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In this episode of The White Coat Entrepreneur, I had a great conversation with Dr. Mark Young, an endodontist, entrepreneur, and Operating Partner with Thurston Group. Dr. Young shares his journey as a healthcare professional, his early entrepreneurial experiences, his work on a syndicate, and his eventual transition into private equity at a young age. We have a candid conversation about building and scaling healthcare practices, acquisitions, partnerships, and the role of private equity in healthcare. I ask Dr. Young some fascinating and probing questions about the concerns surrounding private equity, what makes a successful partnership, and how the right model can create value for clinicians, teams, and patients. We also look toward the future, including Dr. Young's predictions for the private equity landscape, the continued growth and consolidation of healthcare and aesthetics, and what it takes to build organizations that create lasting value.

As a surgeon and business owner, I've learned that growing a successful business isn't just about working harder; it's about leading better. Early in my career, I thought meetings were a waste of time. But as our organization grew, I realized that effective leadership requires consistent communication, accountability, and alignment. That's when I developed a structured monthly leadership meeting that has become one of the most valuable tools for scaling our businesses. Each meeting follows a simple agenda: share important updates, review key performance indicators (KPIs), discuss coaching and team development, revisit ongoing projects, and assign clear action items for new initiatives. By ending every meeting with defined responsibilities and timelines, our team leaves knowing exactly what needs to happen next. In my years of experience, I've found that successful businesses aren't built on great ideas alone; they're built by strong leaders who create a culture of communication, accountability, and continuous improvement. When your leadership team is aligned and focused on the same goals, your entire organization moves forward together. If you're looking to grow your business, don't underestimate the power of a well-run meeting. It may be one of the most impactful leadership tools you have.

In this episode of The White Coat Entrepreneur, I have my former fellow, Dr. Matthew Urban, for a candid conversation about training, mentorship, and what it really takes to launch a private facial plastic surgery practice straight out of fellowship. Dr. Urban shares how his interest in facial plastic surgery developed during residency through rhinoplasty and facial aesthetic cases. While he initially considered an academic career, his path shifted as he explored the business side of medicine and pursued training in healthcare administration and finance. During the fellowship, he began planning for private practice—building a pro forma, studying market demand, and evaluating feasibility in his target geography. That preparation ultimately helped him secure financing despite early rejections and uncertainty. A central theme of the conversation is risk, independence, and leadership. As I often share with fellows and young surgeons, success in building a practice doesn’t happen by chance; you have to have a roadmap and a path to guide your decisions early on. That principle is reflected throughout Matt’s journey as he made decisions during training and mapped out his goals. We also discuss early practice-building, referral development, physician outreach, call coverage, and earning trust one interaction at a time. Over time, those relationships became the foundation of his growth, along with a key shift in mindset around team-building and viewing staff as an investment rather than an expense. Now, early in his career, Dr. Urban reflects that while the path has been challenging, he would choose it again for the autonomy, control, and fulfillment it provides. For more information on Dr. Urban, click here https://urbanfacialplastics.com/matthew-urban-md/

In this episode of The White Coat Entrepreneur, I share a comprehensive look into private equity, what it is, how it works, and why so many physicians misunderstand both the opportunity and the risk. After years of studying private equity and now being deeply involved on the leadership side, I wanted to break this down in a way that’s honest, practical, and rooted in real-world experience, especially as it relates to aesthetic medicine. Private equity is not new, but its rapid expansion into our space is. And whether you’re considering it or not, it’s something every aesthetic provider needs to understand. What You'll Learn: PE basicsWhy aesthetics is boomingScalable vs. surgical modelsValue creationValuation driversCommon pitfallsLeadership mattersThe power of the right partner “Private equity is not something you dabble in, it’s harder than surgery, and the ones who do it well win big.” Private equity is not going away. It will continue to shape the future of aesthetic medicine, particularly in the non-surgical space where growth, scalability, and patient demand continue to rise. But this isn’t just a financial decision. It’s a decision about your team, your culture, and your legacy. At Alpha Aesthetic Partners, we’ve built our model around exactly that, partnering with best-in-class practices, investing in people, and creating long-term value through collaboration and clinical excellence. If you’re considering private equity, take the time to understand it, and more importantly, take the time to choose the right partner. Because at the end of the day, that’s what determines whether you win big, or come up short.

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-perspective About Christin: https://www.mavenfp.com/team/christin-trujillo To purchase her book: https://www.amazon.com/Med-Spa-Profitability-Profitable-Doing/dp/B0DVCC9T9G Contact 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. [email protected]

"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/