The White Coat Entrepreneur

In this podcast, Dr. Williams interviews Derek DeMeo, a marketing genius who learned from the absolute best in the business, Gary Vaynerchuck. After working for several digital marketing companies, he started his own company in 2016 and sold it about 5 years later for almost nine figures. This was all by the age of forty. There are several lessons and nuggets in this Podcast, including how to most effectively and strategically market your aesthetic practice on the internet. His strategy is absolutely brilliant and I hope you enjoy this podcast.For more information regarding Dr. Williams Mastermind I Program: https://www.dredwinwilliams.com/program-3For more information regarding private Business Coaching from Dr. Williams: https://www.dredwinwilliams.com/program-3To see which of Dr. Williams programs is best for you click here.

One of the most common questions Dr. Williams gets is in regards to adding another doctor to my practice? When do you know if you should, and how do you go about it? Maybe you are looking to add more doctors, or you are looking to grow your one-person practice into an organization or business with one or more physicians.Dr. Williams will discuss why and how to do this in this month's episode. While it is complicated and challenging, it will truly help you get to the next level in your aesthetic practice. This is covered in great detail in Mastermind 2. The link to register is below!Link to Mastermind I: https://www.dredwinwilliams.com/program-3Link to Mastermind II: https://www.dredwinwilliams.com/program-4

I had the honor of having my dear friend Brian Hayes, founder and president of Orion Strategic Consulting, on The White Coat Entrepreneur podcast. If you haven’t listened to Part 1: The Aesthetic Edge - How to Scale Up Your Practice from a Seasoned Professional. I highly recommend starting there.In this episode, we dive deeper into the topics of leadership and culture, exploring what it truly means to lead in the world of medicine. Leadership isn’t just about having a title; it’s about mindset, structure, and the responsibility that comes with guiding others.“It’s not easy to make the shift from management to leadership,” Brian shared. “But the difference is everything. As a leader, you put the team first.”Leadership challenges aren’t solved overnight. They begin with a mindset. Ask yourself:What kind of leader do I want to be?What impact do I want to have?What kind of culture do I want to create?Think about the best leader you've had… and the worst.That contrast often reveals the blueprint for the kind of leader we want to become.This episode is filled with takeaways for physicians and business owners who want to lead with purpose, consistency, and heart. From hiring for culture to checking in with your team regularly, it's the small, intentional steps that create a supportive environment.As Brian said, “It’s worth it putting the work in for great leaders. Good leaders will attract leaders.” Whether you're leading a team, running a practice, or just beginning your journey, this conversation will inspire you to lead with clarity and purpose. To learn more or get in touch with Brian Hayes, click the link below. https://www.thehunterorion.com/about-us

I had the pleasure of interviewing Christin Trujillo, entrepreneur, finance expert, and author of Med Spa Profitability, a book I’ve personally read and highly recommend. Christin’s story is both inspiring and instructive. After years in the finance world, she launched her own business called Maven Financial Partners. She shares her journey from corporate finance to becoming a CFO for hire. Today, she works with medical spas and entrepreneurs across the country. Her mission is to help business owners get their operations in order, to scale smartly, and prepare for a future exit or sale.As she mentioned, "any business worth having is worth planning your succession—otherwise, it’s a lifestyle.” That insight alone is worth sitting with, especially for those who are so focused on growth that they haven’t considered what comes next.What I appreciated most in our conversation was her honesty. She doesn’t just offer highlights, she shares the real challenges, obstacles, and growing pains that come with scaling a business in medical aesthetics. Her advice is grounded in experience and her passion for helping others succeed. Whether you are just starting, in the middle of growing your practice, or thinking ahead to the future of your business, Christin brings clarity to the process and helps make financial strategy feel less overwhelming and more empowering.To learn more or get in touch with Christin Trujillo, explore the links below:Blog Post: https://www.dredwinwilliams.com/post/behind-the-numbers-how-to-grow-and-scale-your-medical-spa-from-a-cfo-s-perspectiveAbout Christin: https://www.mavenfp.com/team/christin-trujilloTo purchase her book: https://www.amazon.com/Med-Spa-Profitability-Profitable-Doing/dp/B0DVCC9T9GContact Maven Financial Partners: https://www.mavenfp.com/contact-us

In this episode, I had a conversation with Dr. James Marotta, who is a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in Long Island, NY.  He shares his journey from being a newly trained surgeon to starting his practice.“It takes discipline and hard work, but I knew I wanted to go for it.”With training from Columbia, SUNY Stony Brook, and Yale, Dr. Marotta brings many great points on entrepreneurship, resilience, and leadership. Mistakes made, lessons learned, and the importance of hiring the right people"Five Stage Hiring Process" - how culture alignment is critical to scaling your practice Insights on the med spa industry and skin rejuvenation markets The mindset shit from “perfection” to “progress” in the early stages of opening your practice Whether you're just starting to build your practice or looking to scale it, this episode is filled with insights on leadership, growth, and building from scratch.Tune in now to discover what it takes. For more information on Dr. Marotta, click here:https://marottamd.com/about-us/dr-james-marotta/

In this episode of The White Coat Entrepreneur, I had the honor and privilege of having a conversation with Daniel Davis, who is a managing partner at Thurston Group. He is a Marine Corps Veteran, and seasoned private equity professional with over 12 years of experience focused on growth equity investments in the healthcare sector. From his early days as an infantry officer serving three combat tours to leading investments in companies, such as Smile Doctors, U.S. Endo Partners, and more. Mr. Davis brings a strategic perspective to partnerships and private equity. Here are some key points discussed: Understanding what private equity is within the industry The Thurston “playbook” focuses on financials, operations, data-driven decisions, and analyticsEmerging trends in the $19 billion med spa sector that continues to grow at a 15% annual growth rate per yearImportance of using EBITDA to measure growth for partners and when it’s time to go to marketClinical excellence must remain at the forefront of healthcareThe importance of adding value and having a clear “theme.” In our case, this is Alpha and the med spa industry Why picking the right partner is the most critical decision “At the end of the day, it’s all about the partnership because that will continue to feed upon itself to get to where it should be. At Thurston Group, our strategy is to partner with the best.”Tune in to this episode and discover how the right PE partner can help you scale with purpose, integrity, and impact.More information on Daniel Davis: https://www.thurstongroup.com/bio/daniel-f.-davis

“Where deals fall through, is when there is a failure to integrate.”In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Stuart Smith, who has over 25 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, and mergers & acquisitions. Stuart brings strategic insights to the conversation for anyone considering private equity. Not only does he have a passion for helping business owners, but also being there as support to navigate complex transitions. Our conversation evolved on the growing role of private equity in the aesthetic space, and Stuart shares his framework: “Three Basic Food Groups” that every business owner should consider and be able to answer these questions below.  Is the business ready for a transition?  Do you have the right advisors?  Can you handle the deal? Whether you’re thinking about scaling, selling, or partnering, this episode is a must-listen. Personally, I found Stuart as well as other colleagues to be extremely helpful during my own transition. I look forward to sharing this episode with you. For more information or to learn more, Stuart is available and can be reached via email. sasmith.rd@gmail.com 

"There are things you do in the beginning—short-term losses for long-term gain."In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Lindsey Pennington, who shares her inspiring journey of founding her practice in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 2017. As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Pennington took the bold leap into entrepreneurship, building her business from the ground up.Dr. Pennington wanted control over her patient experience, even making house calls early on to provide personalized care. She discusses the grit it takes to start a practice, including hiring mistakes and firing employees who didn’t align with her vision. “The credentials after their name don’t mean as much as the person.”In addition to growing her clinic, Dr. Pennington leveraged social media to expand her reach, posting skincare routine videos with SkinCeuticals products on TikTok during the pandemic to boost her presence and engagement.Starting a practice takes grit, there are no shortcuts. You have to put your boots on the ground and go for it. As someone who has done this, I can attest.Tune in for a great episode full of valuable learning opportunities! To learn more on Dr. Lindsay Pennington: https://penningtonfacialplastics.com/

In this episode, I interviewed one of my equity partners with Alpha, Michelle Doran, a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, co-founder of RN Esthetics, and National Trainer for Allergan Medical Aesthetics. From her early days as a surgical nurse to becoming a leader in the aesthetics industry, Michelle shares how she took a leap of faith, hustled her way to success, and built a thriving practice with three locations.Michelle opens up about the learning curves she faced, the support that helped her along the way, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned about balancing patient care with running a business. Discover her unique approach to building patient loyalty without relying on discounts, fostering a strong team culture, and navigating the challenges of business ownership as a provider.This episode is filled with actionable insights and inspiration. It's a must-listen for aesthetic providers and entrepreneurs looking to grow their practice and impact. As Michelle says, “You can’t grow a business if you’re not actually in the business.”Tune in and get ready to be inspired - click the subscribe button and join the community of listeners!

In this inspiring episode of The White Coat Entrepreneur, I chat with Dr. Dana Fender, the co-founder of Smile Doctors. From humble beginnings to a staggering $2.4 billion valuation across more than 450 locations, Dr. Fender's journey showcases the power of ambition and strategic partnerships.He reflects on the importance of gratitude and humility, sharing lessons learned during his rapid growth alongside Thurston Group. Dr. Fender emphasizes pushing beyond limits, stating, “Anything that pushes you further than you thought you could go—at whatever level that is”—is essential for success. Smile Doctors had a mission and a vision and that has always been “loving other people first and straightening teeth second."You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation and discover how challenges can lead to transformative outcomes. I feel grateful to call Dr. Fender a friend of mine. Don’t miss out! For more information on Dr. Dana Fender: https://smiledoctors.com/about/

"You can't expect success to happen, you have to be persistent, and want it."In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Kian Karimi, MD, FACS, a renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and co-founder of the Los Angeles Multi-Specialty Cosmetic Academy. Dr. Karimi shares the motivational story of how he built his career from the ground up, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.The power of building genuine relationships is important. Dr. Karimi volunteered at a local hospital, which eventually sent him his very first facelift patient. His story is a testament to the importance of going the extra mile—small efforts can lead to big opportunities. Three key takeaways: Don't believe everyone, have a game plan, and go for it. Whether you're in the medical field or looking for inspiration, this episode provides insightful information on grit, and the road to building your empire. For more information on Dr. Kian Karimi, click the link below. https://www.drkian.com/profile

“I was one of the first non-doctor providers to step out and open my medical spa in Leesburg, Virginia. Some people doubted me, but I knew I could do it!” In this episode, I interviewed one of my equity partners with Alpha, Sarah Safa MS, PA-C, a Certified Physician Assistant, Aesthetic Specialist, Founder of RefinedAesthetics, LLC, located in Leesburg, Virginia, and co-owner of Radiance Salon and Medical Spa in Lansdowne, Virginia. She shared her expertise in the field and the inspiring story behind her rise to success, driven by her motivation and determination to make a positive impact in the industry. As an entrepreneur, it's normal to navigate through challenges. For someone who started their practice with minimal social media use, she knew her brand could only be built through word of mouth - “I learned by treating each patient at my office special, and intimately, they would refer their friends, but I had to make every single patient encounter count.” As business owners, we both believe it’s important to not only treat your patients in this matter but also make them feel like they are in a safe space. More recently, pop-up med spas have started to rise and we need to keep the bar high and continue to follow industry standards. Don't miss out on my upcoming episodes – click the subscribe button and join the community of listeners!

Explore the day-to-day operations with our guest, Dr. Carin Litani, who is a board-certified seasoned dermatologist and fellowship-trained MOHS surgeon in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Her focus is on skin cancer prevention and advocacy for proactive, healthy aging, which has garnered attention from patients, journalists, and Instagram followers.In this episode, she shares her experience with managing expectations, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and transparency within her practice. Reflecting over her 15 years, she offers her wisdom on building and leading a successful medical practice. "Being a good doctor goes a long way, especially when it comes to your patients." Furthermore, we discuss the rise of med spas and the pitfalls of pursuing quick-fix solutions. For example, attending a weekend course and saying you're highly trained. Both of us agree, that there needs to be continuous learning and dedication to excellence, especially when it comes to your face. Join us as we uncover the realities of dermatology and facial plastic surgery commitments. To learn more information on Dr. Carin Litani: https://dermatologypartnersinc.com/physicians/carin-litani-md/To learn more information on Dr. Edwin Williams: https://www.williamsfacialsurgery.com/our_team/dr-edwin-williams/

“I know if I focus on our team and our people, they are going to treat our patients and clients the right way, which in turn makes our shareholders happy.” In this episode, I interview my business partner John Wheeler, who currently leads as the CEO of Alpha Aesthetics Partners. He is an esteemed professional whose career spans multiple areas, showcasing his commitment to culture building and scaling up in various industries - transitioning from the pastoral realm of seven years to the entertainment industry of five years, and then moving into the aesthetics space, he’s built incredible success in creating a nationwide team for Alpha with top level professionals. We discuss the significance of entrepreneurship and team building. Both John and I  agree that fostering a strong team begins with establishing the right culture. By offering comprehensive training, team members feel valued. Partnering with Alpha was the best decision for a multitude of reasons, and I'm excited to collaborate on building our team. As John emphasizes, “It’s important to have a strong training arm, if we are going to level up in the industry and with private equity support, it is possible.” While some physicians may be hesitant about partnerships, it's essential to conduct thorough research as it's not a decision to be made lightly. For more information, listen to our episode. 

In this podcast episode, I emphasize the importance of investing time in managing the business side of medicine, not just the day-to-day operations. Statistically, "90% of businesses fail within the first five years, while only 4% make it to a revenue of 10 million dollars."Drawing on my 30 years as a surgeon and entrepreneur, I share valuable insights into the common pitfalls people encounter when trying to scale up their aesthetic practices. More often than not, people try to scale up on a poor foundation. Scaling up is never easy, but committing to the necessary time and taking calculated risks can lead to success. Tune in to this episode as I go over my journey including systems, policies, and procedures that have helped my practice grow.Additionally, if you're intrigued by this episode, I have an upcoming mastermind program starting in April. Check out the link below for more detailshttps://www.dredwinwilliams.com/program-3

In this episode, I interview Matt Phelps, the visionary behind the successful strength-training gym Metabolic. Matt's entrepreneurial journey began while training student-athletes at Lasalle, where he transformed a simple idea into a comprehensive business plan. His vision was clear – to offer unparalleled strength training workouts for members and to build a community-like family. Today, Metabolic has fourteen locations across the Capital Region, including Syracuse and Rochester.Entrepreneurship demands optimism, regardless of the industry. Reflecting on my own experience building a facility three decades ago, I recall the daunting nature of the process. Looking back, I realize that without taking risks, it's impossible to determine if an endeavor will succeed. In our conversation, Matt emphasizes the importance of refining his business model through various tries until he finds the most effective approach.Running a business involves facing uncertainties, and I always say, "You can only grow a business as fast as you can attract, train, and hire." In this episode, we dive into the challenges of scaling a business and the perseverance required to overcome obstacles.Furthermore, we explore the symbiotic relationship between plastic surgery and fitness, highlighting the importance of healthy eating. The fusion of these elements contributes not only to physical well-being but also to the overall confidence and vitality of individuals.Join us on the episode to hear all the great things from dreaming big to turning those dreams into reality.

Embarking on the journey of establishing a practice from scratch can be an incredibly daunting task. I vividly recall dedicating two years to countless phone calls, meticulously planning for this exhilarating yet intimidating phase of my life. I did not come from family money, and I found myself in a town where I had no connections. Little did I know, I was met with fierce competition, determined to hinder my entry into the operating room and drive me out of town.In this podcast episode, I not only recount the challenges I faced in initiating my practice but also outline a time-tested approach that has proven successful for individuals venturing into the realm of small business. Presently, my practice thrives within a vast 22,500-square-foot facility, boasting a team of multiple doctors, nurses, and providers on-site. Our financial achievements have earned us a position in the top 1% of aesthetic practices nationwide.I hope that you find value in this podcast and the shared insights as you navigate the path to launching your practice or work towards enhancing your reputation within an existing one.

I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Grace Lee Peng, a notable figure in the field of facial plastics from Beverly Hills. With an impressive eight-year career, she has achieved tremendous success, so much so that her journey has taken an exciting turn. Six months ago, she decided to open her private practice.For some, the transition to private practice can be challenging, but Dr. Peng saw it as the perfect moment to pursue her dream of owning her practice. She shares her experiences and valuable lessons she has learned thus far. Her enthusiasm for future growth and success certainly shines through in this episode. In addition, we dive into the intriguing topic of private equity in facial plastic surgery. As the private equity industry continues to expand it's important to understand the workings of this business model.Tune in to this episode for a deeper understanding of these exciting topics.

Are you in aesthetic medicine, striving to build a thriving practice, or facing challenges in scaling up your team effectively? If you're seeking valuable guidance, look no further. In this episode, I dive into an insightful conversation with Brian Hayes, a seasoned expert with over 25 years of experience in the aesthetic medical industry. As a former corporate leader who transitioned to become the founder of Orion Strategic Consulting, Brian has dedicated his career to providing leadership coaching and strategic business consulting to aesthetic surgeons and physicians. Brian highlights stories from the past where he has witnessed leadership, poor strategies, and limited awareness of servant leadership principles affect teams in the aesthetic medicine space. I have had the privilege of collaborating with Brian to enhance my practice, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable. His expertise and guidance have propelled my practice to new heights.If you would like to contact him, see below for his contact information. https://www.thehunterorion.com/

In this episode, I discuss my personal experience and reflections drawn from my time dating private equity. As an entrepreneur and passionate facial plastic surgeon, my journey of exploring the business side of aesthetic medicine led me to discover the world of private equity. Over the past four years, I have learned immensely about this side of the business. I have always enjoyed scaling up my skills and knowledge to reach new horizons. If you're intrigued by the interplay between private equity and aesthetic medicine, this episode serves as a valuable resource to gain a deeper understanding of the field.