Optometrists Building Empires

Ankit Patel
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Optometrists Building Empires

Welcome to Optometrists Building Empires! Each week, host Ankit Patel, explores the journey of multi-practice ownership and leadership in optometry with some of the top minds in his field. This show is sponsored by My Business Care Team: We help increase revenue, reduce costs, and reduce staffing headaches. Let's build your empire together!

  1. Embracing Career Risks - Zachary Jost - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 030

    6D AGO

    Embracing Career Risks - Zachary Jost - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 030

    How do you turn a fresh optometry degree into a thriving multi-location practice? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Zachary Jost, owner of Back Bay Eye Care, to discuss his journey from new graduate to successful practice owner. Dr. Jost shares insights on taking risks, managing multiple locations, hiring the right team, and expanding the scope of optometry. If you're an optometrist looking to grow your practice, or just love a great entrepreneurial story, this episode is for you!   Takeaways: Embrace calculated risks in your practice. Constantly look for opportunities, such as acquisitions that align with your goals and values.Be prepared for the challenges of not being present in both locations simultaneously. Hire trustworthy office managers to oversee day-to-day operations in different locations.Avoid hiring out of desperation; instead, wait for the right candidate who fits the practice culture and values. Pay your employees well to retain them and ensure they are happy, as this translates to better patient care.Focus on delivering a comprehensive and caring patient experience from the moment they walk in until the moment they leave. Collect and review patient feedback regularly to identify areas of improvement.View debt as an investment in your future. Differentiate between good debt (investments in practice growth) and bad debt (high-interest credit).Constantly look for growth opportunities within your practice, whether through new procedures, technologies, or expanding practice areas. Be ready to handle a growing practice by continually improving and adapting your business strategies. Quote of the Show: “ Taking chances and risks in my career has gotten me to where I am.” - Zachary Jost Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-jost-od-68485699/  Company website: https://backbayeyecare.com/  Email: zacharyjostod@gmail.com  Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208

    34 min
  2. Values-Driven Innovation - Shane Kannarr - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 029

    FEB 27

    Values-Driven Innovation - Shane Kannarr - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 029

    What does it take to build a thriving optometry practice while staying true to patient-first values? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Shane Kannarr, owner of Kannarr EyeCare, to discuss his journey from a single-doctor practice to multiple locations. Dr. Kannarr shares insights on expanding strategically, investing in technology, and the importance of hiring a team that aligns with his vision. He also opens up about personal experiences that have shaped his compassionate approach to care. Whether you're an aspiring optometrist or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with wisdom on balancing business growth with exceptional patient care.   Takeaways: Always prioritize delivering the highest level of patient care. Make patient well-being your guiding principle and ensure your practice is known for its commitment to improving lives through innovative eye care.Stay updated with the latest technology and research in your field to offer the best possible care. Investing in advanced equipment and methods can greatly enhance the patient experience and overall practice efficiency.When expanding your team, hire individuals who share your core values and commitment to patient care. Training for specific skills can be done later, but a shared vision is crucial for cohesive growth.Don't hesitate to make necessary investments in your practice. This includes hiring key personnel like a COO or CFO to handle business operations efficiently, which allows you to focus on patient care and strategic growth.As your practice grows, it's vital to delegate responsibilities to trusted team members. This helps in maintaining a balance and ensures that the practice runs smoothly without overwhelming any individual.Find a balance between managing the business side of your practice and providing care. Effective cost control, reinvesting in your practice, and maintaining profitability are essential to sustaining high-quality care. Quote of the Show: “ You can't let up just because you think you're about to do something good.” - Shane Kannarr Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-kannarr-od-4106443a/  Company website: https://www.kannarreyecare.com/dr-shane-kannarr Email: skannarr@kannarreyecare.com Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208

    35 min
  3. Financial Insight - Nathan Hayes - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 028

    FEB 20

    Financial Insight - Nathan Hayes - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 028

    Are you considering expanding your optometry practice to multiple locations? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Nathan Hayes, director of financial services at IDOC, to break down the key factors behind successful growth. From financial benchmarks and operational efficiency to navigating labor costs and evaluating EBITDA, Nathan shares expert insights on scaling a practice sustainably. If you're looking to optimize your business or prepare for expansion, this episode is packed with valuable strategies.   Takeaways: Expanding to multiple locations requires a strong desire and readiness to handle increased complexity, stress, and operational challenges.Successful multi-location businesses develop strong operational systems and competent management teams. It’s vital to manage and streamline operations consistently across all sites.Track and manage your finances diligently. Know your cost of goods sold, payroll expenses, and overheads. Effective financial management is key to ensuring profitability.Build a capable management team and delegate responsibilities. This helps in scaling your business and ensures operations run smoothly even in your absence.Ensure your primary location is profitable and self-sustaining before expanding. Have a clear strategy for funding new locations, whether through savings, loans, or other means.Strive to step back periodically and delegate effectively. Taking breaks and ensuring you are not overburdened can improve your leadership and decision-making. Quote of the Show: “My ideal for someone who wants to pursue this type of practice is someone who is doing it because you want to and not because you're scared.” - Nathan Hayes Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-d-hayes/  Company website: https://idoc.net/  Books & Benchmarks: https://booksandbenchmarks.com/author/nathan-hayes/  Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208

    42 min
  4. A People-Driven Journey - Evan Stout - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 027

    FEB 13

    A People-Driven Journey - Evan Stout - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 027

    How can optometrists successfully expand their practices while navigating challenges like insurance reimbursements and staff retention? On this week’s episode of Optometry Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sat down with Dr. Evan Stout, co-owner of Family Vision Clinic, to discuss his journey from a single-location practice to a thriving three-location business in Mississippi. From overcoming industry challenges to investing in staff development and strategic growth, Dr. Stout shares invaluable insights for practice owners. If you're looking for expert advice on expanding your optometry practice while maintaining a people-centric approach, this episode is a must-listen!   Takeaways: Investing in a dedicated team, with initiatives like ParaOptometric certifications and continued education, helps in building a robust practice. This not only improves staff retention but also enhances job satisfaction and performance.Instead of cutting costs on staff, invest in attracting and retaining quality personnel. Offering incentives and career growth opportunities can mitigate issues related to high turnover and staff dissatisfaction.Active participation in professional associations like AOA and state optometric associations is crucial. These platforms offer networking opportunities and keep practitioners informed on industry changes and advocacy efforts.Don’t delay in taking ownership or becoming involved in the profession. Taking risks and being proactive earlier in your career can lead to significant benefits.Engage with professional bodies and be part of ongoing changes in the industry to ensure the profession’s growth and sustainability.Regularly seek feedback from patients to understand their needs better and improve services accordingly. Always prioritize patient care Quote of the Show: “ If we get the right people to begin with and invest in that side of things, we're not constantly having turnover and can really invest in people.” - Evan Stout Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-stout-o-d-2b2668b9/  Company website: https://visionsource-familyvisionclinic.net/  Email: estout.od@gmail.com Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208

    29 min
  5. The Mindset of Building Empires - Bethany Fishbein - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 026

    FEB 6

    The Mindset of Building Empires - Bethany Fishbein - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 026

    What mindset shifts can turn a small optometry practice into a thriving business? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Bethany Fishbein, an optometrist and practice management consultant, to explore her journey from a new graduate to a successful multi-practice owner and consultant. Dr. Fishbein shares the pivotal moments that reshaped her vision, the strategies behind building strong patient relationships, and the leadership principles that drive practice success. If you're looking to elevate your practice with real-world insights, this episode is a must-listen! Now, let’s welcome Dr. Bethany Fishbein.   Takeaways: Embrace the idea that the journey is unpredictable and full of possibilities. Being open to influential conversations can significantly reset what you imagine to be possible.Treat every patient encounter as an opportunity to build a long-term relationship. This not only increases patient satisfaction but can lead to significant referrals. Successful practice owners take full responsibility for their outcomes, both good and bad. They see themselves as the drivers of their practice's success. The owner's attitude sets the tone for the entire practice. Maintaining a positive environment and recognizing achievements can have a substantial impact on team morale and performance.While managing staff, balance between trust and oversight is essential. Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities to prevent feelings of sabotage and foster collaborative growth.Implementing technology, such as patient portals, virtual assistants, and online scheduling, can reduce the load on staff and improve efficiency.Balance work with personal time to avoid burnout. If your schedule allows, take personal days to recharge, which in turn can enhance your productivity and leadership. Quote of the Show: “ The owner's mindset impacts the day-to-day mood of the practice, the feel of the practice, and how everybody else responds to it.” - Bethany Fishbein Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-fishbein-1145775/  Somerset Eye Care website: https://somerseteyecare.com/  Metuchen Vision Website: https://www.metuchenvision.com/  Leaders of Vision: http://www.leadersofvision.com/ Email: bethany@leadersofvision.com Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208

    46 min
  6. The Evolution of Optometry - Ryan McKinnis - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 025

    JAN 30

    The Evolution of Optometry - Ryan McKinnis - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 025

    How can optometrists balance personalized patient care with the demands of running a growing practice, and what strategies help maintain high standards without feeling rushed? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host, Ankit Patel, had the honor of talking to Dr. Ryan McKinnis, a distinguished optometrist with a proven track record in advanced contact lens technology and ocular disease. Discover his strategic insights on practice growth, maintaining high standards of patient care, and the future of optometry. If you're passionate about advancing in the optometry field or looking for inspiration, this episode is a must-listen.   Takeaways: Focus on spending quality time with patients to make them feel valued and provide individualized care. Avoid rushing through appointments, as personalized service can set your practice apart.When facing unforeseen challenges such as a pandemic, resilience is crucial. Develop contingency plans for maintaining operations under adverse conditions and ensure your staff is prepared for rapid changes.If expanding to multiple locations, understand the nuances of buying existing practices versus opening new ones. Prepare for cultural and operational challenges and be patient as you build trust with a new patient base.Cross-train employees to handle multiple responsibilities, which can help manage rising non-doctor payroll costs. Focus on building a team of exceptional employees rather than a larger team of average performers.Diversify your services by adding subspecialties like dry eye treatment or vision therapy. Specialization not only attracts a niche patient base but also keeps the work dynamic and interesting for practitioners. Quote of the Show: “ You want to make a difference in people's lives. That used to be giving them a pair of glasses, but now that's become so mainstream that you have to seek out other ways.” - Ryan McKinnis Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mckinnis-o-d-faao-fsls-79271527/  Company website: https://www.infinityeyecareohio.com/  Email: ryan@infintyeyecareohio.com Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208

    37 min
  7. Elevating Patient Experience - Joseph Munsell - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 024

    JAN 23

    Elevating Patient Experience - Joseph Munsell - Optometrists Building Empires - Episode # 024

    How can optometrists balance patient-first care, strategic growth, and operational efficiency while adapting to industry changes and diversifying revenue streams? This week on Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel welcomes Dr. Joseph Munsell, Owner and Optometrist at Cheyenne Vision Clinic and Laramie Vision Clinic. With expertise in ocular disease, myopia management, and optometric surgery, Dr. Munsell shares how his patient-first approach, strategic growth, and deep community ties have shaped his thriving practice. Whether you're exploring innovative optometric strategies or just enjoy hearing inspiring success stories, this episode is one you won’t want to miss! Takeaways: Prioritize patient care by treating them with respect and understanding. Meeting patients where they are can lead to better outcomes and patient loyalty.Be action-oriented. Ideas and theories are great, but execution is what drives results. Make sure you're always taking actionable steps to implement your plans.Have a clear vision and direction. It's crucial to know where you want your practice to go. Without a clear vision, you might end up making efforts in the wrong direction.Regularly assess and refine all aspects of your practice to enhance patient experience. From fixing tiny details like parking lot appearance to ensuring smooth appointment scheduling.As you grow, economic scales can be beneficial, but they also magnify issues. Ensure robust processes and systems are in place to handle increased patient load and operational complexity.Delegate responsibilities effectively. No single person can handle everything in a large practice. Delegate responsibilities to ensure tasks are handled efficiently and to prevent burnout.Diversify services and revenue Streams. With reduced reimbursements from vision care plans, it’s crucial to offer cash-pay services and specialize in areas like myopia management or optometric surgery. This helps in sustaining and growing your practice. Quote of the Show: “ You always have to be ready to shift. Things in business never go exactly to plan and if you're too rigid, the boat's going to go down.” - Joseph Munsell Links: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-munsell-o-d-dipl-abo-1335ab179/  Email: jmunsell25@gmail.comCheyenne Vision Clinic: https://www.cheyennevisionclinic.com/ Laramie Vision Clinic: https://www.laramievisionclinic.com/ Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208

    33 min
  8. Strategies for Growth - Jake Letourneau &  Rob Heileman - Optometrists Building Empires - Ep # 023

    JAN 16

    Strategies for Growth - Jake Letourneau &  Rob Heileman - Optometrists Building Empires - Ep # 023

    On this week's episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host, Ankit Patel, had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Jake Letourneau and his COO, Rob Heileman. With years of experience and a shared competitive spirit, Dr. Letourneau and Rob reveal the secrets to their successful partnership and continuous growth in the optometry field. From adapting innovative business practices to maintaining high standards in patient care, their journey is both inspiring and educational. If you want to learn more about persistently pursuing excellence and navigating the challenges of expanding an eye care empire, this episode is for you!    Takeaways:  Having a clear vision and the humility to recognize your strengths and weaknesses are essential. It's about learning continuously and seeking advice from industry experts to refine that vision and drive the business forward.Embracing a competitive spirit helps in striving for constant improvement. It's not about outdoing others but about pushing yourself and your team to be better than you were yesterday.Building a team with strong leadership and fostering genuine relationships are critical. This includes being transparent, explaining the "why" behind actions, and empowering the team to contribute to the mission.Innovations like the four-day workweek can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and recruitment by creating a better work-life balance, without negatively impacting business performance.Developing subclinics or specialized services that don't rely on insurance can drive growth and improve patient care. Identifying and pursuing these niches can set a practice apart in a competitive market.Addressing staffing issues through innovative employment models and focusing on non-insurance-based revenue streams help navigate common challenges in the healthcare sector. Quote of the Show: “ If we're going to accomplish this goal, we've got to take the chance. No, we can't afford it, but maybe we can't afford not to.” - Jake Letourneau Links: Website: https://www.eyecarelawrence.com/ Rob’s Email: robert@ridgevieweyecare.com  Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208

    38 min
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About

Welcome to Optometrists Building Empires! Each week, host Ankit Patel, explores the journey of multi-practice ownership and leadership in optometry with some of the top minds in his field. This show is sponsored by My Business Care Team: We help increase revenue, reduce costs, and reduce staffing headaches. Let's build your empire together!

Information

  • Creator
    Ankit Patel
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Ringmaster Conversational Marketing
  • Show Website
    Optometrists Building Empires

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