The Freedom Founders Podcast - Investing and Financial Freedom for Dentists

David warns that the next generation of wealth builders can't rely on speculation, paper appreciation, or passive abdication to Wall Street. Whether you're mid-career or nearing transition, this episode will help you reframe how you invest, protect your capital, and build durable freedom in an age of volatility. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #559 – The True Endgame: Legacy, Leadership & Freedom – Bruce Baird Ep #533 – What They're Not Telling You About the Economy: The K Shaped Collapse – Dr. David Phelps, Jeremy Knauff Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

Bruce opens up about his early years of debt, stress, and control—and how everything shifted when he learned to focus on people, not production. Through decades of practice ownership and entrepreneurship, he discovered that freedom isn't about early retirement—it's about creating the time and relationships that matter most. This is an inspiring conversation on abundance, collaboration, and building a practice—and a life—that truly outlives you. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #558 – Holistic Dentistry – Living Well In Every Season of Life – Michelle Jorgensen Ep #412 – The Future of Dental Consolidation – Bruce Baird & David Porritt Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

In this powerful episode, Michelle shares her journey from illness to advocacy, and how it sparked a mission to redefine dentistry around root-cause health, patient empowerment, and intentional living. Her story is a call to every doctor and patient who senses that "standard care" isn't enough—and is ready to step into a future where dentistry is not just about teeth, but total wellness. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #557 – Building a Life by Design: From Dental Burnout to Lifestyle Freedom – Becky Steinbach & Schuyler Van Gorden Ep #411 – From Health to Wealth – How Adversity Becomes a North Star – Michelle Jorgensen Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

What if you could hit pause on your career, sell everything, and rediscover what freedom really means? That's exactly what Drs. Rebecca Steinbach and Schuyler Van Gorden did. After years of burnout, nonstop staff turnover, and feeling trapped by their own success, they sold their practices, packed their bags, and spent a full year traveling through Central and South America—with no plans to return. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #556 – Exposing Dental Embezzlement And Protecting Practice Owners – David Harris Ep #555 – From Burnout to Balance – Building a Freedom-Based Dental Practice – Dr. Paul Etchison Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

In this powerful episode, David Harris, founder and CEO of Prosperident, pulls back the curtain on the hidden epidemic of dental embezzlement. With over three decades of investigative experience, David shares the red flags every dentist must watch for, the systems that prevent theft before it starts, and the hard truths about why our trusting nature makes us vulnerable. Whether you're hiring your first team member or running a multimillion-dollar practice, this conversation is your wake-up call to put protective checks and balances in place—before it's too late. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #555 – From Burnout to Balance – Building a Freedom-Based Dental Practice – Dr. Paul Etchison Ep #512 - Protecting Your Wealth – Fiat Currency, Tangible Assets, and Commodities – Andrew McDannels Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

Most dentists grind themselves into the ground, believing freedom only comes after a big sale. After scaling a $6 million practice, selling to a DSO, and nearly torching his relationships in the process, Dr. Paul Etchison discovered that real freedom isn't about early retirement. Now the bestselling author of Dental Practice Heroes, a coach, and a podcast host, he shows how any dentist—whether solo or scaling—can build a business that thrives without their constant presence. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #554 – From Clinician to Executive: The Playbook for Scaling Dental Practices - Emmet Scott Ep #549 - Lessons on Ownership, Mindset & Money For Practice Owners and New Dental Grads – Mike Abernathy Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

Emmet shares the frameworks that have helped over 460 dental organizations scale, representing $3 billion in revenue and 1,700 locations. From understanding the profitability cycle to avoiding the trap of "red car, blue truck, yellow motorcycle" distraction, he outlines the path from clinician to entrepreneur to executive. This is a roadmap for anyone ready to build a business that funds freedom—without chaining themselves to the chair. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #553 – How to Invest or Participate in Franchise Businesses – Jon Ostenson Ep #526 - Dental Practice Transitions – DSO Trends, Seller Options and Best Practices – Brannon Moncrief Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

Jon reveals why franchising is one of the most overlooked paths to semi-passive income, and why it's about much more than burgers and fries. From home services to senior care to pet wellness, franchising provides vetted, scalable businesses with systems, support, and tax benefits baked in. Whether you're looking to involve your family, diversify your portfolio, or transition into your next chapter, Jon shares exactly what to look for—and what to avoid—when exploring this path. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #552 – The Art of Entrepreneurship – Building Legacy and Focus – Ken Wimberly Ep #540 - Break Free From the Hamster Wheel By Redefining Leadership, Coaching and Legacy – Dr. Jerry Gray Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

In this episode, Ken shares why the most important entrepreneurial decision you'll make is choosing sequential focus over simultaneous distraction. He opens up about shutting down passion projects, the art of building lasting partnerships, and why mission and values—not just profits—create businesses that endure. Whether you're starting your first venture or navigating a major pivot, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you define success and build a legacy that truly matters. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #551 – Flow-Driven Performance: Unlocking Human Potential in Dentistry and Beyond – David Maloley Ep #540 - Break Free From the Hamster Wheel By Redefining Leadership, Coaching and Legacy – Dr. Jerry Gray Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

This isn't another talk on systems or hustle. David unpacks why mastery, autonomy, and purpose—not command-and-control leadership—are the keys to thriving teams. We dive into neuroscience, culture, and leadership to reveal how dentists and entrepreneurs can move beyond grind culture, keep their best people engaged, and build businesses that feel as good as they perform. If you've ever wondered what's next after financial success, this conversation will give you a roadmap. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #550 – Every Dentist Must Master Leadership, Exit Strategies and Burnout – Dr. John Meis Ep #272 - Relentless Leadership - Dr. David Maloley Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

What sets John apart is his ability to cut through complexity. In this conversation, we break down the biggest mistakes sellers make before a transition, why leadership—not clinical skill—is the true multiplier in today's market, and how younger doctors can thrive despite heavy debt and limited reps coming out of school. If you're a dentist who wants clarity about the future, and a blueprint for building freedom on your terms, this episode is a must-listen. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #549 – Lessons on Ownership, Mindset & Money For Practice Owners and New Dental Grads – Mike Abernathy Ep #548 - The Evolving Dental Industry: The Future of Private Practice – Steve Parker Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

You'll hear why profits follow ownership, not employment, how to balance competence with confidence, and why common sense—not the status quo—should drive your business decisions. Whether you're fresh out of school or approaching the finish line, this episode is your blueprint for building a practice and life that serves you, not the other way around. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #548 – The Evolving Dental Industry: The Future of Private Practice – Steve Parker Ep #466 - Pursuing Freedom in a Dynamic & Fast-Changing World (Part 1) – Dr. Mike Abernathy Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

Whether you're a fresh dental grad wondering if ownership is worth it, or a seasoned doc questioning your next move, Steve's insights will help you reframe your mindset around profitability, leadership, and long-term sustainability. This isn't about "grinding harder"—it's about building smarter, staying profitable, and maintaining clarity on what success truly means. Private practice isn't just surviving—it's adapting. And it may be stronger than ever. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #547 – The Lost Art of Restoring Trust, Resolving Conflict, and Emotional Intelligence - Greg Stephens Ep #283 - Coming Back Stronger - Steve Parker Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

If you've ever avoided conflict or struggled to express yourself in high-stakes conversations, this episode is your wake-up call. Greg Stephens, executive coach, author, and founder of Alignment Resources, joins David to discuss why so many leaders unknowingly limit their influence, connection, and freedom—because they've never been taught how to have the right conversations. Greg believes that conflict isn't a threat—it's the doorway to transformation. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #544 – Tony Rubleski - Leadership Reimagined: Why Human Connection Still Wins Ep #540 - Dr. Jerry Gray - Break Free From the Hamster Wheel By Redefining Leadership, Coaching and Legacy Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

Many dentists are great producers—but still struggle to understand why their bank accounts don't reflect that success. This week, David welcomes back Barb Stackhouse, a former dental hygienist turned Profit First coach, who helps practice owners finally bridge the gap between production and real profit. In this episode, Barb reveals how one report, 10 minutes a week, and a mindset shift can give dentists total financial control—without needing to become accountants. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #545 - Mike Michalowicz – Profitable Systems, Money Habits & Entrepreneurial Freedom Ep #352 - Barbara Stackhouse – Eliminate Stress and Increase Time with a Profit First System for Freedom Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

Joining us today is bestselling author, Mike Michalowicz, to tell us about his upcoming, and most personal book yet, The Money Habit. Mike shares how past failures led him to rethink profitability,  and expounds on the "four-week vacation test" from Clockwork, and how most entrepreneurs mistakenly equate growth with success, and how to break through the marketing noise by doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing! If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #535 - Mark Drager – Reinventing Business and Brand Strategy From Collapse to Clarity Ep #519 - JM Ryerson – Leadership that Creates Growth, Profit and Results Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

What does it truly mean to lead in an era of rapid change and uncertainty? Today we're joined by Tony Rubleski, leadership strategist and author of Trailblazers, to explore real leadership and inspiring others to take action, especially when the world is filled with confusion and distractions. Tony shares that successful leaders must be willing to be misunderstood, even by those closest to them, and talks about what it means to be a true entrepreneurial trailblazer. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #540 - Dr. Jerry Gray: – Break Free From the Hamster Wheel By Redefining Leadership, Coaching and Legacy Ep #535 - Mark Drager – Reinventing Business and Brand Strategy From Collapse to Clarity Ep #519 - JM Ryerson – Leadership that Creates Growth, Profit and Results Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

Does your dental practice or business bring you joy? Dr. Robert "Cree" Hamilton is an orthodontist whose journey spans a small-town upbringing, a career in the Air Force, and a dental practice in Las Vegas. His story embodies the principles of intentional design and purpose-driven leadership. Cree shares his insights on bringing an associate into the dental practice, and the need for transparency and alignment of vision— including two powerful daily questions to clear the air and avoid hidden resentment. Give it a listen! If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #539 - Dr. Matt VanderMolen: – Building People First: Creating a High-Performance Dental Practice and Business Ep #538 - Jake Conway – Scaling Smart: Navigating Growth, Profitability, and Dental Exit Strategies Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

After 30 years running a solo dental practice with no breaks, no vacations, and no exit in sight, Dr. John and Joy Russo decided to do things differently. In this episode, they share how they transitioned from burnout and uncertainty to true time and financial freedom—without giving up clinical autonomy. Discover what they did differently that opened the door to passive income, alternative investing, and a lifestyle they once thought was out of reach. Their only regret? Not starting sooner. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #539 - Dr. Matt VanderMolen: – Building People First: Creating a High-Performance Dental Practice and Business Ep #538 - Jake Conway – Scaling Smart: Navigating Growth, Profitability, and Dental Exit Strategies Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.

Joining us today is Dr. Chris Phelps, dentist, entrepreneur, and CEO of the Cialdini Institute. We explore the evolution from clinical practice to scalable, self-managing businesses. Chris shares how his first entrepreneurial breakthrough came from simplifying dense dental school material into condensed study guides—eventually monetizing his problem-solving ability. Listen in to gain powerful takeaways on using behavioral psychology to drive team performance and patient commitment, the transformative power of Kolbe assessments for building high-functioning teams, and how marketing strategy must begin with clarity around the ideal avatar. If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you'll enjoy: Ep #539 - Dr. Matt VanderMolen: – Building People First: Creating a High-Performance Dental Practice and Business Ep #538 - Jake Conway – Scaling Smart: Navigating Growth, Profitability, and Dental Exit Strategies Check out the show notes for more information! P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you're closer than you think): 1. Schedule a Call with My Team: If you'd like to replace your active practice income with passive investment income within 2-3 years, and you have at least 1M in available capital (can include residential/practice equity or practice sale), then schedule a call with my team. If it looks like there is a mutual fit, you'll have the opportunity to attend one of our upcoming member events as a guest. 2. Get Your Dentist Retirement Survival Guide: The winds of economic change are here, and now is the time to move to higher ground. This guide gives you the steps to protect your retirement, your family, and your peace of mind. Get the 25-point checklist here. 3. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard: Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Click here to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.