In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rhys, a veterinary practice owner from Vancouver who brings a unique perspective thanks to his background in hospitality and his passion for building businesses that can thrive without the owner being tied to every detail. We dove deep into what it really takes to transform a veterinary practice from a self-employed job into a scalable, sellable business. Our conversation covered everything from the importance of building robust systems and standard operating procedures, to leveraging data-driven management and authentic marketing that truly reflects your practice’s identity.

Throughout our discussion, Rhys shared actionable strategies for veterinary professionals who want to attract, engage, and retain clients—while also reclaiming their time and sanity. We talked about defining your mission and vision as the foundation for all your systems, the necessity of SOPs for consistency and delegation, and how to use key performance indicators (KPIs) to proactively manage your practice. We also explored pricing strategies that balance value and affordability, and the critical importance of client retention and lifetime value. Reese even provided a toolkit of resources and calculators to help practice owners make informed decisions about hiring, budgeting, and pricing.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your established practice to the next level, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples. We wrapped up by discussing how to adapt to the future, especially with the rise of corporate competition and shifting market dynamics. My goal with this episode is to give you the insights and tools you need to build a veterinary practice that works for you—not the other way around. If you’re ready to create a business that can run (and grow) without your constant presence, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Sheila Fitzpatrick, a seasoned expert in veterinary practice management and valuation. We dove deep into the complexities of selling veterinary practices, exploring everything from the current market landscape to the nuances of selling to corporate buyers versus private individuals. Dr. Fitzpatrick shared invaluable insights on the importance of exit planning and how it can significantly impact the success of a sale. We also discussed the viability of both private and corporate sales, with Dr. Fitzpatrick highlighting that while corporate buyers often pay higher multiples, many veterinarians prefer selling to private individuals to maintain the essence of their practice.

We also touched on the importance of understanding market trends and projections. Dr. Fitzpatrick emphasized the need for practice owners to attend town planning meetings to gain insights into local growth, which can be crucial when considering practice acquisitions. Additionally, she stressed the importance of early exit planning, ideally starting five years before a sale. This involves financial assessments, professional valuations, and preparing the business for a smooth transition. We also discussed the pros and cons of leasing versus owning real estate for veterinary practices, with ownership offering more control and stability.

Moreover, Dr. Fitzpatrick shared strategies for enhancing practice value, such as diversifying services and leveraging technology. By investing in advanced diagnostic equipment and expanding service offerings, practices can increase their appeal to potential buyers. We also covered the impact of rising interest rates on practice sales and the challenges of recruitment and retention in the veterinary field. Dr. Fitzpatrick provided practical tips for effective marketing strategies, emphasizing the role of digital marketing and community engagement in attracting and retaining clients. Overall, this episode is packed with expert advice and actionable strategies for veterinary practice owners looking to navigate the complexities of selling their business.

In our latest episode, I had the pleasure of diving deep into the world of email marketing with some fantastic guests from Family Pet Health. Joining me were Michael Shirley, co-owner of Family Pet Health, Stephen Shirley, their Director of Operations, and Haley Cameron, who handles social media and public outreach. We explored how veterinary practices can harness the power of email marketing to not only attract new clients but also engage and retain existing ones. This episode is packed with actionable insights that any veterinary practice can implement to boost their email marketing game.

We kicked things off by discussing the current state of email marketing at Family Pet Health. Michael shared how their email efforts have been somewhat sporadic, primarily focusing on informational content. However, they've recently ramped up their email frequency, sending out more emails in the last few months than they did in the previous nine months combined. The challenge, as Michael pointed out, has been incorporating strong calls to action in these emails. We then delved into their specific goals, like increasing dental compliance and raising awareness about their fear-free certification. Stephen highlighted the ongoing challenge of improving heartworm compliance, emphasizing the need for better communication with clients. We also touched on the tools they're using, like Pet Desk and Mailchimp, and how they plan to leverage these platforms more effectively.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of setting clear expectations with clients regarding email frequency and content. We discussed strategies like welcome sequences for new subscribers, win-back sequences for lapsed clients, and nurturing emails that provide valuable information while encouraging action. Michael stressed the need for educational content that guides clients on the next steps, whether that's booking an appointment or learning more about specific services. Haley shared her experiences with community outreach events and how email marketing plays a crucial role in promoting these initiatives. We wrapped up by discussing the value of client feedback and how being responsive can help create a collaborative relationship with clients. Overall, this episode is a treasure trove of practical advice for any veterinary practice looking to enhance their email marketing efforts.