In this conversation, Dr. Ira Gordon shares his journey from being a veterinary student to becoming an entrepreneur with the creation of Vet Prep. He discusses the challenges and successes of building a business in the veterinary education space, the importance of partnerships, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. Ira also highlights the significance of word-of-mouth marketing and the need for innovation in the animal health industry. In this conversation, Dr. Gordon discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with entrepreneurship in veterinary medicine. He emphasizes the importance of clinic culture and collaboration among veterinary professionals, particularly in the field of oncology. Dr. Gordon shares insights from his experiences in locum work and the transition from private practice, highlighting the influence of his parents and early experiences in shaping his career. He concludes with advice for aspiring veterinarians, encouraging them to embrace their interests and celebrate their milestones.

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of Vet Prep
01:58 Navigating Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship
04:54 From Idea to Product Development
09:40 The Growth of Vet Prep
13:12 Marketing Strategies and Word of Mouth
15:01 Content Development and Sourcing Questions
16:38 Balancing Internships and Entrepreneurship
19:25 Finding Joy in the Journey
26:30 The Value of Partnerships in Business
29:31 Navigating Partnerships: The Marriage Analogy
31:47 The Idea Competition: Fostering Innovation in Veterinary Medicine
34:56 Veterinary Angel Network: Supporting Entrepreneurs in Animal Health
37:58 Starting Hospitals vs. Product-Based Companies: A Comparative Analysis
40:55 Work-Life Balance: Juggling Family and Entrepreneurship
49:05 The Importance of Culture in Veterinary Practices
54:09 The Future of Veterinary Oncology: Innovations and AI
57:49 Nutritional Management in Veterinary Oncology
58:35 The Importance of Collaboration in Veterinary Medicine
01:00:15 Embracing Transparency and Admitting Mistakes
01:02:13 Learning from Clinical Mistakes
01:08:00 Fostering a Culture of Transparency
01:09:31 Exploring Locum Work in Veterinary Oncology
01:15:14 Transitioning from Private Practice to Locum Work
01:20:50 Influences and Inspirations in Veterinary Medicine
01:24:59 Advice for Aspiring Veterinary Professionals

In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, host Brianna Armstrong interviews Dr. Jack Murray, a recent veterinary graduate who has successfully navigated a non-traditional career path. Dr. Murray shares his journey of paying off student loans in just 10 months, launching a luxury dog crate company, and providing in-home euthanasia services. The conversation explores themes of entrepreneurship, emotional resilience in veterinary practice, and the importance of supportive relationships. Dr. Murray emphasizes the need for veterinarians to challenge traditional career paths and pursue what truly brings them joy and fulfillment.

Dr. Jack Murray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-murray-3b2303237/

Murray Kennel Company: https://murraykennelcompany.com/password

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IG: https://www.instagram.com/choosepeoplelovepets?igsh=MTVzZjc4ZHE4MWd2NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/choose-people-love-pets/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jack Murray's Journey
02:51 Pursuing Dreams and Passion Projects
05:29 Navigating Emotional Well-being in Veterinary Medicine
08:33 Exploring Non-Traditional Veterinary Paths
11:39 The Gratitude of In-Home Euthanasia
14:21 Balancing Work and Life as a Relief Veterinarian
17:05 Transitioning from General Practice to Relief Work
19:58 Building Confidence in Veterinary Practice
23:04 Financial Strategies for New Graduates
25:56 The Importance of Mentorship and Support
28:55 Launching the Murray Kettle Company
32:21 From Idea to Prototype
39:06 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship
45:11 Embracing Change and Overcoming Fear
50:05 Financial Freedom and Smart Investments
01:04:13 Redefining Success in Veterinary Medicine

In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, Brianna Armstrong, DVM, and Phoebe Valdez, hospital manager and mom, unpack the tricky—but vital—question: How do you know when a team member’s behavior needs to be addressed?

They explore:

• The difference between a bad day and a behavior pattern

• The importance of early conversations and how to avoid big issues later

• How to spot red flags like impact on clients, team morale, and culture

• What to do when multiple people are reporting a concern

• The value of feedback that leads with care, curiosity, and clarity

You’ll hear practical strategies, personal experiences, and a “leadership insider challenge” at the end to help you take action in your hospital this week.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• One time = mistake. Two times = message. Three times = pattern.

• Check your gut—if it’s keeping you up at night, it’s time to talk.

• Feedback should never be shameful; it should be intentional, compassionate, and values-based.

• Addressing small things early builds trust and prevents burnout.

💡 Leadership Challenge:
What’s something you’ve been tolerating that needs a conversation? Go have it.

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IG: https://www.instagram.com/choosepeoplelovepets?igsh=MTVzZjc4ZHE4MWd2NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/choose-people-love-pets/

Dr. Jill Clark is on a mission — not to maintain the status quo, but to revolutionize veterinary medicine. In this episode, she shares her winding path from the film industry to founding Ignite, why she’s fiercely dedicated to elevating veterinary receptionists, and how she’s learned to lead with honesty, integrity, and courage.

We talk about:

• The “frozen chicken” moment that launched her vet med career

• Why CSRs deserve education, recognition, and investment

• How to fire with compassion — and why it matters

• Creating cultures where people stay, grow, and thrive

• The power of magical moments in client experience

This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone who cares about leadership, culture, and doing vet med better.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections
03:05 Mission and Revolution in Veterinary Medicine
05:59 Elevating Veterinary Receptionists
09:02 The Importance of Education in Veterinary Practices
12:01 Career Path and Transition to Veterinary Medicine
21:05 Lessons from the Film Industry
28:02 Leadership and Accountability in Veterinary Medicine
35:11 The Importance of Honest Conversations
39:25 Building a Strong Team Culture
41:27 Hiring for Cultural Fit
46:11 Interviewing Strategies for Success
49:52 Creating Exceptional Client Experiences
01:04:54 The Journey of Building Ignite
01:15:46 Expanding Horizons: Innovative Learning Solutions
01:21:40 Setting Boundaries: Preventing Burnout in Veterinary Practice
01:26:18 Cultivating Culture: The Importance of Hiring
01:30:15 Navigating Leadership: The Art of Firing
01:36:02 Core Values: Building a Strong Team Culture

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FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480229406&mibextid=LQQJ4d

IG: https://www.instagram.com/choosepeoplelovepets?igsh=MTVzZjc4ZHE4MWd2NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/choose-people-love-pets/

In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, Brianna and Phoebe dive into the complexities of judgment, compassion, and client interactions in veterinary medicine. Sparked by a team conversation about hospital values, they explore how judgment is natural—but how we act on those judgments is where our culture is defined.

They unpack:

• Why “not judging” isn’t realistic—and why that’s okay

• How giving the benefit of the doubt can embody compassion

• The difference between emotional intelligence and poor behavior (hint: boundaries still matter!)

• Practical examples of how values translate to day-to-day team behaviors

From “compassionate no’s” to redefining what it means to show up for clients and coworkers, this episode is an honest look at what it takes to build a culture rooted in understanding—not perfection

Follow for more:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480229406&mibextid=LQQJ4d

IG: https://www.instagram.com/choosepeoplelovepets?igsh=MTVzZjc4ZHE4MWd2NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/choose-people-love-pets/

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Cindy Trice joins us to talk about carving your own path in veterinary medicine—and life. From working in film production to becoming a nationally recognized relief veterinarian, Cindy shares how following her instincts (and curiosity) led her to build Relief Rover, co-found Kick It Pajamas, and advocate for mental health and belonging in the profession.

Cindy’s story is one of creativity, compassion, and courage. She opens up about her recovery after a traumatic car accident, her cancer diagnosis, and how her personal experiences shaped her approach to leadership and entrepreneurship.

This episode is full of powerful reflections for anyone who’s ever wondered: What if the traditional path doesn’t fit?

• The unexpected path from Hollywood to veterinary school

• How relief work became a gateway to freedom and opportunity

• Founding Relief Rover to build community and structure for relief vets

• Why she launched Kick It Pajamas—and how grief inspired it

• Facing life-altering events: car accidents, cancer, and what came next

• The creative edge of veterinary careers

• The importance of support, self-expression, and showing up as yourself

• Relief Rover

• Kick It Pajamas

• https://cervivor.org/

• One website design option mentioned in the episode: squarespace.com

• LinkedIn: Cindy Trice, DVM

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