The Tikvah Origin Story

In sitting down with David Thedinga, the CEO and Founder of Tikvah Health and Wellness, I was able to ask him about the origin story for Tikvah and other business-related questions. We dove into his journey of entrepreneurship, his inspirations and motivations, how Tikvah is unique, his vision for growth for the future, habits and routines, and his advice for other start up business owners.

What inspired you to start Tikvah Health and Wellness?

I have had personal health stories where traditional “sick care” fell short and the only options when seeking conventional help were either overly invasive, purely pharmaceutical, or dismissive of the deeper root cause.

Because of this, it motivated us to seek out credentialed functional and integrative practitioners that took a holistic approach to health. 

“The difference was night and day. We didn’t just get symptom relief–we experienced real healing.” 

Taking my health in my own hands opened my eyes to what healthcare could look like: proactive, personalized, and actually focused on making me well. I wanted to be a part of that for other people. It’s where Tikvah is born from–a vision to make that kind of care more accessible, especially for those stuck in the current system with nowhere else to turn. 

How did you get the idea for Tikvah?

The idea for Tikvah came to me in layers–part experience, part calling. After consulting with a few different companies and practitioners in the integrative and functional medicine space, it gave me a deeper understanding of what’s possible outside the scope of the conventional model. 

Tikvah has a Christian-based origin story. After dealing with my own health struggles and turning towards functional medicine support, I felt like God planted a vision in me. One that I could never imagine for myself. It felt like a faith-driven blueprint to take charge in something bigger than myself. 

“Tikvah” means hope in Hebrew, and that is exactly what it represents. It’s prevention and healing–restoring the body and soul.

What makes Tikvah unique?

What makes Tikvah different is that we don’t just offer another health platform—we integrate directly into healthcare plans by amending the policy language itself. That unlocks access to a vetted network of functional and root-cause-based practitioners, with real reimbursement behind it.

We bridge the gap between innovation and infrastructure:

• For employees: Better access and outcomes

• For employers: Real cost savings and engagement

• For providers: A seamless, aligned system to serve patients more effectively

  
  

It’s not just a referral engine. It’s a tech-powered connector that’s backed by insurance integration—giving employees access to better care, while also helping employers and carriers contain costs through more effective, less invasive treatments.

What is your vision for Tikvah?

My ultimate vision for Tikvah is simple: to help people. Over the course of the next 5-10 years, I want to see us provide access and hope to 500,000… then a million… then 5 or 10 million people. We’re building something bigger than a business—we’re creating a new category of care.

We’ll grow first through employers, giving their teams access to root-cause-driven providers. Then we’ll expand through strategic partnerships and eventually direct-to-consumer—anywhere we can integrate with health plans and rewrite the rules of care.

My only non-negotiable is that it remains mission-led. I’ll keep building and following where the Spirit leads.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the health and wellness industry?

Be patient. Show your passion. Listen more than you talk. Keep an open mind and stay resilient. If you’re grounded in your mission and willing to learn as you go, your impact will speak for itself.

What habits, routines, and mindset do you uphold as a business owner wearing multiple hats?

I start most days with a sauna and cold plunge—five to six times a week. It’s not just physical—it resets me mentally, helps manage stress, and keeps me sharp. I workout consistently, do coffee enemas for liver detoxification, and I also spend a considerable amount of time in prayer every day.

There is a lot to juggle being a business owner, parent, and husband. I am very intentional with my time, and I put real energy into building community and staying intentional with relationships.

I’ve learned that alignment—physically, spiritually, relationally—is the only way to lead well.

What motivates you?

I’m motivated by my family, my faith, and a deep sense of purpose. I don’t want to see people suffer—especially when better options exist that are just outside the current system.

What are your favorite parts of being an entrepreneur? What are the hardest?

Anyone that starts a brand new concept or company can’t predict or plan for what could happen. The best part? Living out my purpose. The energy, the vision, the impact—it keeps me going. I’ve talked myself off the ledge more than once, but that internal fire hasn’t gone out. It’s been brutally hard at times—emotionally, financially, spiritually—but the growth has been undeniable.

I’ve leveled up in ways I never expected. My skill set has expanded. My faith has deepened. I’ve been stretched, refined, surprised—but I’ve stayed the course. It’s not easy, but I wouldn’t trade it because I know I’m doing what I was called to do.