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 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 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 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 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