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. Creating Value-Driven Partnerships For Your Practice

    8H AGO

    Creating Value-Driven Partnerships For Your Practice

    James Johnson is the Head of Business Development at POD Marketing’s Cleinman Division, an optometry consulting firm that helps independent practices grow. With experience across marketing, client relations, AV, and business development, James helps identify what practices need and connects them with tailored solutions. He is known for building strong relationships with clients and sponsor partners while keeping value, fit, and long-term growth at the center of each partnership. In this episode…Building a successful practice takes more than offering great care. It also requires the right partners, the right support, and the ability to recognize what will actually move the business forward. So how can practice owners build relationships that create real value instead of simply adding more services or vendors? The answer starts with listening closely enough to understand what a practice truly needs. As a business development leader focused on practice growth and strategic partnerships, James Johnson sees value-driven support as a matter of fit, not a one-size-fits-all solution. He explains that the challenge a doctor brings forward is often only a symptom, which is why practice owners need to understand where they are, where they want to go, and what kind of help will get them there. James also emphasizes the importance of choosing partners who align with a practice’s goals, culture, and long-term vision, because the right relationship should help both sides grow with purpose. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson chats with James Johnson, Head of Business Development at POD Marketing’s Cleinman Division, about creating value-driven partnerships for your practice. James discusses client feedback, sponsor partner fit, and tailored support for practice growth. He also shares key questions every owner should ask.

    22 min
  2. Lead by Design: Supporting Personal & Professional Growth

    APR 29

    Lead by Design: Supporting Personal & Professional Growth

    Nancy Dewald is Senior Director of Client Solutions at Cleinman Performance Partners, a consultancy that helps optometry practices grow through strategy, training, and performance improvement. With decades of experience, she supports independent practices across operations, coaching, and consulting. Nancy specializes in leadership development and created Cleinman’s Lead by Design program, equipping managers to communicate clearly, coach effectively, and build accountable, high-performing teams. In this episode…Leadership ability doesn’t automatically come with a promotion; it requires structure, support, and the right tools to help talented team members grow into their roles with confidence. How can practices take a more intentional, structured approach to developing their leaders? With decades of experience in consulting, operations, and training, Nancy Dewald believes that leadership development starts by giving people the support they need before expecting them to succeed in a new role. She compares it to promoting a great flight attendant to co-pilot — the potential may be there, but training and resources are what keep the plane steady. When leaders are equipped with clear expectations, coaching skills, and practical tools, they feel less alone and more prepared to guide their teams well. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Nancy Dewald, Senior Director of Client Solutions at Cleinman Performance Partners, to discuss the Lead by Design program and how it supports personal and professional growth. Nancy shares her perspective on leadership training, feedback and coaching, building trust and accountability, and also offers advice on handling difficult conversations.

    15 min
  3. [Ownership] Proactive Planning in Your Practice for Software, Medical Niches, and the Community

    APR 22

    [Ownership] Proactive Planning in Your Practice for Software, Medical Niches, and the Community

    Dr. Kevin Gee is the President of Gee Eye Care, a full-service optometric practice based in Missouri City, Texas that provides comprehensive eye care to the community. Since establishing the practice in 2007, he has grown alongside the area’s expanding population while maintaining a strong focus on patient care and community involvement. Dr. Gee is a former President of the Texas Optometric Association and is known for his leadership and commitment to advancing both the clinical and business aspects of optometry. In this episode…Success in a growing practice rarely comes from reacting to what’s in front of you. It comes from anticipating what your patients, your team, and your community will need next — sometimes before they even know it themselves. So what does it really look like to plan proactively in a world that keeps changing? For Dr. Kevin Gee, the key lies in building a practice around intentional pillars that never waver, even as everything else evolves. Drawing from his experience as a seasoned clinician and community-focused practice owner, he explains that growth isn’t about chasing every new trend, but about reinforcing core values like efficiency, patient experience, and ethical care. Whether it’s investing in technology, adjusting hours, or embedding himself in the community, Dr. Gee’s approach centers on staying visible, accessible, and aligned with patient needs. That mindset turns change into opportunity rather than disruption. In this episode of the Cleinman Connect Podcast, Kim Carson is joined by Dr. Kevin Gee, President of Gee Eye Care, to discuss proactive planning in modern optometric practices. Dr. Gee explores building within a growing community, adapting marketing as demographics shift, and evaluating technology based on patient value. He also shares advice on reinforcing core practice pillars for long-term success.

    26 min
  4. [Optometrist Unleashed] Healing the Ocular Surface

    APR 15

    [Optometrist Unleashed] Healing the Ocular Surface

    Dr. Julian Prosia is the CEO of Ophthalogix Canada, a company specializing in advanced treatments for dry eye and ocular surface disease. As a leading innovator in amniotic membrane therapy, Dr. Prosia has introduced Canada’s first doctor-owned amniotic membrane company and has personally performed over 2,000 amniotic membrane procedures while managing more than 50,000 dry eye cases nationwide. Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Prosia is a respected educator and speaker, known for training fellow optometrists and their staff in integrating regenerative medicine into everyday practice, and he is currently involved in pioneering research on nerve regeneration for ocular pain. In this episode…Most eye conditions are managed, not truly healed. But what if we could actually regenerate the ocular surface instead of just maintaining it? Drawing from his experience as a leading expert in ocular surface disease, Dr. Julian Prosia explains that true healing starts by addressing inflammation and nerve dysfunction at the root. He highlights how amniotic membrane therapy delivers growth factors that accelerate healing, reduce scarring, and even support nerve regeneration. The result is a shift from temporary relief to long-term restoration, fundamentally changing how clinicians approach stubborn ocular surface conditions. In this episode of Cleinman Connect Podcast's Optometrist Unleashed series, Dr. Trevor Miranda is joined by Dr. Julian Prosia, CEO of Ophthalogix Canada, to discuss healing the ocular surface through regenerative medicine. Dr. Prosia outlines how amniotic membrane therapy works, when to use it in practice, and its role in managing dry eye and corneal disease. He also shares advice on implementing this technology efficiently in everyday optometry.

    27 min

  5. APR 8

    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
  6. [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
  7. [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
  8. [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
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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
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Cleinman Performance Partners
  • Show Website
    Cleinman Connect Podcast

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