Baton Rouge has long been a city of tradition. People here can be a little resistant to change. This is true from centers of political, economic and even medical focus. But recently, the stage has been set for the capital city to become a place of innovation.

We never know where life might take us.Something small that happens to us, or that we witness as children, may change the course of our lives. Andy Barth grew up in Baton Rouge and was in and out of the hospital. After his mom suffered a stroke, he watched her experience with rehabilitation and therapy.

When he moved from Los Angeles back to his native Baton Rouge, Andy Barth kept his PT placement business, Gold Standard Therapy Solutions, running. Now he’s building an online version, Care Connexion, from here in Baton Rouge

Andy also spent time in the hospital due to several knee injuries that led to surgery and physical therapy. Seeing how the physical therapists conducted themselves and how they interacted with their clients, Andy saw a future for himself doing that same thing. Now, he’s been a physical therapist for 21 years and has become an innovator in the field with his company, Gold Standard Therapy Solutions.

Gold Standard Therapy Solutions is a therapist owned and operated referral agency that connects healthcare providers and healthcare agencies in Los Angeles. Here in Baton Rouge, Andy is developing a nationwide digital version of this service, called Care Connexion.

Oscar Tickle sits in for Stephanie Riegel on this edition of Out to Lunch

There are two components to change: vision and courage. The vision to see how things could be done differently, and the courage to do them. Maybe it’s because Andy lives and works between Baton Rouge and Los Angeles that gives him vision and fresh perspective. Whatever it is, he’s inspiring others with his innovation.

Andy Barth, Oscar Tickle, Out to Lunch at Mansurs On The Boulevard

Oscar Tickle sits in for Stephanie Riegel on this episode of Out to Lunch which was recorded live over lunch at Mansurs on the Boulevard. Photos by Ian Ledo and Miranda Albarez.