Dr. Crocker is studying to become a certified functional medicine practitioner and is a partner at Zeal Integrated Health with founder Jason Crockett, DC (‘00).

“Our practice at Zeal Integrated Health is very focused on functional medicine as well as patients with chronic autoimmune conditions, diabetes and thyroid issues,” said Dr. Crocker.

Dr. Crocker’s sister, Tabitha Ogle, DC (‘11), who suffered from scoliosis as a child, also saw the impact of chiropractic in her life and what the career meant to her parents and their community. She attended Logan and now lives and practices in Waynesville, Missouri, along with her husband, Shane Ogle, DC (‘12). “The desire to help people and play a part in their overall wellness definitely runs deep throughout our family,” Dr. Crocker said. “We all want to change the face of health care, and we are making it a family affair.”

Dr. Jacob Crocker with his wife, Dr. Jessica Crocker

Dr. Jacob Crocker (center) with his parents, Dr. Melani Crocker (left) and Dr. Jack Crocker