The podcast empowers veterinary practice owners and professionals by providing insights and strategies for accelerating their practices. Drawing on the tools and expertise of big companies, the show aims to cultivate efficient, high-performing veterinary businesses and teams.
…
continue reading
Hosted by Dr. Ivan Zak and Ryan Leech, Consolidate That! focuses on critical corporate topics in the veterinary business. The episodes center on improving clinical care, customer and employee experience, combining proven processes with modern technology, and ways to expand shareholder value using clear performance metrics. Find beneficial knowledge that you can apply in the rapidly growing veterinary consolidation market.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Strategic Marketing for New Veterinary Clinics
28:18
28:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:18
What's on the Bark Side this week? In this episode, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli explore effective marketing strategies for launching a veterinary clinic. They highlight the importance of early marketing efforts, including building relationships with referring veterinarians, utilizing signage and banners, and creating awareness through social …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Managing Expectations When Launching a Vet Hospital
22:31
22:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:31
What's on the Bark Side this week? In this episode, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli discuss the challenges of launching a new veterinary hospital, focusing on the financial and operational difficulties faced during the initial months. They highlight the common struggles such as initial slow client traffic, unexpected costs like delays in construc…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Preparing Veterinary Team for Successful Hospital Openings
24:33
24:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:33
What's on the Bark Side this week? In this episode, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli discuss the importance of preparing a veterinary team for a new hospital opening. They emphasize the importance of building a strong team culture, trust, and discipline through structured meetings and transparent communication. Dr. Poli and Dr. Zak share personal …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Construction and Project Planning for a Veterinary Practice: Practical Tips
22:39
22:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:39
What's on the Bark Side this week? In this episode, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli discuss the challenges of constructing and managing a veterinary clinic. They chat about contractor management, setting project deadlines, financial planning, employee engagement, and provide practical tips to help you build a successful and efficient veterinary c…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Building Your Veterinary Practice: Essential Construction Tips
22:33
22:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:33
What's on the Bark Side this week? This week, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli discuss key considerations for veterinary business owners when planning to construct or renovate their facilities. They reveal the challenges of choosing an optimal location for the clinic, selecting experienced contractors, determining the number of rooms, designing th…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
From Idea to Reality: Essential Steps to Launching a Veterinary Practice
21:22
21:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:22
What's on the Bark Side this week? In this episode of the Bark Side, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli focus on the key aspects of establishing a veterinary practice. They discuss the process of developing a solid business plan with financial projections, choosing the right location, and deciding whether to buy, build, or lease. Helpful links: • Ou…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Exploring Veterinary Business Models & Market Opportunities
20:52
20:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:52
What's on the Bark Side this week? This week, Dr. Ivan Zak and Gerardo Poli discuss the trends and impact of consolidation in the veterinary industry and various business models, from solo practices to multi-practice setups, urgent care, and mobile clinics. They reveal the challenges large consolidators face and the opportunities emerging for priva…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Navigating the Emotional Journey of Entrepreneurship in Veterinary Business
25:00
25:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:00
What's on the Bark Side this week? In this episode of The Bark Side, Dr. Gerardo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak continue discussing entrepreneurship in the veterinary industry, focusing on two key aspects: entrepreneurial traits and emotional intelligence. Their discussion begins with exploring entrepreneurial traits such as risk tolerance and the ability t…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Foundation of Entrepreneurship: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose
19:40
19:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:40
What's on the Bark Side this week? Dr. Gerardo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak talk about entrepreneurship in veterinary practice in this episode. They share insights on building and managing a clinic, covering key topics like identifying a unique business opportunity, developing a business plan (using the Business Model Canvas), obtaining funding through ba…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Introducing New Podcast Format: Veterinary Entrepreneurship Series
12:26
12:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:26
What's on the Bark Side this week? This week, Dr. Gerardo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak announce a pivot in the podcast format from standalone episodes to more structured seasons focusing on specific topics. They outline the themes for upcoming seasons, which will include the digital transformation of veterinary clinics, business acumen, team building, and…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Technology in Veterinary Practice: A Customer-Centric Approach
24:39
24:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:39
What's on the Bark Side this week? Dr. Gerardo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak discuss the integration of technology into veterinary clinics to enhance the customer experience and streamline processes. The conversation covers various aspects of technology implementation, including VoIP telephony for efficient client communication, software for appointment bo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Leveraging AI for Optimizing Hospital Operations
22:11
22:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:11
What's on the Bark Side this week? Dr. Gerardo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak continue delving into the utilization of Artificial Intelligence in veterinary practice management. They explore how AI can be used to improve reception team communication skills, analyze client phone calls, enhance client communication, and optimize record-keeping for profitabili…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How AI Can Streamline HR Processes in Veterinary Practices
25:07
25:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:07
What's on the Bark Side this week? Dr. Gerardo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak discuss the potential of AI in optimizing HR processes within veterinary businesses, making them more efficient, data-driven, and employee-centered. They cover various aspects of HR management, including job advertising, candidate assessment, interview questions, onboarding proced…
…
continue reading
What's on the Bark Side this week? Dr. Gerrdo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak discuss the potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the veterinary field. They discussed various categories where AI can be leveraged, focusing on how it can support business owners and streamline day-to-day operations. Dr. Poli explains how AI can benefit various…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Increasing Clinic Profitability through Inventory Management
20:03
20:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:03
What's on the Bark Side this week? This episode focuses on the crucial topic of inventory management in veterinary clinics, emphasizing its impact on clinic profitability. Dr. Zak and Dr. Poli stress the significance of avoiding overstocking and provide insights into streamlining stocktaking processes by using technology. Helpful links: Inventory A…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Measuring Progress: Key Metrics for Your Veterinary Business
23:08
23:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:08
What's on the Bark Side this week? Dr. Poli and Dr. Zak talk about the balanced scorecard approach for measuring veterinary business success and growth. They introduce this concept, which focuses on five key areas for holistic business growth: team development, innovation, business operations, patient care, and client experience. The conversation a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Financial Management for Veterinary Practice Owners
20:43
20:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:43
What's on the Bark Side this week? In this episode, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli address the importance of financial management in veterinary clinics. The conversation covers topics such as the financial literacy of veterinary business owners, the need for the entire team to understand the financial aspects, and the role of open book managemen…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Marketing Strategies for Veterinary Practices
26:54
26:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:54
What's on the Bark Side this week? Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli discuss marketing in veterinary practices, emphasizing the need for strategic planning, understanding the target audience, and aligning marketing efforts with business goals. They share their approach to online reviews, delving into insightful stories and lessons on encouraging cl…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Essential Client Relationship Skills for Veterinarians
19:29
19:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:29
What's on the Bark Side this week? In this episode, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli discuss essential business skills for veterinarians, focusing on client relationships. The conversation delves into the importance of client retention and the challenges of maintaining loyalty in veterinary practices. They share strategies for effective communicat…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Building a Strong Team: From Hiring to Retaining Top Talent
23:05
23:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:05
What's on the Bark Side this week? This week Dr. Poli and Dr. Zak discuss the crucial role of leadership, culture, and values in building a strong team in the veterinary business. They delve into the various stages of team building, from hiring to onboarding, and highlight the leader's pivotal role in shaping the team culture. Helpful links: Our Li…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Building a Strong Foundation for Practice Ownership: Essential Business Skills Explored
21:19
21:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:19
What's on the Bark Side this week? Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli uncover the key pillars of running a successful veterinary business, emphasizing the importance of business skills alongside veterinary expertise. They emphasize the need for veterinarians to develop strong business skills to effectively manage and grow their practices, covering c…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Setting Your Veterinary Business Up for Success: The 3P and 3S Blueprint
23:52
23:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:52
What's on the Bark Side this week? In the second episode of The Bark Side, Dr. Gerardo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak discuss a structured approach to building and scaling veterinary businesses using a framework called "Three P and Three S". They explain how veterinary clinics can grow by adopting 3P and 3S elements, drawing from real-life experiences. Help…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Stepping into Practice Ownership: Transition insights
19:46
19:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:46
What's on the Bark Side this week? Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli discuss the challenges faced by veterinarians who aspire to transition from working for someone to becoming business owners. They touch upon various topics related to this transition, including financial security, autonomy, mastery, leadership, and the importance of establishing c…
…
continue reading
In the teaser of The Bark Side podcast, hosts Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli introduce themselves and their mission to help veterinary professionals and practice owners succeed by sharing the expertise, strategies, and tools from big corporations.By Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli
…
continue reading
For this finale episode of Consolidate That, Ivan and Ryan take a moment to look back on their nearly three-year podcast journey discussing the veterinary industry and consolidation. They also introduce two new podcasts: "The Bird Bath," covering veterinary industry news, and "The Bark Side," exploring how independent practices can apply corporate …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Navigating Veterinary Clinic Mergers and Acquisitions
28:05
28:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:05
In this episode, Bill Snow, an experienced M&A professional with over 30 years of experience in investment banking and M&A, discusses various aspects of mergers and acquisitions with Ryan Leech and Dr. Ivan Zak, particularly in the context of veterinary practices. They cover a range of topics, including the difficulties of sourcing deals, conductin…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Pet Resort Success: Enhancing Client Loyalty and Revenue for Veterinary Clinics
22:13
22:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:13
In this episode of Consolidate That! Ryan and Ivan are joined by Sarah Hale, Pet Resort Manager at Danville Family Vet, to talk about the successful model of integrating grooming, daycare, and boarding services with veterinary care, creating a 'one-stop shop' for pet owners while boosting revenue and client loyalty. Donate: Official account of the …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Real Estate Challenges in Veterinary Practice Negotiations
22:40
22:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:40
In this episode, Ryan and Ivan invite Colin Carr, Founder and CEO of CARR, to discuss the role of real estate in veterinary practice negotiations and the challenges consolidators face when acquiring multiple clinics. The conversation delves into various aspects of real estate, including negotiations during acquisitions, dealing with existing leases…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Unlocking the Benefits: The Power of Employee Assistance Programs
21:18
21:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:18
In this episode, Kathy Joling, Sr. Manager of Benefits Strategy at Galaxy Vets, joins Ivan and Ryan to discuss the significance of educating employees about their benefits package. They chat about the importance of employees having a complete understanding of accessible benefits, the value of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and how EAPs contri…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Great Game of Business and Employee Ownership
21:41
21:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:41
Bo Burlingham, an author who has written about entrepreneurship and small businesses for many years, joins Ryan Leech and Dr. Ivan Zak to discuss the concept of The Great Game of Business, the employee ownership business model, open book management, and the importance of building great businesses through relationships and shared outcomes. Donate: O…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Evolution of Veterinary Practice Consolidation
24:28
24:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:28
Ryan Leech and Dr. Ivan Zak welcome Dr. Richard Gebhart, a veterinarian and entrepreneur, to discuss the dynamics of veterinary practice consolidation and highlight opportunities for independent practices. Dr. Gebhart shares his journey as a veterinarian-turned-entrepreneur and his experience in selling his practice to VCA in 1986, emphasizing the …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Veterinary Burnout Study: Financial Security and Burnout
23:17
23:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:17
This week, Ryan Leech and Dr. Ivan Zak discuss the findings of the third annual burnout study in veterinary medicine. They delve into the divergent correlation between financial security and burnout, consider different compensation models, and explore alternative profit-sharing approaches that could benefit the entire veterinary hospital staff. The…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Astonishing Power in Front-line Ideas
35:46
35:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:46
Today's guest, Dr. Alan G. Robinson, shares insights on improving organizational performance through frontline employee ideas, emphasizing the need for thousands of small ideas over one big idea. He highlights the importance of a management approach that fosters creativity, psychological safety, and modern solutions. Additionally, we talk about the…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Preventing and Overcoming Compassion Fatigue
23:45
23:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:45
In this episode, Dr. Katie Rohrig from Danville Family Vet shares her experience working in the veterinary medicine industry and her approach to managing burnout. The discussion highlights the six triggers of burnout and how they apply to the veterinary domain. Dr. Rohrig also talks about challenges the industry faces, including client management a…
…
continue reading
Today we chat with Sarah Dalton, a Client Care Coordinator at Danville Family Vet, about her recent essay on compassion fatigue in the veterinary industry. She’ll cover what it is, why it’s a problem and the importance of this topic in the field. During the conversation, we share the ways to prevent and manage it, including implementing techniques …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Inside Galaxy Vets: Straight from an Owner
22:02
22:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:02
In this episode, Dr. Jeff Smith of Danville Family Vet discusses his experience as a veterinarian in a small town, his challenges, and how he overcame them. He talks about his decision to join Galaxy Vets, explains the advantages of the equity ownership model, and how it can help smaller practices cope with the rapid changes in the field. Donate: O…
…
continue reading
Ryan Leech and Dr. Ivan Zak discuss a recent two-part episode of Freakonomics about the impact of private equity ownership on the veterinary market and consolidation. They explore the different perspectives presented in the episode, including those of executives, economists, and veterinarians. Our hosts also touch on the importance of trust and ali…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Observations on the Latest Trends in Veterinary Industry
21:28
21:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:28
In this episode of Consolidate That, Ryan Leech discusses with Dr. Ivan Zak his observations and takeaways from attending the Victus Group’s WVC Annual Conference in Las Vegas, one of the largest conferences in the veterinary industry. Ryan covers various topics related to the latest trends and changes in veterinary medicine, including the impact o…
…
continue reading
Ryan Leech and Dr. Ivan Zak continue to explore employee ownership. Shannon Gervais, Head of People Operations at Galaxy Vets, joins them this week to discuss this new concept in the veterinary industry, uncover the components of cultural integration stages at Galaxy Vets, and explain the importance of understanding business fundamentals on all lev…
…
continue reading
This week Steve Kemph, Vice President of Field Operations at Galaxy Vets, talks about employee ownership, what components drive the culture, and how creating a bottom-up approach can drive sustainable results. Donate: Official account of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: https://bit.ly/3NvODNm Topics discussed: Instilling business acumen Managing and me…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
2022 Summary: Veterinary Industry Dynamics
28:26
28:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:26
We begin our third season of Consolidate That! by discussing the changes that have taken place in the veterinary business over the past year. In this episode, Fritz Buerger, Managing Director of William Blair, will share his observations on what has changed in veterinary practice acquisition, how macro factors affect the world of investment compare…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
New Market Realities: Pre-Acquisition Considerations from the Consolidator’s View
23:35
23:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:35
The second season of Consolidate That! ends with a discussion of the criteria and factors that a consolidation group pays attention to when communicating with a potential partner practice. Using Galaxy Vets as an example, Ryan Leech and Dr. Ivan Zak discuss in detail such aspects as core values alignment, hospital reputation, location, and financia…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
New Market Realities: How to Prepare Your Practice for a Sale
24:13
24:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:13
Figuring out how to sell your veterinary practice is a process filled with important decisions and questions to ask. Even in the current consolidation market, where there are no multiples of 18x or 20x, selling your clinic can be extremely rewarding if you take the right approach. This week, Ryan Leech and Dr. Ivan Zak discuss what to consider befo…
…
continue reading
Like many professionals, veterinarians go through various stages of life and may be motivated by different things at different times. In this episode, Galaxy Vets’ Head of Community Engagement Dr. Tara McCarthy joins Ryan and Ivan to discuss the need to create flexibility in veterinary medicine and how Galaxy Vets provides a choice to veterinary pr…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Consolidate That!, we talk to Andrew Schultz, Business Development & Clinical Services for Midmark Animal Health and Project Director for Midmark Academy. Andrew chats about implementing anesthesia checklists, simulation-based training, and how a desire to bring the benefits of immersive simulation training evolved into veterinar…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Implementing Changes in Veterinary Hospitals
23:00
23:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:00
This week, Steve Kemph, Vice President of Field Operations at Galaxy Vets, joins Ryan Leech and Dr. Ivan Zak to talk about the nuances of regional management and how to impact change at the hospital. Donate: Official account of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: https://bit.ly/3NvODNm Topics discussed: Steve's career story in the veterinary industry Сrit…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Process of Postmerger Integration with Galaxy Vets
22:16
22:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:16
Shannon Gervais, Director of Veterinary Hospital Integrations at Galaxy Vets, is welcomed by Ryan Leech and Dr. Ivan zak to discuss post-acquisition clinic integration, how the WSJF prioritization framework helps in the stabilization phases, and the importance of managing the change accurately. Donate: Official account of the Armed Forces of Ukrain…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Value Creation at a Solar System (Part 2)
27:41
27:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:41
Today on Consolidate That! Dr. Ivan Zak and Ryan Leech continue discussing the value creation plan by looking at a regional level within the organization. We take a deeper dive into Galaxy Vets’ regional structure and chat about the value creation items such as capacity management, diversity of tasks for veterinary professionals, centralized schedu…
…
continue reading
Kristine Stump, the VP of Mergers & Acquisitions at Galaxy Vets, joins us this week to discuss planning and executing successful mergers and acquisitions. During the conversation, Kristine shared her knowledge of how sellers can better prepare for the sale of their company, what a buyer is looking for, and what success looks like in M&A. Donate: Of…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Value Creation at a Galaxy Planet (Part 1)
27:52
27:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:52
In this episode, Ryan and Ivan dig into the initial steps new Galaxy Vets clinics undergo post acquisition and the importance of trust throughout. Learn what to look for in your own value creation plans. Donate: Official account of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: https://bit.ly/3NvODNm Topics discussed: What are the classic changes after the acquisiti…
…
continue reading