Vet Launch

John Younker, DVM, MBA

As veterinarians, we are trained to handle the most complex problems in medicine and surgery. So why is it that the moment we look at a business items that we feel like we’re back in first-year anatomy? The truth is, the same brain that understands medicine can understand business concepts. If you are a clinic owner, a medical director, practice manager, an aspiring owner, or even a lead tech looking to understand the mechanics of how a practice actually runs, you’re in the right place. Every week, we’re going to tackle a new topic in the business of veterinary medicine.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 4 - Finding a Location for a Veterinary Startup

    Veterinary Real Estate: Finding & Negotiating Your Perfect Clinic Location!In Episode 4 of the Vet Launch Podcast, Dr. John Younker explores the crucial elements of finding and negotiating the ideal location for a veterinary startup. He emphasizes the importance of location by citing that 80% of future clients live within a 10-minute drive of the clinic. Dr. Younker is joined by his friend and expert commercial real estate broker, Kelly Edge, principal at Lightpointe Realty, who specializes in healthcare commercial real estate. Together, they delve into the complexities of negotiating leases, identifying suitable properties, zoning considerations, and the essential differences between retail and standalone locations. The episode provides actionable insights into elements such as triple-net leases, tenant improvement allowances, and ensuring legal clauses that protect future business transitions. Throughout the discussion, they share real-world examples and personal anecdotes, guiding listeners through the rollercoaster ride of securing a successful veterinary clinic location.00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Location in Veterinary Real Estate00:43 Meet the Expert: Kelly Edge's Background01:50 Finding the Perfect Spot: A Personal Journey04:48 The Challenges of Negotiation09:59 The Role of a Specialized Real Estate Agent14:04 Buy vs. Lease: Making the Right Decision18:08 Understanding Zoning and Its Impact21:12 Evaluating Potential Spaces: Red Flags and Essentials25:10 Assessing the Space: Power, HVAC, and Costs26:47 Strategic Location: Neighboring Businesses28:47 Finding the Right Square Footage31:48 Understanding Lease Types and Costs34:53 Negotiating Lease Terms36:34 The Importance of Long-Term Leases38:10 Protecting Your Practice with Lease Clauses43:11 The Legal Phase: Engaging Attorneys45:03 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

    50 min
  2. JAN 26

    Episode 3: The Anatomy of a Veterinary Startup Loan

    Episode 3: The Anatomy of a Veterinary Startup Loan In this episode of the Vet Launch Podcast, Dr. John Younker dives deep into the intricacies of veterinary startup loans, providing essential information for aspiring veterinary clinic owners. He begins by discussing the strong success rates of these loans and emphasizes that veterinary startups are a safe bet for banks. Dr. Younker then breaks down the different types of loans available, including conventional veterinary startup loans and SBA loans, highlighting their respective advantages and requirements. He also covers critical factors for securing a loan, such as liquidity, credit score, and production history. Additionally, the episode explains key loan components like interest rates, loan terms, prepayment penalties, interest-only periods, and how construction and other project costs are managed. Dr. Younker also addresses the importance of preserving cash flow in the early days of a business and offers tips on negotiating the best loan terms. Concluding the episode, he briefly touches on miscellaneous benefits provided by banks and previews the next episode on choosing the right location for a veterinary clinic.00:00 Introduction: The Surprising Success of Veterinary Startup Loans00:52 Understanding Veterinary Startup Loans01:54 Types of Veterinary Loans: Conventional vs. SBA06:07 Qualifying for a Veterinary Startup Loan11:05 Loan Components: Interest Rates and Terms16:20 Prepayment Penalties and Interest-Only Periods22:17 Additional Loan Requirements and Considerations24:18 Conclusion and Next Steps

    26 min

About

As veterinarians, we are trained to handle the most complex problems in medicine and surgery. So why is it that the moment we look at a business items that we feel like we’re back in first-year anatomy? The truth is, the same brain that understands medicine can understand business concepts. If you are a clinic owner, a medical director, practice manager, an aspiring owner, or even a lead tech looking to understand the mechanics of how a practice actually runs, you’re in the right place. Every week, we’re going to tackle a new topic in the business of veterinary medicine.