Samantha Wipf
Optimal Performance
“I saw how private pay physical therapy was transforming care in other places and knew it could make a real difference in Aberdeen. I wanted our community to have access to that same level of one-on-one, personalized treatment.” Th at philosophy has shaped the way Samantha Wipf built her business. She knew she had something unique to offer, a model that was unheard of in Aberdeen.
Growing up on a farm in Eureka, South Dakota, she learned the value of hard work early on. That background shaped her mindset and her drive to make a difference in people’s lives. After earning her degree in Exercise Science from Black Hills State University and later her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from South College, Samantha worked in traditional clinical settings. But something about the system didn’t feel right. “I just felt like I couldn’t give patients the time and attention they truly needed to reach their goals,” she explained.
Although physical therapy allows for direct access, insurance restrictions often limit what therapists can treat, focusing on isolated areas rather than the whole body. That realization became the seed for what would later become Optimal Performance, a clinic built to offer accessible, innovative physical therapy beyond the traditional model. Samantha envisioned a model where clients wouldn’t just recover, but also learn how to care for themselves, value their well-being, and continue improving long after treatment ends.
At Optimal Performance, clients work one-on-one with their Physical Therapist to design personalized programs that blend rehabilitation with performance training. Whether someone is recovering from surgery, preparing for an athletic event, or simply aiming to feel better day to day, Samantha hopes to help them move with confidence and purpose. She shared the story of a mom in her mid-30s who, after a debilitating groin injury kept her from running, focused on rehab and returned to complete a half-marathon, eventually running three more this summer. Beyond her business, she is passionate about empowering others to take ownership of their wellness journey. “My goal is to help people understand their bodies, not just fix what’s wrong, but teach them how to stay strong and prevent future issues,” she said. That educational approach has become a cornerstone of her work, offering workshops and community classes through partnerships with other businesses in the city focused on healthy living.
Technology has also been a game-changer. Through the Jane App, a HIPAA-compliant platform, she streamlines scheduling and payments. With the PhysiApp, she offers personalized client programming that enhances progress and engagement. AI has streamlined the administrative side of her business, allowing her to focus more on client care. Looking ahead, Samantha hopes to expand her offerings and collaborate with other local health and wellness professionals. She’s also exploring telehealth, particularly for pelvic health - an area she believes deserves more open discussion and support. Pelvic health is something we’re often hesitant to talk about, but it’s one of the most important parts of our bodies, and it deserves the same care as any other she shares.
In 2025, Samantha won the Aberdeen Pitch Competition, earning a $10,000 prize that allowed her to hire another therapist and expand her staffing. “That funding gave me the boost it needed to grow,” she said. Her goal now is to continue expanding services, increasing access to women’s health care in the area, and further developing programs for athletes and weekend warriors, all while keeping quality and people at the heart of everything she does. This business is about people first, and that’s something I never want to lose, she says.
Samantha credits her success with the unwavering support of her husband Tyler Wipf and parents Scott & Stephanie Raile. A small business is nothing without its support network- a village you can lean on. In her own way, Samantha is building that village of wellness right here in Aberdeen.
