Drilling It Down

Wes Lyon

More dentists than ever are seeking out independent, objective, financial advice. In a world recently flooded with private equity money, lower dental insurance reimbursements, and questionable tax advice, it can be tough to see through the fog and answer the most important question, how can a dentist make more money? Join your host Wes Lyon as he helps you see clearly through the fog of dental office financials, allowing you to concentrate on delivering quality dental care. Wes prides himself in offering independent, uncensored, objective advice to help dentists increase practice profitability, make better practice management decisions, and improve their personal financial planning.  Whether you’re a recent graduate, new owner, in the stride of your career, or considering a transition into retirement, the Drilling It Down Podcast will help you make more money, pay less tax, and reach financial independence earlier. About Us McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors is an independently owned one-stop financial services resource for the dental profession, based on their "every step of the way" team approach. Their team offers financial consulting services and continuing education seminars exclusively for dentists nationwide. Throughout the years more than 30,000 doctors nationwide have trusted McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors for objective advice to reach their financial goals. Aside from their consulting, transition, and continuing education services, the group also publishes The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory, a dental business newsletter that offers valuable insights for all dentists. The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory provides strategies and advice to help minimize federal and state income taxes, maximize practice profits, reduce overhead expenses, and create and protect your wealth. Membership includes monthly issues, searchable archives, special reports and bulletins, Q&As, financial calculators, forms, guides, letters, and more! Visit mcgilladvisory.com to subscribe! Wes and his guests are experienced dental advisors specializing in tax planning, business planning, financial planning, wealth management, and practice transitions, who take pride in providing independent advice that puts the independent dentists’ best interests first. Host Biography Wes Lyon: Wes helps dentists and specialists across the country achieve financial independence by improving practice profitability, slashing income taxes, managing dental insurance exposure, and making better personal financial decisions. Wes serves as President & CEO of Lyon Publishing Inc., President & CEO of McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors, and Managing Partner of Lyon Wealth Advisors Group, LLC. He is a highly sought after speaker making regular appearances at industry events, study clubs, podcasts, and McGill and Lyon seminars. Wes is also published in other editorials periodically and writes a Financial Management column for the Academy of General Dentistry. Before entering the dental consulting world, Wes worked in institutional investment management. Prior to that, Wes was a financial advisor specializing in helping small business owners with their personal finances. McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors is a consulting firm providing dentists and specialists independent, objective financial advice as it relates to tax planning, business planning, and financial planning. McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors was founded in 1983 by Dr. Charles Blair and John K. McGill. Since then, the company has helped over 1,000 dentists reach their financial goals while paying the least amount of taxes required through their tax, business, and financial planning service.

  1. 02/04/2025

    Avoid Inflated Sale Leaseback Arrangements in Commercial Real Estate

    On this episode of Drilling It Down, Wes and Tyler return to explore the intricacies of sale-leaseback arrangements, focusing on the dangers of inflated leases. Drawing parallels with the Toys R Us saga following its private equity buyout, they discuss how companies opt to sell real estate for immediate cash, often leading to financial downfall. They break down the pros and cons of sale-leasebacks, underscoring the risks when companies overreach in pursuit of capital. Tyler emphasizes robust research for potential commercial investments, warning against the traps of inflated rents and the perils of uninformed property acquisitions. They highlight the necessity of local market expertise, cautioning listeners to consult seasoned brokers rather than relying solely on online listings for viable deals. The conversation also touches on the pivotal role of cap rates and interest rates, offering insights into evaluating leases for long-term success. Wes and Tyler adeptly guide listeners through the complexities of commercial real estate investing, providing crucial lessons and strategies to avoid costly pitfalls. Their discussion arms both seasoned and aspiring investors with knowledge essential for safeguarding their financial future. Want to submit a question that will be answered on the next episode? Submit it here or email us at newsletter@mcgillhillgroup.com. If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter here to keep up with all the articles mentioned in our episodes, as well as a plethora of other content. Use code Podcast20 for 20% off! Listen to our sister show, Next Gen DDS! An all-in-one resource for dental students, residents, and early career doctors, discussing both clinical and business aspects of dentistry, hosted by Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker.

    22 min
  2. 01/28/2025

    Avoiding Partnership Pitfalls

    On this special episode of Drilling It Down, hosts Wes Lyon and Roger Hill dive into the complexities of partnership transitions within the dental industry. They begin by exploring common challenges partners face, often stemming from financial stresses and flawed operating agreements. Wes shares personal insights on the ramifications of unmet expectations, while Roger draws from his extensive consulting experience to underscore the value of meticulous planning and preparation before welcoming new partners. The discussion shifts to partnership pathway planning ,a strategy developed by Roger to mitigate partnership risks. He clarifies that successful partnerships require clear financial expectations and robust legal agreements to prevent misunderstandings. Wes adds that assessing a practice's profitability is crucial to finding the "trigger point"— the point at which the revenue growth is satisfactory to meet both partners' financial needs. They illustrate this with real-world scenarios, emphasizing the importance of early financial planning. Roger provides reassurance regarding concerns partners may have about losing control after a sale, explaining that thoughtful structuring can preserve operational autonomy. They also compare the benefits of partnerships vs. selling practices to Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), revealing that well-structured partnerships can yield greater financial returns for dentists. The episode concludes with practical advice on establishing transparent buy-in and buy-out processes, with Roger highlighting the necessity of clear cash flow projections. Wes reiterates the significance of comprehensive planning for successful partnerships, encouraging listeners to thoughtfully assess all options for their dental practices' futures. Want to submit a question that will be answered on the next episode? Submit it here or email us at newsletter@mcgillhillgroup.com.   If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to keep up with all the articles mentioned in our episodes, as well as a plethora of other content. Use code Podcast20 for 20% off!   Listen to our sister show, Next Gen DDS! An all-in-one resource for dental students, residents, and early career doctors, discussing both clinical and business aspects of dentistry, hosted by Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker.

    46 min
  3. 01/07/2025

    A Deep Dive Into Private Equity - Part 1

    On this episode of Drilling It Down, Wes and Mario dissect the intricate world of private equity, particularly its repercussions for the dental sector. The discussion is initiated by the thought-provoking article "Slash and Burn: Is Private Equity Out of Control?" which serves as a catalyst for examining the dual nature of private equity investments. Mario reveals that these investments may not yield superior returns compared to traditional options such as low-cost index funds, challenging the narrative of private equity as a surefire wealth generator. The hosts further clarify how private equity firms typically utilize considerable debt to acquire businesses, often placing financial strain on the companies involved. They cite examples of major brands like Toys R Us and Sears, which collapsed under the weight of leveraged buyouts. Emphasizing transparency, Wes highlights the often concealed fees that diminish true investor returns, raising questions about the overall benefit of private equity in various industries. Wes and Mario address the controversial carried interest loophole that allows private equity insiders to pay lower taxes than ordinary earners, contributing to economic disparity. Want to submit a question that will be answered on the next episode? Submit it here or email us at newsletter@mcgillhillgroup.com. If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to keep up with all the articles mentioned in our episodes, as well as a plethora of other content. Use code Podcast20 for 20% off! Listen to our sister show, Next Gen DDS! An all-in-one resource for dental students, residents, and early career doctors, discussing both clinical and business aspects of dentistry, hosted by Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker.

    30 min
  4. 12/17/2024

    File Your Credit Card Settlement Claim

    On this special episode of Drilling It Down, hosts Wes Lyon and Tyler Ott tackle a critical issue for business owners concerning a substantial $5.54 billion credit card settlement resulting from class action lawsuits against Visa, MasterCard, and several banks for price-fixing from 2004 to 2019. With a deadline of February 4, 2025, they urge listeners to take immediate action to claim their share of the settlement. Wes and Tyler outline the origin of these lawsuits, highlighting the significance of the settlement for businesses that processed payments via the mentioned credit cards. They assure listeners that this is a legitimate opportunity to recover losses from inflated fees and direct them to paymentcardsettlement.com to file a claim. The hosts also discuss potential challenges in the claims process, emphasizing the importance of meticulous financial records and providing strategies for retrieving necessary transaction data if initially unavailable. As they emphasize the urgency of acting quickly, listeners are encouraged to sign up for the McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter for ongoing updates and insights into the settlement process. This episode is an invaluable resource for business owners, packed with vital information about accessing untapped revenue from a significant class action settlement. Want to submit a question that will be answered on the next episode? Submit it here or email us at newsletter@mcgillhillgroup.com.   If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to keep up with all the articles mentioned in our episodes, as well as a plethora of other content. Use code Podcast20 for 20% off!   Listen to our sister show, Next Gen DDS! An all-in-one resource for dental students, residents, and early career doctors, discussing both clinical and business aspects of dentistry, hosted by Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker.

    10 min
  5. 11/11/2024

    No More Impending Tax War?

    In this special episode of Drilling It Down, Wes and Tyler delve into the intricate world of taxation in the wake of recent election outcomes. Initially set to deliver a detailed analysis dubbed "The Great Tax War," the hosts pivot to discuss the repercussions of a potentially unified Republican government on future tax policies. They unpack the ramifications of the continuation of tax reforms initiated during the Trump administration, particularly concerning individual tax provisions set to expire in 2025. Lyon and Ott explore the significance of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, highlighting the urgent need for small business owners and professionals to comprehend tax strategies that minimize liabilities. They emphasize the importance of the Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI) and its nuanced impact on profitability within dental practices and small businesses. With an eye on proactive tax planning, the duo encourages listeners to develop a written tax plan and seek expert guidance. As they wrap up with levity surrounding the post-election climate, Lyon and Ott inspire optimism for potential tax reductions while reminding their audience of the importance of preparation amidst economic uncertainties. Want to submit a question that will be answered on the next episode? Submit it here or email us at newsletter@mcgillhillgroup.com.   If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to keep up with all the articles mentioned in our episodes, as well as a plethora of other content. Use code Podcast20 for 20% off!   Listen to our sister show, Next Gen DDS! An all-in-one resource for dental students, residents, and early career doctors, discussing both clinical and business aspects of dentistry, hosted by Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker.

    24 min
4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

More dentists than ever are seeking out independent, objective, financial advice. In a world recently flooded with private equity money, lower dental insurance reimbursements, and questionable tax advice, it can be tough to see through the fog and answer the most important question, how can a dentist make more money? Join your host Wes Lyon as he helps you see clearly through the fog of dental office financials, allowing you to concentrate on delivering quality dental care. Wes prides himself in offering independent, uncensored, objective advice to help dentists increase practice profitability, make better practice management decisions, and improve their personal financial planning.  Whether you’re a recent graduate, new owner, in the stride of your career, or considering a transition into retirement, the Drilling It Down Podcast will help you make more money, pay less tax, and reach financial independence earlier. About Us McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors is an independently owned one-stop financial services resource for the dental profession, based on their "every step of the way" team approach. Their team offers financial consulting services and continuing education seminars exclusively for dentists nationwide. Throughout the years more than 30,000 doctors nationwide have trusted McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors for objective advice to reach their financial goals. Aside from their consulting, transition, and continuing education services, the group also publishes The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory, a dental business newsletter that offers valuable insights for all dentists. The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory provides strategies and advice to help minimize federal and state income taxes, maximize practice profits, reduce overhead expenses, and create and protect your wealth. Membership includes monthly issues, searchable archives, special reports and bulletins, Q&As, financial calculators, forms, guides, letters, and more! Visit mcgilladvisory.com to subscribe! Wes and his guests are experienced dental advisors specializing in tax planning, business planning, financial planning, wealth management, and practice transitions, who take pride in providing independent advice that puts the independent dentists’ best interests first. Host Biography Wes Lyon: Wes helps dentists and specialists across the country achieve financial independence by improving practice profitability, slashing income taxes, managing dental insurance exposure, and making better personal financial decisions. Wes serves as President & CEO of Lyon Publishing Inc., President & CEO of McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors, and Managing Partner of Lyon Wealth Advisors Group, LLC. He is a highly sought after speaker making regular appearances at industry events, study clubs, podcasts, and McGill and Lyon seminars. Wes is also published in other editorials periodically and writes a Financial Management column for the Academy of General Dentistry. Before entering the dental consulting world, Wes worked in institutional investment management. Prior to that, Wes was a financial advisor specializing in helping small business owners with their personal finances. McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors is a consulting firm providing dentists and specialists independent, objective financial advice as it relates to tax planning, business planning, and financial planning. McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors was founded in 1983 by Dr. Charles Blair and John K. McGill. Since then, the company has helped over 1,000 dentists reach their financial goals while paying the least amount of taxes required through their tax, business, and financial planning service.