Just Vetting with Peter Tanella, ESQ.

Peter Tanella
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This program fills the gap in veterinary education by focusing on non-clinical skills like communication, leadership, confidence building, and real-world readiness — all essential to long-term success in practice.

  1. 2d ago

    24 | Bert Hockenberry | Financing the Dream: What Every Veterinarian Needs to Know About Practice Ownership

    🌿 Episode Description In this episode of Just Vetting, host Peter Tanella sits down with Bert Hockenberry, one of the most respected lenders in the veterinary industry and a trusted advisor who has spent more than 20 years helping veterinarians achieve practice ownership.   Bert shares his perspective on the evolving veterinary marketplace, including the impact of corporate consolidation, rising startup activity, growth projects, acquisitions, and the increasing entrepreneurial mindset among today's veterinarians. Drawing on decades of experience financing veterinary practices, he offers valuable insight into what lenders look for, how veterinarians can prepare for ownership, and why opportunity often matters more than interest rates.   The conversation explores common misconceptions surrounding practice financing, student loan debt, credit considerations, real estate ownership, SBA versus conventional lending, and the importance of building strong financial habits early in a veterinarian's career. Bert also discusses how mentorship, technology, and a trusted advisory team can help veterinarians navigate the ownership journey with greater confidence.   Throughout the episode, Bert shares practical guidance on evaluating startup versus acquisition opportunities, creating long-term wealth through ownership, and positioning yourself for future growth.   ✨ How Bert found his way into veterinary finance  ✨ What lenders really look for in borrowers  ✨ The truth about student debt and practice ownership  ✨ Why ownership remains one of the best paths to wealth creation  ✨ The impact of veterinary consolidation on financing opportunities  ✨ Startup vs. acquisition: how to evaluate your options  ✨ The role of practice and real estate ownership in long-term financial success  ✨ SBA vs. conventional financing explained  ✨ Building good financial habits early in your career  ✨ Why mentorship and trusted advisors matter  ✨ Technology's role in modern veterinary lending  ✨ The future of veterinary practice ownership and entrepreneurship   Whether you're a veterinary student, associate veterinarian, first-time buyer, startup founder, or established practice owner, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you better understand the financing side of veterinary ownership.   🎧 Listen now and discover why the best ownership opportunities begin long before the loan application.   #JustVetting #VeterinaryMedicine #PracticeOwnership #VeterinaryFinance #VeterinaryBusiness #PracticeManagement #VeterinaryLeadership #VeterinaryStartups #VeterinaryEntrepreneurship #PracticeGrowth

  2. Jul 29

    23 | Dr. Peter Glassman | The Ownership Journey: Building Friendship Hospital, Navigating Consolidation, and Creating the Next Generation of Veterinary Owners

    🌿 Episode Description  In this episode of Just Vetting, host Peter Tanella sits down with Dr. Peter Glassman, a respected veterinary entrepreneur, practice owner, investor, and industry leader whose career has spanned more than four decades. From purchasing Friendship Hospital for Animals early in his career to transforming it into one of the country's premier veterinary referral and specialty hospitals, Dr. Glassman shares the lessons, challenges, and opportunities that shaped his remarkable journey in veterinary medicine. Reflecting on the evolution of the profession, Dr. Glassman discusses what veterinary practice ownership looked like when he first entered the industry and how dramatically it has changed over the years. He explains how a focus on client service, convenience, communication, and long-term vision helped Friendship Hospital grow from a traditional general practice into a thriving emergency, specialty, and referral center known for exceptional patient care and a strong workplace culture. Throughout the conversation, Peter shares candid stories about the realities of practice ownership, including the fears and financial pressures he faced as a young owner, the importance of learning management on the job, and the moment he realized he needed to transition from working in the practice to working on the practice. He highlights why culture, leadership, and attracting talented people became critical drivers of the hospital's long-term success. The discussion also explores Dr. Glassman's experience navigating the sale of Friendship Hospital during a pivotal era of veterinary consolidation. He offers a thoughtful perspective on the benefits and challenges of corporate ownership, the impact of private investment on veterinary medicine, and why independent practice ownership continues to play a vital role in the profession. Today, through his work with the Veterinary Angel Network for Entrepreneurs (VANE) and Brookville Veterinary Health, Dr. Glassman remains deeply involved in shaping the future of veterinary medicine. He discusses supporting innovative animal health startups, investing in emerging veterinary businesses, and helping the next generation of veterinarians achieve practice ownership through creative financial and operational partnerships. Throughout the episode, he explores: ✨ Building Friendship Hospital into a leading specialty and referral hospital  ✨ Lessons learned from more than 45 years in veterinary medicine  ✨ Why vision and communication are essential for practice growth  ✨ The transition from clinician to business leader and practice owner  ✨ Creating a positive workplace culture that attracts top talent  ✨ The role of leadership, management, and team development in long-term success  ✨ The growth of specialty medicine and integrated veterinary care models  ✨ Preparing a practice for sale and navigating ownership transitions  ✨ The positive and negative impacts of veterinary consolidation  ✨ What investors look for in animal health startups and entrepreneurs  ✨ How VANE supports innovation and early-stage veterinary companies  ✨ Brookville Veterinary Health's mission to keep practices in veterinarians' hands  ✨ Financing options and pathways for aspiring practice owners  ✨ Advice for young veterinarians pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities  ✨ The future of independent veterinary practice ownership Dr. Glassman's story demonstrates that successful veterinary practices are built through vision, perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to people. From growing a nationally recognized hospital to mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting innovation across the industry, his career offers valuable insights for veterinarians at every stage of practice ownership and leadership. Whether you're an established practice owner, an associate veterinarian considering ownership, a startup founder developing solutions for animal health, or simply interested in the future of veterinary medicine, this episode delivers practical advice, industry perspective, and inspiration from one of the profession's most accomplished leaders. To learn more about Dr. Glassman's work with the Veterinary Angel Network for Entrepreneurs (VANE) or Brookville Veterinary Health, connect with him at Peter@vane.vet or Peter@brookville.vet. #Veterinary #JustVetting #PracticeOwnership #VeterinaryLeadership #PracticeManagement #VeterinaryBusiness

  3. Jul 15

    22 | Andrea Crabtree | Leadership, Team Culture, Accountability, Practice Management & Building High-Performing Veterinary Teams

    🌿 Episode Description In this episode of Just Vetting, host Peter Tanella sits down with Andrea Crabtree, Founder and Owner of FurPaws Consulting, for an engaging conversation about veterinary leadership, practice management, team retention, workplace culture, communication, and the people-focused strategies that drive long-term practice success. Andrea shares her unique journey into veterinary medicine, from growing up surrounded by animals on a California horse camp to working emergency overnight shifts and eventually building a career in veterinary leadership and consulting. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in veterinary hospitals and extensive credentials in practice management, human resources, and compassion fatigue, she explains how her passion for both business and veterinary medicine led her to help practices strengthen their leadership and operational foundations. Reflecting on her work with veterinary teams across the country, Andrea discusses why communication remains one of the most critical, and often overlooked, skills in practice success. She explores the challenges practice owners face when managing people, navigating difficult conversations, holding team members accountable, and creating cultures that support both professional growth and personal well-being. Throughout the conversation, Andrea offers valuable insight into employee retention, burnout prevention, workplace culture, and leadership development. She explains why practices must focus on retaining talent rather than constantly recruiting new team members, and why investing in mentorship, feedback, training, and flexibility can have a profound impact on both employee satisfaction and business performance. The discussion also explores the changing expectations of today's veterinary workforce, the importance of adapting to generational shifts, and how practice leaders can build environments where employees feel supported, valued, and motivated to stay. Andrea also shares practical advice on leveraging technology and AI responsibly, improving operational efficiency, and creating stronger relationships with both clients and team members. Throughout the episode, she explores: ✨ Her journey from veterinary assistant and technician to consultant and leadership expert  ✨ Why communication is the foundation of successful practice leadership  ✨ Common leadership mistakes that negatively impact culture and retention  ✨ The importance of accountability and difficult conversations  ✨ Strategies for improving employee retention and reducing turnover  ✨ Recognizing and addressing burnout, compassion fatigue, and moral injury  ✨ How mentorship and professional development strengthen veterinary teams  ✨ The impact of generational shifts on employee expectations  ✨ Creating flexible workplace cultures that support team well-being  ✨ Using technology and AI to improve efficiency without sacrificing human connection  ✨ Why client relationships remain a competitive advantage for independent practices  ✨ Practical advice for new and aspiring veterinary managers Andrea's perspective highlights that successful veterinary practices are built on far more than excellent medicine. From communication and culture to leadership, retention, and employee development, she demonstrates how investing in people creates stronger teams, better client experiences, and more sustainable business growth. Whether you're a practice owner, manager, veterinarian, or team member looking to strengthen your leadership skills, retain top talent, improve workplace culture, or create a more resilient veterinary team, this episode offers practical strategies and actionable insights for building a thriving practice. To learn more about Andrea and FurPaws Consulting, visit Home | furpawsconsulting or check out the Positive Leadership Podcast. #Veterinary #JustVetting #VetLeadership #PracticeManagement #VeterinaryBusiness #TeamCulture #EmployeeRetention #LeadershipDevelopment #VeterinaryMedicine #CompassionFatigue #BurnoutPrevention #PracticeGrowth #VeterinaryLeadership #PracticeSuccess #HumanResources #VeterinaryTeams

  4. Jul 1

    21 | Jennifer Page | Healthcare Real Estate Strategy, Practice Growth, Site Selection, and Building Trusted Advisory Relationships

    🌿 Episode Description  In this episode of Just Vetting, host Peter Tanella sits down with Jennifer Page, Director of National Accounts and Regional Director for the Southeast at Carr Healthcare Realty, for an insightful conversation about healthcare real estate, veterinary practice growth, site selection, lease negotiations, and the critical role real estate plays in long-term practice success. Jennifer shares her unique career journey from the dental industry into healthcare real estate, explaining how her passion for helping healthcare professionals navigate complex business decisions led her to specialize in representing medical, dental, and veterinary practices across the country. Drawing on years of experience, she discusses why healthcare real estate differs from traditional commercial real estate and why veterinarians should view their real estate strategy as a key component of their overall business plan. Reflecting on her work with veterinary clients, Jennifer explains the importance of building the right advisory team and avoiding common real estate mistakes that can create costly challenges down the road. She highlights the value of understanding lease terms beyond the monthly payment, negotiating from a position of leverage, and evaluating all available options before making long-term commitments.   Throughout the conversation, Jennifer offers valuable insight into the current veterinary real estate landscape, including the impact of corporate consolidation, the resurgence of independent practice ownership, and why healthcare real estate continues to remain a stable and highly sought-after asset class. She also discusses how practice owners can think strategically about ownership transitions, real estate holdings, and maximizing value when preparing for an eventual sale.   The discussion also explores the future of healthcare real estate and the opportunities available to veterinarians looking to start, expand, relocate, or transition their practices. Jennifer shares practical advice on negotiating leases, evaluating market opportunities, and making informed decisions that support both short-term growth and long-term success. Throughout the episode, she explores: ✨ Transitioning from the dental industry into healthcare real estate ✨ What makes healthcare real estate different from traditional commercial real estate ✨ Common lease negotiation mistakes veterinarians should avoid ✨ The importance of building the right professional advisory team ✨ Site selection strategies for startups and growing practices ✨ Why leverage is essential in real estate negotiations ✨ Understanding the impact of corporate consolidation on veterinary practices ✨ The resurgence of independent practice ownership ✨ Healthcare real estate trends and market stability ✨ Real estate considerations when selling or transitioning a practice ✨ Strategies for maximizing practice and real estate value over time Jennifer’s perspective highlights that real estate is far more than simply finding a location. From lease negotiations and growth planning to succession strategies and practice value, she demonstrates how thoughtful real estate decisions can have a lasting impact on the success of a veterinary business.   Whether you're launching your first veterinary practice, expanding into additional locations, evaluating a future sale, or simply looking to better understand the real estate side of practice ownership, this episode offers practical guidance and valuable insights for navigating one of the most important aspects of veterinary business growth. #Veterinary #JustVetting #VetLeadership #PracticeOwnership #VeterinaryBusiness #HealthcareRealEstate #CommercialRealEstate #VeterinaryMedicine #PracticeManagement #VeterinaryEntrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #VetLife

  5. Jun 17

    20 | Dr. David Dycus | Redefining Orthopedic Excellence, Education, and Veterinary Leadership

    🌿 Episode Description In this episode of Just Vetting, host Peter Tanella sits down with Dr. David Dycus, internationally recognized veterinary orthopedic surgeon, educator, author, consultant, and founder of Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, for an insightful conversation about surgical excellence, leadership, practice ownership, culture, and the pursuit of mastery in veterinary medicine. Dr. Dycus shares his unconventional journey into veterinary medicine, explaining how a college job at a veterinary hospital sparked a passion for surgery that ultimately led him to become one of the most respected voices in veterinary orthopedics. From his early days as a student-athlete to his career as a surgeon, educator, and business owner, he reflects on the mentors, experiences, and relentless work ethic that shaped his professional path. Reflecting on his career, Dr. Dycus discusses the evolution of his specialty practice, Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, and the philosophy behind its guiding principle: Where Expertise Meets Empathy. He explains how exceptional client communication, personalized care, and a commitment to quality over quantity have become the foundation of the practice’s success and reputation. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Dycus offers valuable insight into building and maintaining a strong practice culture. He shares why hiring the right people, preventing burnout, empowering team members, and prioritizing communication are critical to creating an environment where both employees and clients feel supported. He also discusses the challenges of scaling a specialty practice while remaining true to the original vision that inspired its creation. The discussion also explores the future of veterinary orthopedics and surgical innovation. Dr. Dycus shares his perspective on emerging technologies such as 3D printing, surgical navigation systems, and advanced orthopedic techniques that are transforming patient care and expanding possibilities for veterinary surgeons worldwide. Throughout the episode, he explores: ✨ Discovering a passion for veterinary medicine through hands-on experience  ✨ The role of mentorship in developing future veterinary leaders  ✨ Building expertise through discipline, repetition, and lifelong learning  ✨ Creating a client experience centered on communication and trust  ✨ The philosophy behind “Where Expertise Meets Empathy”  ✨ Maintaining culture and consistency while growing a specialty practice  ✨ Preventing burnout and supporting team wellbeing  ✨ Leadership lessons learned through practice ownership  ✨ Building a professional reputation through education and service  ✨ The future of veterinary orthopedics, 3D printing, and surgical innovation  ✨ Balancing career success with family, health, and personal fulfillment Dr. Dycus’s story highlights that true excellence in veterinary medicine extends far beyond technical skill alone. Through a combination of expertise, empathy, discipline, and intentional leadership, he demonstrates how veterinarians can build meaningful careers while creating lasting impact for patients, clients, and their teams. Whether you're a veterinarian pursuing specialization, a practice owner focused on culture and growth, or a professional striving for excellence in your field, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and what it truly takes to become exceptional. Links from the Episode: Veterinary Orthopedics in Lanham, MD - FUSION VETERINARY ORTHOPEDICS Veterinary Orthopedic Surgeon - Dr. David Dycus #Veterinary #JustVetting #VetLeadership #VeterinaryMedicine #OrthopedicSurgery #PracticeOwnership #VeterinaryBusiness #PracticeManagement #VeterinaryInnovation #Leadership #WorkLifeBalance #VetLife #VeterinaryEducation #SurgicalExcellence

  6. Jun 3

    19 | Dr. Mark de Wolde | From Practice Builder to Industry Architect: Rethinking Ownership, Innovation, and the Future of Veterinary Medicine

    🌿 Episode Description In this episode of Just Vetting, host Peter Tanella sits down with Dr. Mark de Wolde, veterinarian, entrepreneur, practice founder, and co-founder of MyVet Group and Nervex Neurotechnologies, for a wide-ranging conversation on veterinary ownership, innovation, succession planning, leadership, and the evolving future of veterinary medicine. Dr. de Wolde shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped his path into veterinary medicine, from growing up on a farm to surviving a childhood dog attack and witnessing a devastating barn fire that solidified his lifelong commitment to animal care. Those formative experiences helped shape both his philosophy as a veterinarian and his passion for building practices centered around empathy, culture, and purpose. Reflecting on his career journey, Dr. de Wolde discusses building and scaling five successful de novo veterinary practices while navigating the realities of burnout, work-life balance, and the emotional demands of ownership. He opens up about the difficult lessons that came with leadership, the importance of creating boundaries, and why family ultimately became the driving force behind his decision to transition out of practice ownership. Throughout the conversation, Dr. de Wolde offers valuable insight into succession planning and the evolving ownership landscape within veterinary medicine. Drawing from his work with MyVet Group, he explains why many practice owners are often unprepared for transition, how enterprise value can be improved over time, and why culture and autonomy remain central concerns for veterinarians considering partnerships or corporate transactions. The discussion also explores the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence within veterinary medicine. As co-founder of Nervex Neurotechnologies, Dr. de Wolde shares how AI-powered hardware, continuous monitoring tools, and smarter data collection may reshape patient care, improve efficiency, and help veterinarians reclaim valuable time while maintaining high standards of care. Throughout the episode, he explores: ✨ Building a career in veterinary medicine through resilience and passion ✨ The emotional experiences that shaped his commitment to animal care ✨ Scaling and operating multiple successful veterinary practices ✨ The realities of burnout and the importance of work-life balance ✨ Why culture and autonomy matter in practice ownership transitions ✨ Succession planning and preparing practices for long-term value ✨ The evolution of corporate and independent ownership models ✨ How mentorship and business education strengthen veterinary leadership ✨ The growing role of AI and continuous monitoring in veterinary medicine ✨ Why veterinarians must help shape the future of technology and regulation ✨ Creating better access to care through innovation and collaboration Dr. de Wolde’s perspective highlights how veterinary medicine continues to evolve far beyond clinical care alone. From ownership strategy and leadership to technology and ethics, he emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with compassion while staying grounded in the core mission of serving both patients and people. Whether you’re a veterinarian considering ownership, a current practice owner evaluating transition opportunities, or simply interested in where veterinary medicine is headed next, this episode offers thoughtful insight into the future of the profession and the people helping shape it. #Veterinary #JustVetting #VetLeadership #PracticeOwnership #VeterinaryMedicine #VeterinaryBusiness

  7. May 20

    18 | Dr. Ryan Gorman | From Veterinary Assistant to Owner: The Reality of Running a Community-Based Veterinary Practice

    🌿 Episode Description In this episode of Just Vetting, host Peter Tanella sits down with Dr. Ryan Gorman, owner and lead veterinarian of multiple practices in Southern New Jersey, for an honest conversation about practice ownership, mentorship, leadership, and the realities of building a successful veterinary business from the ground up. Dr. Gorman shares how his passion for veterinary medicine began at an early age after being exposed to the profession through a childhood friend whose father was a veterinarian. From working in kennels and reception during high school to eventually becoming a practice owner himself, those formative experiences gave him a unique appreciation for every role inside a veterinary hospital, and shaped the collaborative leadership style he carries today. Reflecting on his early years in practice, Dr. Gorman discusses the steep learning curve that comes after veterinary school. While technical medicine can be taught in the classroom, communication, leadership, and people management are skills that only develop through experience. He explains how mentorship played a critical role in his own development, helping him grow both clinically and operationally as he transitioned from associate to partner and eventually sole owner. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Gorman offers a candid perspective on what ownership truly requires, from taking financial risks and managing teams to maintaining culture and supporting staff in a profession that is both emotionally and physically demanding. He emphasizes that strong communication, trust, and a healthy workplace culture are essential not only for retention, but for delivering exceptional patient care and building long-term client relationships. With years of experience operating and expanding multiple practices, Dr. Gorman also shares his perspective on the future of veterinary ownership. While corporate consolidation continues to shape the industry, he believes there remains tremendous opportunity for independent practice owners, especially those willing to invest in mentorship, partnership pathways, and team development. Throughout the conversation, he explores: ✨ Discovering a passion for veterinary medicine at a young age ✨ The value of working every role inside a veterinary practice ✨ Why communication skills are just as important as clinical ability ✨ The importance of mentorship in shaping future leaders ✨ Transitioning from associate to partner to practice owner ✨ Taking calculated risks and navigating ownership opportunities ✨ Building strong team culture and improving staff retention ✨ Managing the emotional and operational demands of veterinary practice ✨ The realities of independent ownership in today’s evolving industry ✨ Creating pathways for future associates to become owners Dr. Gorman’s journey highlights that successful veterinary ownership is about far more than medicine alone. It requires adaptability, leadership, resilience, and a commitment to building an environment where both teams and clients feel supported. Whether you’re a young veterinarian considering ownership, an associate looking toward partnership, or a current owner navigating growth and leadership challenges, this episode offers valuable insight into the realities, and rewards, of building a veterinary practice with purpose. #Veterinary #JustVetting #VetLeadership #PracticeOwnership #VeterinaryBusiness #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #PracticeManagement #VeterinaryMedicine #VetLife

  8. May 6

    17 | Dr. Peter Weinstein | Rethinking Veterinary Ownership, Culture, and the Future of Practice

    🌿 Episode Description In this episode of Just Vetting, host Peter Tanella sits down with Dr. Peter Weinstein, a veterinarian, practice owner, educator, and founder of Paw Consulting, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, ownership, and the evolving future of veterinary medicine. Dr. Weinstein shares his journey from working as a kennel assistant at just 15 years old to becoming one of the most influential voices in the profession. Those early experiences, cleaning cages, working long hours, and witnessing the grit required to succeed, shaped his perspective on resilience, teamwork, and what it truly means to build a lasting career in veterinary medicine. Reflecting on his transition into ownership just a few years out of veterinary school, Dr. Weinstein discusses the steep learning curve many veterinarians face when stepping into business leadership. While clinical training builds strong doctors, it often leaves gaps in financial literacy, leadership, and operational strategy, gaps he later addressed by pursuing an MBA and dedicating his career to educating others. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes a fundamental shift from doctor-centered practices to team-centered care. By empowering staff, investing in culture, and fostering collaboration, practice owners can create environments where both people and performance thrive. He highlights that true success comes not from doing everything yourself, but from building a team that shares responsibility, purpose, and accountability. With decades of experience as both a practitioner and consultant, Dr. Weinstein offers candid insights into the challenges facing the industry today, from workforce shortages and rising costs of care to shifting ownership models and the growing influence of corporate consolidation. He also makes a compelling case for preserving independent practice ownership through mentorship, associate buy-ins, and intentional succession planning that prioritizes legacy and relationships. Throughout the conversation, he explores: ✨ The value of starting at the ground level, and how early experiences shape long-term success  ✨ Why clinical excellence alone isn’t enough to build a sustainable business  ✨ The leadership gap in veterinary medicine, and how to close it  ✨ Shifting from doctor-centric to team-centric practice models  ✨ Hiring for culture, not just skill, and building teams that last  ✨ Addressing burnout, retention, and workforce challenges across the profession  ✨ The future of veterinary ownership and the importance of independent practices  ✨ Creating pathways for associate buy-ins and generational succession  ✨ The role of education, mentorship, and continuous learning in long-term growth  ✨ Why courageous conversations, both inside and outside the profession, matter more than ever Dr. Weinstein’s perspective underscores that veterinary medicine is, at its core, a people-driven profession. Success isn’t defined solely by clinical outcomes or financial performance, but by the strength of relationships, within your team, with your clients, and across your community. Whether you’re an aspiring practice owner, a seasoned veterinarian, or someone navigating the complexities of growth and leadership, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical roadmap for building a meaningful, sustainable career in veterinary medicine. #Veterinary #JustVetting #VetLeadership #PracticeOwnership #VeterinaryBusiness #Leadership #PracticeManagement #VeterinaryMedicine #VetLife Links: Veterinary Ownership Advocates | veterinary practice ownership Home - Simple Solutions 4 Vets SOP Veterinarian — Advanced Veterinary Practice Management Platform

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This program fills the gap in veterinary education by focusing on non-clinical skills like communication, leadership, confidence building, and real-world readiness — all essential to long-term success in practice.

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