
Leadership
Dr. Gary Kompothecras
Co-Founder & Co-Chairman
Widely known as “Dr. Gary,” he is a pioneering medical-industry and real-estate entrepreneur and a dedicated advocate for autism awareness, its causes, and prevention over several decades. As the founder of 1-800-ASK-GARY, one of the first multi-disciplinary medical clinics in the United States established in 1996, Dr. Gary revolutionized healthcare access for auto-accident victims by streamlining efficient, cost-effective treatments. His business acumen transformed a single clinic into a nationwide network, Physician’s Group, LLC, based in Sarasota, Florida, where he serves as owner and CEO. Dr. Gary’s professional success extends to media production, including his role as producer on the MTV reality show “Siesta Key,” which showcased his family and community. The widely acclaimed series, premiering in 2017 and running for five seasons, became one of MTV’s record-setting hits and heightened visibility for the Sarasota area.
According to economic data from Visit Sarasota County, tourism in Sarasota County experienced substantial growth during and after the show’s five-year run, with total economic impact rising from roughly $2.8 billion in fiscal year 2016 to over $4 billion. Florida-based Chamber of Commerce and economic-development leaders have credited the show with helping spike tourism to record levels, with visitor numbers increasing from about 2.6 million in 2017 to over 3.2 million by 2023.
Dr. Gary’s deepest commitment lies in combating autism, a cause profoundly personal due to his two children, Bronson and Sarah Alice, who live with the condition. Diagnosed as toddlers, their experiences ignited his lifelong mission to expose and halt what he believes are preventable causes of autism, including links to childhood vaccination schedules. Despite significant public scrutiny and attempts to discredit his views, including lobbying for legislation to limit thimerosal in vaccines and challenging established medical consensus, his dedication has prevailed.
He has channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into advocacy, funding initiatives like screenings of the film “VAXXED: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe” to raise awareness, and partnering with experts to drive policy change and public education. Leveraging his resources, from financial investments to influential networks, Dr. Gary has become a philanthropist championing autism research, awareness, and support for affected families, dedicating his life and his pocketbook to ensuring no family endures the challenges he has faced.