The Orthopreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger

Dr. Glenn Krieger
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What does it mean to become an Orthopreneur? Hi there! My name is Dr. Glenn Krieger and I believe that in today’s competitive world, the orthodontic and dental communities should be collaborative. And I've created Orthopreneurs so that we can move towards that goal together. Orthodontists are smart people. You’ve accomplished a lot to get where you are, but chances are you never got a formal education in how to run the most effective and lowest stress practice possible. Don’t sweat it! Because we’ve got your back... Being an Orthopreneur means that you’re a part of a community. A community that brings peers together to become the best clinicians and the best business owners they can be. Becoming an Orthopreneurs means you never ever need to practice alone. Join the FREE Facebook group by simply applying:https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

  1. 3D AGO

    Mastering the Marketing Pyramid in your practice l 5MF

    I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the world’s greatest marketing minds—Gary Vaynerchuk, Todd Brown, Russell Brunson—and let me tell you, the deeper I go, the more I realize how most orthodontists, myself included, haven’t been taught how to market effectively. In this episode of 5 Minute Friday, I walk you through a powerful framework I’ve learned: marketing as a pyramid. At the bottom of that pyramid are people who don’t even know they have a problem, and at the top are the ones ready to take action. But here’s the catch—most of us are marketing to the wrong level of awareness, with the wrong message, in the wrong place. That’s costing us real money. Quotes “When you put a $500 discount in front of people who don’t even know their kid needs ortho, you’re wasting money—and missing the mark.”  — Dr. Glenn Krieger “Pair the message you’re sending with the awareness they have of your office. That’s how you make marketing work.”  — Dr. Glenn Krieger Key Takeaways Intro & Why Money Talks (00:00) The Marketing Pyramid Explained (01:10) Different Awareness Levels & What to Say to Each (02:15) Why Most Discounts Fall Flat (05:20) A Real-World Breakdown: $500 Off Doesn’t Work Here’s Why (05:40) The “Make More Money” Meeting Announcement (06:45) 8–10 Proven Ways to Boost Case Acceptance & Revenue (08:15) Why You Must Bring a Team Member (08:55) Additional Resources If you’ve ever wondered why your practice isn’t growing the way it should—despite all the ads and discounts—this is your wake-up call. 🚨 The Make More Money Meeting is coming. A day-and-a-half deep dive into marketing, funnel optimization, objection handling, and case conversion strategies that actually work. Bring one or two of your key team members and walk away ready to grow. Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

    9 min

  2. 6D AGO

    You Don’t Have to Do It All on Your Own w/Dr Shira Tor

    🎙️ What if I told you the biggest shift in your practice might start with asking one simple question… “Does your child snore?” In this powerful and deeply personal episode, I’m joined once again by Dr. Shira Tor—an exceptional clinician, practice owner, mom of three, and returning guest with an incredible voice in our community. We talk about the realities of modern orthodontics: the burnout, the beauty, and the burden of doing it all. But this conversation goes way beyond brackets and bands. Shira opens up about the emotional toll of trying to “be everything to everyone”—from running a thriving practice to being present as a mother and partner. We also dive headfirst into the topic of airway-focused orthodontics—how we’ve both changed the way we treat patients, what pediatricians and ENTs often miss, and why we need to lead this conversation in our profession. Quotes “Once you see it, you can't unsee it. And once you ask the right questions, you realize how much we’ve been missing all along.” — Dr. Shira Tor “I can’t do everything. I’ve learned to say no to the PTA, and yes to being present for my family. It doesn’t make me a bad mom—it makes me a better one.” — Dr. Shira Tor Key Takeaways - Intro & Shira’s journey (00:00) - How a childhood diastema sparked her love for ortho (01:00) - Building a practice with her mentor and partner (02:55) - Why she wouldn’t necessarily encourage her daughters to pursue ortho (04:00) - Being a female orthodontist in today’s climate (08:00) - Balancing ambition with motherhood and real life (17:00) - What burnout looks like—and how she avoids it (19:00) - Why she makes time for workouts, therapy, and marriage (24:00) - The ortho-as-gatekeeper model for airway care (26:00) - The dangers of staying silent on airway issues (35:00) - Partnering with ENTs, sleep MDs, and myofunctional therapists (37:00) - Honest thoughts on what it means to be Jewish in today’s America (45:00) - How to be an ally—without being political (56:00) Additional Resources I’ve seen firsthand how burnout, isolation, and trying to be “perfect” can quietly wear down even the most accomplished orthodontists. If you’re overwhelmed, disconnected, or questioning if you’re doing enough—you are not alone. Find your people. Build your systems. And start asking the questions that actually move your practice and life forward—like we did in this episode. Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

    1h 3m

  3. FEB 13

    The $3–4M Orthodontic Practice Model That Actually Works l 5MF

    What if I told you that a $3–4M practice, 3 days a week, with 45 weeks a year off, is not only doable—but might be easier than the "lean and mean" model everyone’s pushing? There’s a growing chorus in orthodontics preaching that the only way to be happy is to stay small, keep overhead low, and see fewer patients. But I’m here to tell you—that’s just one lens, and frankly, it might be blinding you to what’s truly possible. Quotes “I became an orthodontist, not an ortho assistant. And I delegate most of what I don’t [enjoy], because it doesn’t bring me happiness to clean a chair.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger “You can run a $3 to $4 million practice on three days a week—easily—with 40–45 weeks a year. And you can do it at 50% overhead or lower.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger Key Takeaways Intro & Practice Philosophy Reality Check (00:00) Why judging high-volume practices is short-sighted (00:02) You can build a $3–4M practice at 50% overhead—here’s how (00:43) Why 55–60 patients/day might be the sweet spot (02:40) Delegation and avoiding burnout (03:45) A breakdown of true overhead realities in most markets (05:00) Introducing the “Make More Money” meeting (08:30) Additional Resources Are you ready to break free from limiting beliefs about what your practice has to look like? 🟦 If a three-day workweek, a million-dollar take-home, and real work-life balance sounds like your version of success—then I want to hear from you. Message me directly or email me to let me know if you're interested in the upcoming Make More Money meeting. It’s small, focused, and 100% about one thing: helping you build a wildly profitable, fulfilling practice—your way. 📩 Reach out and say hi—even if it’s just to let me know you’re listening. I’d love to hear your story. Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

    10 min

  4. FEB 10

    Inside a 13-Practice Ortho-Pedo Model w/Dr Ben Samuelson

    In this episode of The Orthopreneurs Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ben Samuelson—an orthodontist and co-founder of PDOA (Pediatric Dental & Orthodontic Associates)—who’s quietly built a multi-practice model across Alabama that’s giving OSOs a serious run for their money. We get real about the challenges of growth, retaining top-tier team members, and how building your own collaborative group of practices can unlock career advancement, culture control, and long-term freedom—without sacrificing your autonomy. Ben shares how he and his pediatric dentistry partners co-branded multiple practices under one umbrella, developed scalable systems using EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), and turned what used to be cookie-basket-level marketing into a patient magnet powered by smart, integrated operations. Whether you’re feeling stuck at $1.5M/year or wondering how to grow while keeping your sanity, this episode is packed with honest insights and proven strategies you can actually use. Quotes “When I was by myself in my little practice... your ceiling’s pretty low. Now I can give my team real growth paths and comp packages that actually reward performance.”  — Dr. Ben Samuelson “You can treat more people, better, with fewer mistakes, if you build systems around your vision. That’s what EOS gave us.”  — Dr. Ben Samuelson Key Takeaways Intro (00:00) Ben’s Origin Story (01:02) The Truth About Scaling (03:01) Recruiting High-Quality Team Members (04:30) Tools That Helped Build the Foundation (06:10) The Biggest Challenge: People (10:29) Covering Clinical Blind Spots (14:39). Marketing Without Cookie Baskets (16:27) Prophy-Prophy Reality Check (19:19) Secret to More Adult Starts (20:56) Additional Resources Ben Samuelson proves that building a collaborative, multi-practice model doesn’t require giving up autonomy, selling to a DSO, or losing your identity. If you’ve hit a wall in your private practice—or you’re just ready for more—this episode is your blueprint. Whether you’re curious about EOS, co-branded models, or finding your first great partner, you’ll leave this conversation with clarity and confidence. Need to get in contact with Ben? Samuelsonorthodontics@gmail.com  https://www.samuelsonorthodontics.com  - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

    24 min

  5. FEB 6

    Why Doing Less Can Make You a Better Orthodontist l 5MF

    Running a successful orthodontic practice doesn’t mean you need to control everything. In fact, the more you try to do that, the more you risk losing team members, burning out, and stunting your growth. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I’ve transformed my management style over the years—and how letting go has made me a better leader, clinician, and business owner. I’ll walk you through the exact approach I use today, including how we build systems without me being at the center of every decision. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to oversee every part of your practice—or you’ve struggled with team accountability—this one’s for you. You’ll walk away with a practical framework to create a culture of ownership, while giving your team the tools and authority to thrive. If you want to stop micromanaging and start scaling, this might be your wake-up call. Quotes “If you want to take home seven figures a year from your practice, then you gotta work at it—and that means letting go.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger “There are two kinds of problems in this world: my problem, and not my problem. I’ll help you solve your problem—but it’s still not my problem.”  — Dr. Glenn Krieger Key Takeaways Intro (00:00) — How I used to micromanage—and why it failed. (01:30) — My evolution from control freak to team enabler. (03:00) — Why your org chart matters more than your to-do list. (04:50) — Empowering your team to own their systems and policies. (05:30) — The two kinds of problems: “My problem” and “not my problem.” (06:45) — How to build one high-impact system per team member in 90 days. (08:00) — The true cost of micromanagement (it’s higher than you think). Additional Resources If you’ve been feeling stretched thin in your practice or you know you’re spending too much time managing instead of leading, start by building that org chart. Sit down with your team, hand out real ownership, and step back from the day-to-day. Let your systems—and your people—work for you. And if this episode sparked something for you, send me a message. I love hearing how these ideas show up in your practice. Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

    7 min

  6. FEB 3

    Freedom Mapping: A New Way to Lead Yourself and Your Practice w/David King

    In this episode, I sit down with David King—coach, author of Freedom Mapping, and a guy who’s worked with orthodontists across the country to help them reclaim their clarity, purpose, and peace. And this isn’t some vague “work-life balance” chat. We talk about the actual tools and frameworks that have helped high-performing orthodontists climb out of burnout, reconnect with their families, and rediscover why they got into this profession in the first place. From his early days as a management consultant to becoming the fittest man in Austin (at age 45!), David shares how he reached his own breaking point—and what he built in the aftermath: a four-domain framework that helps doctors take a brutally honest look at where they are now and where they actually want to go. If you’ve been grinding non-stop, but feeling stuck, frustrated, or even quietly drowning, this episode is for you. Quotes “There is no system, no process, no production goal that can overcome a doctor who’s not on point—mentally, emotionally, spiritually.”  — David King “Prep the number one asset—you. Because as you go, the practice follows.”  — David King Key Takeaways Intro (00:00)David’s backstory: consulting, coaching, and winning “Fittest Man in Austin” (00:23)Why burnout among orthodontists often goes unnoticed (04:23)The origin of Freedom Mapping and the 4 Domains: Body, Being, Balance, Business (06:00)The power of truth-telling: where you really are vs. where you want to be (07:55)How small lies we tell ourselves lead to chronic burnout (10:59)Systems vs. self: why perfect processes can’t fix personal chaos (15:15)Signs your mental bandwidth is breaking (20:00)Why parents today are more burnt out—and less satisfied—than ever before (25:00)“Prep the asset”: how 3–5 minutes of intention can change your day (28:11)Why orthodontists must stop compromising their dreams out of guilt or fear (36:40) Additional Resources I’ve seen firsthand how easy it is for smart, successful orthodontists to lose themselves chasing growth, perfection, and shoulds. But here’s the truth—your systems won’t save you if you don’t first take care of the person running them. 👉 Download David’s book at freedommappingbook.com , or reach out to him at david@davidkingcoaching.com  for a deeper conversation about how to prep your number one asset: you. Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com  - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

    39 min

  7. JAN 30

    Orthodontic Funnel Audit: Your 2026 Profit Plan Starts Here l 5MF

    Most orthodontists think their biggest money leaks are in fees or overhead. But what if the real problem is sitting right at the top of your funnel—unchecked and unoptimized? In this episode, I walk you through how to dissect your practice’s entire patient funnel heading into 2026. From lead generation to consult conversion to case acceptance, this is your chance to clean house, plug profit holes, and make this your most financially rewarding year yet. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, I break down the three types of orthodontists and where each gets stuck. My hope? That you’re the kind who actually takes action. You’ll also get clarity on the three ways to increase profits, why "scaling" and "growing" are not the same thing, and how to finally leverage your fixed costs—like rent and team size—into higher margins without burning out. This is the practical, brass-tacks business strategy no one taught you in residency—but it's exactly what will make the difference in your next 12 months. Quotes "You will never regret the days you took off.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger “You’ll walk away with a 90-day plan, personalized by AI, based on everything you discussed—so you’re not just inspired... you’re activated.”  — Dr. Glenn Krieger Key Takeaways Intro & Funnel Framing (00:00) The 3 Ways to Make More Money (00:39) Why Scale over Growth (02:30) Your Overhead Isn't the Problem—Your Volume Might Be (03:40) Challenge for 2026 (04:30) Additional Resources Want help reviewing your funnel or figuring out where the money’s leaking? I’ve coached hundreds of orthodontists through this exact process. DM me or reach out—I’d love to support you as you make 2026 your strongest year yet. And if you enjoy the podcast, take a moment to share it with a colleague. Let’s raise the bar across the entire profession. 👊 Register for OrthoVanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com  - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

    9 min

  8. JAN 27

    What Comes After Ortho Success? w/Dr. Seth Lucas

    Meet Dr. Seth Lucas, a successful orthodontist who—after seven years of practice—hit the same wall so many of us do: “Is this all there is?” Rather than open a second practice or partner with pedo, Seth took a wildly different path: he bought into a cookie franchise. Not just any cookie—Crumbl. And now? He co-owns 9 locations in multiple states and has built a second business that brings in serious revenue without burning him out. In this episode, Seth shares how he launched his first Crumbl store across the country, convinced a friend to move to Wisconsin (yes, really), and built a thriving enterprise—while still loving ortho. We dig into why the seven-year itch is so common among orthodontists, what makes Crumbl such a powerful brand, and how you can start thinking differently about your next chapter—whether it’s inside or outside the clinic. Quotes “I love ortho—just not five days a week. There’s a sweet spot, and I had to find it.” — Dr. Seth Lucas “That first cookie store took more energy than all the rest combined. But once the flywheel started turning—it didn’t stop.” — Dr. Seth Lucas Key Takeaways Intro (00:00) Growing up working farms and pizza shops (01:45) From de novo ortho startup to the 7-year itch (04:06) Why OSOs appeal to docs hitting a “what’s next?” moment (05:30) Loving ortho… but only a few days a week (07:26) Culture is fragile: how Seth manages his 10-person team solo (09:28) The Crumbl cookie obsession begins (14:00) Convincing his friend to move across the country to open store #1 (17:20) From 1 store to 9: building, acquiring, scaling (18:27) Franchise advice: the reality vs. fantasy (19:19) Why Crumbl works—and how it compares to starting an ortho practice (21:13) Can one store be profitable? (22:05) High-volume vs. low-volume Crumbls (23:15) Startup capital: what it took (25:44) Final advice for docs thinking about a second business (28:00) Additional Resources I’ve seen so many orthodontists hit that “Is this it?” moment 7–10 years into practice. The truth is, you can love ortho—and still want something more. Seth’s story is proof that your next act doesn’t have to be more clinics, more chairs, or more chaos. 👉 If you’re thinking about a side hustle, a franchise, or just need a fresh spark—this episode will get you thinking differently. Visit Lucas Orthodontics: https://drlucasorthodontics.com Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com  - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

    32 min
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4.7
out of 5
74 Ratings

About

What does it mean to become an Orthopreneur? Hi there! My name is Dr. Glenn Krieger and I believe that in today’s competitive world, the orthodontic and dental communities should be collaborative. And I've created Orthopreneurs so that we can move towards that goal together. Orthodontists are smart people. You’ve accomplished a lot to get where you are, but chances are you never got a formal education in how to run the most effective and lowest stress practice possible. Don’t sweat it! Because we’ve got your back... Being an Orthopreneur means that you’re a part of a community. A community that brings peers together to become the best clinicians and the best business owners they can be. Becoming an Orthopreneurs means you never ever need to practice alone. Join the FREE Facebook group by simply applying:https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

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