Tackling Life: Dr. Blair White's Path from the NFL to Orthodontics
On this week's episode, The In Your Face® Podcast is welcoming a guest who has tasted success in multiple high-stress arenas – it's Dr. Blair White! From the gritty gridirons of Michigan State and the NFL, Dr. White has transitioned from the adrenaline of football to the precision of orthodontics, proving that whether it's on the field or in the clinic, perseverance and a no-quit attitude are key to success. Dr. White dives deep into the parallels between competitive sports and business, sharing how his relentless spirit, shaped by personal hardships, helped him climb the ranks from a walk-on player, to a professional athlete, and now an orthodontic specialist renowned for his management style and his innovative approach to patient care. We'll hear the saga that started with a contingency plan for a career-ending injury and evolved into a passion for dentistry, under a policy of empowerment and open communication. Dr. White offers a candid look at the stresses of his sporting days and the challenges of juggling the demands of growing a thriving practice Moreover, we’ll get an insider's perspective on Dr. White’s famous mouthguard events, which have not only become a signature service at his Saginaw practice but also a vehicle for community engagement and marketing. He’ll share tips on building resilience in our children, finding flexibility in the orthodontic field, and the unstated benefits of custom mouthguards – a lesson from his own days as an athlete. Join us as we unpack the wisdom gleaned from Dr. White’s experiences, discuss the joys of entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the work-life integration that helps shape future plans, including his unique family tradition. All this and much more, on this episode of The In Your Face Podcast, brought to you by Retainer Club. Now, let’s get up close and personal with Dr. Blair White! Timestamped overview: 00:00 Building thriving businesses in today's competitive market. 04:34 Missed travel, diverse interests, self-improvement focus. 09:53 Transition led to opportunity, proving skills to coaches. 11:01 NFL draft disappointment, agent's advice goes wrong. 16:13 Sports teach teamwork, leadership, and business skills. 17:33 Regular discussions foster coach-player connections and growth. 23:23 Business leaders stress investing in people and listening. 25:57 Office manager encouraged community-oriented dental initiative. 27:35 Streamlined process for dental impressions and products. 33:12 Inserting sensors, analyzing force, concussion study data. 36:09 Building businesses improves with experience, deserve grace. 39:30 Planning trips to new cities to learn. 41:10 Blair 2.0 discussed potential new version. Resources: White Orthodontics Mouthguard Club 👉 Apple Podcasts: LINK 👉 Spotify: LINK About In Your Face® Podcast: The In Your Face® Podcast is hosted by Retainer Club co-founder and President, Dr. Blair Feldman, DMD, MS, who connects with voices of industry experts to bring you tips, tricks and best practices for helping your practice thrive, whether you're an orthodontist, dentist, or Dental Service Organization (DSO).
