Cleinman Connect Podcast

Cleinman Performance Partners
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Owning and running a private optometry practice is challenging—but help is here! The Cleinman Connect Podcast offers valuable insights from independent optometrists/practice owners, practice managers, and industry experts. Each episode features top performers or industry experts who share their success strategies for navigating common business and operational hurdles to grow and enhance practices. From marketing tips and team management to succession planning and financial strategies, our experienced guests provide actionable advice tailored to private optometry practices. Tune in for a new episode on the 1st Wednesday of each month and stay ahead of the curve! Subscribe to the Cleinman Connect Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Whether you're an established owner or manager, or just starting out, this podcast is a valuable resource for practice growth and professional development.

  1. 1D AGO

    4TheRecord Feature - How To Build a Strong Brand Patients Remember

    Kevin Wilhelm is the CEO of Marketing4ECPs, a marketing agency that helps independent eye care practices grow through strategic branding, digital marketing, and patient acquisition. With extensive experience in the optometry industry, Kevin works closely with practice owners to develop strong brand identities that differentiate them in competitive markets. He is also an Amazon best-selling author of Click: Transform Your Business Through Digital Marketing. Sarah Nwaerondu is the VP of Marketing and Communications at Calgary Wild FC, the city’s professional women’s soccer team in the National Soccer League. Sarah’s background spans sports marketing with the Calgary Flames, entrepreneurial ventures like Rebel Muse Marketing, and expertise in digital marketing, bringing a creative and disruptive approach to brand-building. In this episode…A strong brand isn’t just seen, it’s felt. But what actually makes people remember you, and more importantly, trust you enough to come back? For Sarah Nwaerondu and Kevin Wilhelm, the answer is clear: it starts with intention and evolves through connection. Drawing from her experience building a professional sports brand from scratch, Sarah believes that a brand isn’t a logo, but a living identity shaped by how you show up, listen, and adapt. Kevin echoes this, emphasizing that consistency and clarity are what turn recognition into trust. Together, their insights reveal that memorable brands aren’t static — they grow alongside their audience and become something people genuinely connect with. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, featuring 4TheRecord, Tyler Kemp is joined by Kevin Wilhelm of Marketing4ECPs and Sarah Nwaerondu of Calgary Wild FC, to discuss how to build a brand patients remember through consistency, trust, and meaningful audience connection. Kevin and Sarah also share advice on balancing brand awareness with lead generation and using social media as a real-time feedback tool.

    53 min
  2. [Ownership] Choosing Partners Over Chasing Prices

    APR 1

    [Ownership] Choosing Partners Over Chasing Prices

    Michele Schenley is a Senior Account Executive and Dennis Holloway is the Managing Director at E-Dr., a leading contact lens distributor serving eyecare professionals across the United States. Under their leadership, E-Dr. has built a reputation for pioneering internet-based ordering in the vision care industry since its launch in 1998. Michele brings over a decade of experience in optical supply chain management, while Dennis, an accomplished IT executive, played a key role in building the company’s digital infrastructure and data-driven operations. Together, they are dedicated to making contact lens distribution seamless and accessible, and are advocates for integrating technology and personalized service to support the evolving needs of eyecare practices. In this episode…Price is easy to compare, but it rarely tells the whole story. When you’re choosing who to work with, are you picking the lowest number on the invoice, or the partner who actually helps your business run better over time? Michele Schenley and Dennis Holloway believe that the real value comes from choosing partners who treat your business like their own, not just vendors who fulfill orders. They point to a model built on flexibility, like tailored shipping programs, easy returns, and systems that adapt to how each practice actually operates instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. The takeaway is simple but powerful: When you stop chasing the lowest price and start prioritizing alignment, service, and trust, the long-term gains far outweigh any short-term savings. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Michele Schenley and Dennis Holloway of E-Dr., to discuss why partnership matters more than price in contact lens distribution. They break down how tailored programs improve efficiency, how data and analytics support smarter decisions, and why ease of ordering impacts patient care. Michele and Dennis also talk about building long-term trust through service and flexibility.

    36 min
  3. [Marketing] Metamorphosis in Eyeware: Fashion, Function, and Flexibility

    MAR 25

    [Marketing] Metamorphosis in Eyeware: Fashion, Function, and Flexibility

    Sarah Vinson is the Owner and CEO of Lunette USA, a woman-owned company that imports and distributes luxury eyewear exclusively to independent optical boutiques across the US. She emphasizes building genuine partnerships with these independent opticians and helping them distinguish their practices. Sarah brings considerable experience in small-business operations to her leadership role. Under her direction, Lunette USA curates exclusive frames and supports its partners with competitive pricing, bespoke service, and designs not widely available locally. In this episode…Style has always been personal, and now it can shift as easily as your day does. When eyewear becomes something you can change on a whim, does it stop being just functional and start becoming something more expressive? Sarah Vinson, a longtime advocate for independent eyewear and personal style, explains that modular eyewear allows people to start within their comfort zones, then gradually experiment with bolder colors, patterns, and shapes without committing to an entirely new frame. Because the investment is smaller, patients feel more comfortable taking risks they might otherwise avoid, treating style as something they can evolve rather than get “right” all at once. Over time, that flexibility builds confidence, turning eyewear into a daily tool for self-expression rather than a static necessity, while also reinforcing the value of maintaining high-quality lenses without compromise. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined once again by Sarah Vinson, Owner and CEO of Lunette USA, to discuss the evolution of modular eyewear and its role in modern optical retail. Sarah explores how interchangeable designs blend fashion and function, how introducing new mini collections encourages experimentation, and how practices can boost patient engagement. She also talks about building confidence through small style changes.

    33 min
  4. [Growth] Creating the Ideal Patient Experience

    MAR 18

    [Growth] Creating the Ideal Patient Experience

    Jenn Denham is the Chief Growth Officer at Aloha, a Healthcare SaaS company that helps private practices grow by automating patient communication, boosting retention, and capturing more revenue through technology-driven solutions. Under Jenn’s leadership, Aloha has supported thousands of healthcare practices nationwide, driving staff efficiency and delivering a modern, seamless patient experience with impressive adoption of AI-powered tools. Jenn is also a national keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, known for her focus on tech stack efficiency and data-driven growth strategies in healthcare. In this episode…A great patient experience rarely starts in the exam room. It often begins days — or even weeks — earlier, when someone searches for a provider, reads reviews, and decides whether booking an appointment feels easy or frustrating. So what actually makes a patient experience feel seamless from start to finish? Drawing from her experience helping healthcare practices scale with smarter systems, Jenn Denham explains that the ideal patient journey is about removing friction points at every step. She points to practical touchpoints like excellent online reviews, mobile-friendly scheduling, and automated communication that keeps patients informed before and after their visit. When those pieces work together, practices not only attract more patients but also create a smoother experience for both staff and the people they serve. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Jenn Denham, Chief Growth Officer at Aloha, to discuss creating a seamless patient experience for modern practices. They explore the role of social proof in attracting new patients, how mobile-friendly online scheduling removes booking friction, and why automated texts and digital intake forms improve efficiency. Jenn also shares advice on using automation to strengthen patient retention and referrals.

    41 min
  5. [Optometrist Unleashed] Myopia Management and Going Beyond the Blur

    MAR 11

    [Optometrist Unleashed] Myopia Management and Going Beyond the Blur

    Dr. Marie Bodack is Chief of Pediatric Primary Care at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, a leading institution dedicated to training future optometrists and advancing eye care, particularly in pediatric and myopia management. Internationally recognized for her expertise, Dr. Bodack lectures around the world, contributes to research, and plays a key role in integrating emerging myopia control strategies into optometric education and clinical practice. In this episode…For decades, clearer vision meant getting a stronger pair of glasses every year. However, shouldn’t the overall goal not be just correcting blur, but slowing the eye’s growth and protecting vision long-term? Drawing from her experience as a pediatric optometrist and educator, Dr. Marie Bodack explains that modern myopia care goes far beyond prescriptions. She emphasizes that the real issue isn’t simply nearsightedness but the physical growth of the eyeball itself, something clinicians can now measure and track. That shift changes how optometrists approach treatment, turning routine exams into opportunities to actively slow progression and protect future eye health. In this episode of Optometrist Unleashed, a Cleinman Connect Podcast, Dr. Trevor Miranda is joined by Dr. Marie Bodack, Chief of Pediatric Primary Care at Southern College of Optometry, to discuss modern myopia management. They explore why myopia rates are rising, how treatment tools like atropine and multifocal lenses work, and the importance of axial length monitoring. Dr. Bodack also shares advice on talking with parents about treatment options.

    29 min
  6. [Ownership] Streamlining Processes and Reducing Operational Friction

    MAR 4

    [Ownership] Streamlining Processes and Reducing Operational Friction

    Anne Chong is the President and CEO of Visual-Eyes, a leading provider of comprehensive practice management software solutions for the eyecare industry. Under Anne's leadership, Visual-Eyes has grown steadily for over 30 years, now integrating with nearly 200 types of ophthalmic equipment and offering more than 300 customizable reports to help clinics optimize their operations. A University of Toronto Engineering Science graduate from a family of engineers, Anne focuses on systems optimization and attention to detail in Visual-Eyes’ user-centric approach. In this episode…Operational friction rarely shows up as a crisis. It hides in extra clicks, double entries, missed confirmations, and the quiet frustration that builds when systems don’t quite talk to each other. What would change if your practice software could eliminate those pain points instead of adding to them? For Anne Chong, a systems-minded engineer who spent three decades refining practice workflows, the answer is simple: optimize every step. She believes that streamlining isn’t about flashy features but about reducing unnecessary motion, whether that’s cutting down keystrokes, eliminating screen hopping, or integrating equipment so data flows automatically instead of being retyped. When those small inefficiencies disappear, teams gain time, clarity, and the freedom to focus on patient care rather than paperwork. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Anne Chong, President and CEO of Visual-Eyes, to discuss streamlining processes and reducing operational friction. They explore eliminating small inefficiencies, leveraging integrations to reduce double entry, and using automation to improve communication and collections. Anne also shares advice on choosing software that supports smooth transitions and long-term growth.

    22 min
  7. [Ownership] Elevating Your Practice Through Virtual Team Members

    FEB 25

    [Ownership] Elevating Your Practice Through Virtual Team Members

    Cory Pinegar is the Founder of Teem, a company that revolutionizes hiring by connecting optometric, dental, and veterinary practices with top-tier virtual assistants and remote staff from around the world. Under Cory’s leadership, Teem has grown to a global team of over 1,000 employees across 10-plus countries, and his previous company, CallForce, was named one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the US by Inc. 500. Cory strives to solve real-world business problems with practical, often unsexy solutions, and is also a board member for the Parkinson’s Foundation and Verrific. In this episode…Running a modern optometric practice can feel like trying to win a game with too few players on the field. Could the key to growth be expanding your team beyond your four walls rather than cramming more into your existing team’s day? According to Cory Pinegar, a founder who built and scaled teams across multiple countries, the answer lies in redefining what “in-office” really needs to mean. He explains that many of the most time-consuming responsibilities in a practice don’t require a physical presence, only the right training and accountability. When practices embrace a hybrid model and focus on outcomes instead of hallway visibility, they unlock both financial breathing room and operational momentum. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Cory Pinegar, Founder of Teem, to discuss how virtual team members can elevate optometric practices. They explore building a hybrid workforce, solving staffing shortages, and maintaining HIPAA compliance with remote teams. Cory also shares advice on defining clear scoreboards so practices can measure what winning looks like.

    22 min
  8. [Marketing] How Digital Awareness Ads Can Influence Your Patients of Tomorrow

    FEB 18

    [Marketing] How Digital Awareness Ads Can Influence Your Patients of Tomorrow

    Tyler Kemp is an Account Manager at Marketing4ECPs, a marketing agency that specializes in helping eye care practices grow with customized branding and patient-focused strategies. Over his six years with Marketing4ECPs, Tyler has helped numerous optometry businesses clarify their messaging and stand out in a crowded market, and his expertise has led him to speak at Vision Expo for the past four years. Driven by a love of storytelling and the ever-evolving marketing landscape, Tyler recently launched his video podcast, 4theRecord, where he shares industry insights and innovations. In this episode…The practices that win tomorrow’s patients rarely start by asking for an immediate appointment. They start by becoming familiar, memorable, and trusted long before someone ever searches “eye exam near me.” So how do digital awareness ads quietly shape the buying decisions your future patients haven’t even realized they’re making yet? Drawing from his experience as a marketing strategist in the eye care space, Tyler Kemp explains that awareness is the largest and most overlooked stage of the patient journey. He compares it to the digital version of a billboard: you can’t click it, you’re not meant to act immediately, but it plants a seed that grows into recognition and trust when the need arises. For Tyler, the real opportunity lies in consistently showing up where your audience already spends time online so that when they are ready to book, your name is the one they already know. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Tyler Kemp, Account Manager at Marketing4ECPs, to discuss how digital awareness ads influence the patients of tomorrow. They break down the marketing funnel, explain the difference between awareness and conversion ads, and share real-world examples of how repetition builds trust. Tyler also shares advice on focusing your strategy around future patients, not just today’s bookings.

    24 min
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About

Owning and running a private optometry practice is challenging—but help is here! The Cleinman Connect Podcast offers valuable insights from independent optometrists/practice owners, practice managers, and industry experts. Each episode features top performers or industry experts who share their success strategies for navigating common business and operational hurdles to grow and enhance practices. From marketing tips and team management to succession planning and financial strategies, our experienced guests provide actionable advice tailored to private optometry practices. Tune in for a new episode on the 1st Wednesday of each month and stay ahead of the curve! Subscribe to the Cleinman Connect Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Whether you're an established owner or manager, or just starting out, this podcast is a valuable resource for practice growth and professional development.

Information

  • Creator
    Cleinman Performance Partners
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Cleinman Performance Partners
  • Show Website
    Cleinman Connect Podcast

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