Private Practice Playbook

Welcome to another episode of the Private Practice Playbook. Today, host Jay Geier sits down with Dr. Robert ¨Bob¨ McCulla, the Founder of Turlock Dental Care. The conversation focused on the remarkable 40-year journey of Dr. McCulla in Turlock, California, who transformed personal and professional challenges into a legacy of growth, community impact, and family success. A key theme that emerged was the transition from burnout and debt to energizing expansion, growing from a small, struggling practice of 10 staff members and a handful of new patients to a thriving, award-winning office with over thirty team members and more than a thousand new patients annually.

The discussion explored the pivotal moments that led to this transformation, including the importance of mentorship, faith, and a commitment to generosity, as well as concrete strategies for debt reduction and leadership development. Several points were raised, including the value of investing in both infrastructure and people, empowering team members, and fostering a family-driven approach to business. The episode highlights lessons learned, advice for younger practitioners, and the power of integrating personal values into professional life, all set against the backdrop of a vibrant local community.

Visit http://mypgi.com/ to schedule a discovery call. We'll learn more about your practice, where you want to go, and help you determine the program that best fits your goals.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the podcast

05:19 Discussing a dentist's career journey

09:48 Moving from Southern California

12:30 Reaching the first million-dollar year

14:49 Feeling burned out from overwork

16:56 Attending Jay's event with Karen

22:06 Becoming debt-free and inspired

26:03 Decision to go to dental school

27:47 Expanding the team and community support

30:04 Balancing faith and finances

34:06 Building flexibility and future growth

39:04 Value of quality investments

40:57 Realities of running a business

45:54 Morning routine and financial focus

48:04 Managing small vs. large staff teams

50:36 Quarterly team training insights

Welcome to another episode of the Private Practice Playbook. Today, host Jay Geier sits down with Dr. Clay Sims of Sims Orthodontics in Pensacola and Dr. Drew Ferris of Ferris Orthodontic Group in Santa Barbara — two top orthodontists from the PGI coaching community. In this candid conversation, they dive into the realities of building and running modern orthodontic practices: balancing personal growth with business success, navigating the shift from traditional braces to aligners, and managing the evolving relationship between general dentists and specialists. The discussion also explores broader themes such as the emotional impact of patient care, the importance of community and mission work, and the ongoing challenges of growing not just wealth, but happiness and fulfillment both in and out of the office. Whether you’re a seasoned dental professional or just starting your journey, this episode offers practical wisdom, heartfelt stories, and a reminder that pursuing excellence in practice and in life requires continual learning and connection.

Visit http://mypgi.com/ to schedule a discovery call. We'll learn more about your practice, where you want to go, and help you determine the program that best fits your goals.

Timestamps:

00:00 Discussing perceptions and giving advice

05:05 Orthodontics in the dental industry

08:02 Getting referrals from dentists

11:26 AI impact on healthcare professions

13:33 Strategies for dental practice expansion

18:57 Why long-term coaching is valuable

21:11 Focusing on personal growth and relationships

25:01 Volunteering abroad for perspective

28:26 Helping a young boy with braces

30:32 Impact of emotional dentistry

35:46 Discussing orthodontists and business scaling

37:54 Challenges for specialists in professions

Welcome to the Private Practice Playbook with Jay Geier, where we dive deep into the real challenges and triumphs of life in private dental practice. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Mark and Shayne Fixari, co-founders of Fixari Family Dental in Columbus, Ohio — a thriving family business built over four decades. From humble beginnings with little more than vision and determination, Mark and Shayne scaled their practice into a multi-location, community-anchored organization, all while raising seven children and building enduring family traditions.

Today, they share candid insights on leadership, the importance of embracing mistakes, and the challenges (and joys) of growing a business well beyond the work only the founders can do. Listeners will hear stories about navigating partnership, bouncing back from hiring stumbles, cultivating leadership in young doctors, and building a family culture that’s as intentional as their practice. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking inspiration for long-term growth, this episode delivers wisdom for every stage of the professional and personal journey.

Ready to build a stronger team? Schedule a complimentary discovery call at http://mypgi.com/ to learn how Practice Growth Institute helps private practice owners build, scale, and exit more profitable practices. And don't miss future episodes — subscribe for podcast alerts at http://podcastfordoctors.com/.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Private Practice Playbook

06:37 Shayne's role and female empowerment

09:32 Reflecting on key life milestones

11:32 Discussing Personal Strengths

14:37 Treating All People Equally

20:02 Discussing friction in relationships

23:14 Family commitment and gender roles

24:37 Balancing family and business

28:47 Discussing leadership and marriage tips

31:40 Transitioning to Private Practice Authority

34:51 Continuous learning in leadership

40:10 Perfectionism in everyday life

41:44 Focusing on future solutions

45:31 Reflecting on hiring choices

50:13 Ending on personal connections

51:24 Dealing with demand in dentistry

Welcome to another episode of the Private Practice Playbook. Today´s conversation with Jaclyn Dunn focuses on a hard truth facing private dental practice owners: the perfect hygiene team isn't coming. Instead of waiting for the "right" team before making improvements, practices should prioritize building intentional systems that ensure consistency, accountability, and quality patient care — regardless of staffing challenges. One concept discussed was the tendency to delay growth initiatives in hopes of future stability, when in reality, progress is made by taking action with the resources at hand. The discussion explored how even average team members can excel within strong systems, while talented individuals will struggle if processes are lacking. Several points were raised, including the dangers of waiting for ideal conditions, the critical role of systems over individual talent, and why accountability should be a celebrated component of every high-performing hygiene department.

If today's conversation got you thinking differently about your hygiene department, imagine what could happen if you applied that same systems-based approach across your entire practice. That's exactly what we help private practice owners do every day at Practice Growth Institute. Visit https://mypgi.com/ to schedule a discovery call. We'll learn more about your practice, where you want to go, and help you determine the program that best fits your goals.

Timestamps:

00:00 Challenges in dental practice staffing

06:02 Addressing Hygiene Staffing Challenges

09:28 Never a perfect time for kids

13:50 New clinicians gaining confidence

15:58 Importance of patient retention

19:29 Challenges in hiring staff

22:27 Importance of communication in dentistry

25:04 Building a resilient hygiene department

30:51 Cost of inconsistency in practices

33:08 Importance of Effective Training

37:35 Importance of consistent patient communication

40:20 Improving patient care and retention

43:25 Improving team consistency and patient care

45:08 Building adaptable, resilient teams

Welcome to another episode of the Private Practice Playbook with Jay Geier. In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Anna Berik, an acclaimed Boston-based dentist and practice owner, to explore her remarkable journey from ambitious associate to the leader of a thriving multi-location dental organization. Through candid stories and hard-won lessons, Dr. Berik shares the realities behind building her empire, including struggles with work-life balance as a single mom, navigating challenging team transitions, and overcoming the chaos of a faltering practice.

Along the way, she discusses the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and the importance of evolving both as a clinician and a business owner. Whether you’re looking to improve your practice, learn how to scale successfully, or simply need a reminder that growth comes with its share of bumps and breakthroughs, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and authentic encouragement for every dentist on their own journey.

Ready to build a stronger team? Schedule a complimentary discovery call at http://mypgi.com/ to learn how Practice Growth Institute helps private practice owners build, scale, and exit more profitable practices. And don't miss future episodes—subscribe for podcast alerts at http://podcastfordoctors.com/.

Timestamps:

00:00 Shifting from biology to dental school

05:41 Growing Beyond a $3 Million Practice

07:33 Pursuing Excellence in Cosmetic Dentistry

10:35 Buying into the dental practice

14:51 Breaking up the medical team

17:09 Dealing with anti-growth personalities

22:14 Managing and improving the practice

23:40 Buying the right dental practice

26:28 Redesigning the reception area

29:39 Maintaining a professional office space

34:56 Designing a child-friendly therapy space

37:38 Growing into a leadership role

39:19 Advice on hands-on leadership

44:27 The challenges of growing a business

46:06 Importance of marketing visibility

49:21 Reflections on lifelong learning

Everyone wants the next piece of technology. But after working inside hundreds of private practices, we've learned that the practices growing the fastest have one thing in common, and it isn't their equipment.

In this episode, Jamie sits down with Jaclyn Dunn, Clinical Team Lead at Practice Growth Institute, to discuss what truly separates high-performing practices. You'll learn why some teams outperform others, the hiring mistakes that hold practices back, and how investing in your people creates growth that lasts.

Ready to build a stronger team? Schedule a complimentary discovery call at http://mypgi.com/ to learn how Practice Growth Institute helps private practice owners build, scale, and exit more profitable practices. And don't miss future episodes—subscribe for podcast alerts at http://podcastfordoctors.com/.

Timestamps:

00:00 Investing in Your Practice Team

05:48 Focusing on outcomes over tasks

08:06 Hiring based on attitude and values

09:58 Importance of structured onboarding

12:57 Importance of workplace culture

16:43 Improving team communication and culture

19:44 Closing remarks and farewell

Welcome to this episode of the Private Practice Playbook with Jay Geier, where we sit down with Dr. Paul Keelan, a dentist whose journey from clinician to business leader offers powerful lessons for anyone in the healthcare profession. Practicing since 1989, Dr. Paul Keelan shares how his early focus on clinical excellence alone didn’t bring the professional growth or community impact he craved. Instead, it was a pivotal shift in mindset, embracing generosity, investing in his team, and adopting a patient-centric approach that led his practice to experience remarkable 10x growth.

In this conversation, we explore the practical steps Dr. Paul Keelan took to transform a small office into a thriving, community-focused organization of over 50 employees, impacting not just patients but also the personal lives of his team. You’ll hear about the challenges of implementing change, the critical role of mentorship and continuing education, and how generosity, both financially and in spirit, became central to Dr. Paul Keelan’s vision for sustainable, meaningful success. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, entrepreneur, or simply looking to make a greater impact, this episode is full of insights on leadership, transformation, and the power of giving back.

Timestamps:

00:00 Practicing and growing the business

04:01 Attending a conference with colleagues

09:07 Choosing general dentistry over specialization

09:45 The importance of kindness

15:01 Reflecting on leadership generosity

17:18 Discussing market feedback and value

20:35 Teaching with lasting impact

24:34 Office transformation over 12 years

28:17 Mentoring and supporting young assistants

31:19 Training experiences for new associates

32:18 Making commitment decisions

37:01 Improving dental appointment experiences

39:47 Starting the 5X program journey

43:32 Getting helpful advice and feedback

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Welcome to another episode of the Private Practice Playbook, where we dive into the real stories behind successful dental practices. This week, we sit down with Dr. Lance Panarello, a dentist whose journey took him from working alongside his father in a small practice to scaling up to over $20 million in annual revenue and managing multiple locations.

In this candid conversation, Dr. Panarello reflects on the early years, times of financial struggle, hard choices, and learning through adversity, including a period with no paycheck and climbing out of a multimillion-dollar debt. He shares how humility, coaching, and relentless self-improvement transformed both his business and personal life.

You’ll hear insights on building a thriving dental practice, the importance of coaching, overcoming ego, fostering work-life balance, and why real growth comes from learning how to lead, delegate, and communicate. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your practice to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration from someone who's walked the walk.

Tune in as we uncover the pivotal moments and lessons that can help you find more freedom, fulfillment, and success in your own career.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Private Practice Playbook

04:18 Considering career options with dad

08:48 Dad's retirement and free dentistry day

10:52 Valuable parenting advice on time

14:33 Teaching productivity at the Scheduling Institute

16:32 Unexpected patient loyalty

20:38 Unexpected business growth

24:22 Overcoming early challenges

28:20 Understanding practice math basics

29:28 Overcoming challenges in training staff

33:35 Listening to top industry experts

36:38 Importance of Liking People in Healthcare

39:36 Balancing work and personal life

42:12 Value of Ongoing Coaching

48:05 Financial freedom for stress-free vacations

48:46 Finding freedom and meaning

Welcome back to the Private Practice Playbook podcast! In today's episode, host Jay Geier sits down with power couple Dr. Mary John Lalor and Dr. Robert Lalor, who share the remarkable journey of building their thriving dental practice from humble beginnings in small-town New York. With a candid look at their personal and professional partnership, Dr. Mary John Lalor and Dr. Robert Lalor reveal the behind-the-scenes strategies that fueled their growth from a single family practice to a multi-location operation with over 40 doctors and 350 team members.

Together, they reflect on lessons learned from taking risks, staying financially disciplined, and placing patients and team culture at the forefront. You'll hear how their complementary skills shaped their approach to leadership, how they navigated the challenges of expansion, and why a commitment to lifelong coaching and peer collaboration became a cornerstone of their success. Whether you're leading a practice, working with your spouse, or just looking for inspiration in your own professional journey, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, humor, and a reminder to enjoy the ride — no matter where it takes you.

Timestamps:

00:00 Longtime friendship and growth journey

07:42 Navigating challenges in marriage

10:42 Choosing locations in smaller markets

20:31 Healthy competition in education

22:18 Investing and taking calculated risks

30:10 Building the perfect team

31:56 Importance of a great team

41:24 Benefits of having a coach

46:58 Encouraging change in organizations

50:45 AI and the future of dentistry

56:13 Balancing business and personal life

01:00:13 Creating lasting family memories

Welcome to this episode of the Private Practice Playbook with Jay Geier. Today, we dive into the remarkable journey of Dr. Todd Sala, a dentist whose story spans four generations and over a century of family practice. From buying into his father’s practice and continuing to build alongside his family to expanding from a modest eight-operatory clinic to a bustling 34-chair practice, Dr. Todd Sala reveals the lessons he learned along the way. We’ll hear about the challenges of earning patient trust, embracing mentorship (even when it’s hard to hear), managing finances and capital expenditures, and, perhaps most importantly, learning to delegate and become a true leader. Dr. Todd Sala opens up about balancing business growth with personal life, coaching others in the field, and the mindset shifts that unlock true potential. If you’re seeking not just growth, but lasting impact in private practice, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Timestamps:

00:00 Todd's professional journey and insights

04:22 Discussing their close friendship

08:32 Decision to retire after vacation

12:22 Discussing business growth challenges

15:39 Understanding capex in business growth

19:08 Paying off the building

20:09 Expanding dental practice team

24:31 Balancing work and family life

27:06 Understanding others' perspectives on business

31:42 Preparing for leadership transition

32:48 Reflecting on early struggles

36:54 Reflecting on personal growth process

40:55 Building a dental clinic abroad

45:16 Turning point: focusing on others

47:30 Discussing time and money freedom

50:34 Thinking about saving money

54:09 Haggling story at Sam's Club

55:49 Discussing client ranking and feedback

58:57 Discussing the company's operational strategies

In this episode, Jay talks with Dr. Steven Pilipovich about building a practice with long-term vision and intentional leadership. From solo practitioner to multi-practice owner, Dr. Pilipovich shares what it takes to grow sustainably, invest in people, and create a practice designed to last.

What does it really mean to lead—and how does leadership set the ceiling on everything you build?

In this special episode of The Private Practice Playbook, PGI founder Jay Geier sits down with Coach Deion Sanders for a live conversation at the Practice Growth Summit. Coach Prime shares powerful insights on discipline, confidence, preparation, and setting the standard as a leader.

Motivating, challenging, and timely—this episode is a must-listen for practice owners who want to raise the bar for their business and themselves.

In today’s episode, Jay opens with a simple — but confronting — question: “If I say I’m going to do it… does it actually happen?” From giving yourself real grace, to breaking old patterns, to stepping fully into leadership, this conversation pulls you out of default mode and into intentional growth. If you want clarity, confidence, and momentum heading into 2026, this is the reset you didn’t even know you needed.

The holidays are here — and for most people, that means slowing down.

But for top-performing practice owners, this is the time to finish strong.

In this week’s Private Practice Playbook, Jay shares how to turn year-end fatigue into fuel for growth — with three actionable steps every doctor should take before December 31.

If you’re constantly frustrated with your team, you’re not alone. Most doctors face the same cycle of stress, unmet expectations, and daily firefighting — but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

In this episode, Jay Geier unpacks five key barriers to growth that stem from your “human capital” — the people who make your practice run. From mindset shifts to accountability and compensation, Jay shares practical steps you can take to strengthen your team, restore control, and make your practice easier to run — not harder.

Ten years from now, you’ll be older — that’s guaranteed. The question is: will you be further ahead? In this episode, Jay Geier challenges you to stop living on autopilot and start designing the next decade on purpose. One simple mindset shift today can completely change where you end up.

How do you make every year your best year ever—not by accident, but by design? In this episode, Jay breaks down the formulas, priorities, and mindset shifts that allow practice owners to finish strong and set up next year for growth.

You’ll learn why the fourth quarter is the most critical time of year, the traps that keep doctors stuck, and the system that can help you make 2026—and every year after—your best year yet.

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What would it take to 5X your practice — and your life? In this live recording, Jay Geier shares why most practices hit plateaus, why cutting corners never fuels real growth, and how to adopt the mindset of a continuously advancing person. Learn how to apply the concept of 5X to revenue, team engagement, and personal growth so you can break through limits and unlock exponential growth.

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On this episode of the Private Practice Playbook, host Jay Geier sits down with Dr. Goldberg about the mindset shifts that come with practice ownership. From defining moments in his personal life to professional turning points, Dr. Goldberg offers wisdom for doctors looking to step into leadership and scale their success.

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You don’t have a “money problem.” You have a cash flow discipline problem. In this no-fluff episode, Jay breaks down the emotional traps, bad habits, and blind spots that keep high earners broke and stressed—and the simple systems that will flip you from reactive spender to strategic steward. You’ll learn how to think like a student of cash flow, make smarter choices about debt, and spend on what actually moves you forward.

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