Sophros Recovery was born from Nick Padlo’s personal journey through addiction and recovery. After experiencing his own battles with alcohol dependency and mental health struggles, Nick entered rehab and began rebuilding his life. “I wanted to create a program that addressed the gaps I saw during my own recovery,” Nick shares. Sophros was founded to provide the intensive, ongoing care that many individuals need after completing residential treatment. The name “Sophros” is inspired by Greek mythology, representing balance and self-control—a philosophy central to the program’s mission.

Sophros Recovery fosters a culture that balances deep empathy with consistent celebration. Nick emphasizes the importance of celebrating both client and staff victories: “This work is incredibly demanding, so we make it a point to highlight every success, big or small.” The team uses Slack to share shout-outs and updates, ensuring a positive and supportive atmosphere. Sophros also embraces a casual, approachable style to make clients feel welcome and understood. “We’re in this fight alongside our clients,” Nick says, emphasizing the importance of relatability and authenticity in treatment.

Sophros Recovery stands out by addressing every facet of its clients’ lives. The program is built on four pillars:

• Clinical Therapy: Individual and group therapy sessions tailored to tackle trauma, depression, anxiety, and communication skills.
• Medical Support: A dedicated medical team ensures clients’ physical needs, such as managing cravings and chronic pain, are addressed.
• Case Management: Assistance with housing, employment, and other life essentials helps clients rebuild their lives.
• Alumni Support: Ongoing meetings and quarterly check-ins foster a sense of community and provide long-term encouragement.

Nick explains, “We’re not just helping people stop drinking or using drugs; we’re helping them fill the gap in their lives with purpose and connection.” By integrating these elements, Sophros ensures clients leave equipped with the tools and support they need to thrive.

What it means to be selected as an honoree

Being recognized as a GrowFL honoree is a significant milestone for Sophros Recovery. “This award is a recognition of our team’s hard work and the lives we’ve touched,” Nick shares. For a young company, the honor underscores the progress Sophros has made in lowering barriers to care and providing hope for those struggling with addiction. “We’re still in our early days, but this feels like a big step forward.”

Sophros Recovery actively engages with the local community, partnering with universities like UNF to provide internship opportunities for aspiring therapists. Many of these interns join the team full-time, ensuring alignment with the center’s mission and values. Sophros also leads efforts to reduce the stigma of addiction through education and outreach. Their recent launch of a virtual program expands access to care across Florida, allowing individuals in rural areas to benefit from the same high-quality services offered at their physical locations.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Nick’s advice to entrepreneurs is deeply tied to his journey: “Find something you’re truly passionate about, and then look for the business opportunity within that passion.” He believes that passion provides the resilience needed to weather the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. “When you care deeply about the mission, it becomes contagious to your team and your clients,” he explains, emphasizing that a purpose-driven business can make both a profit and a difference.