We unpack why so many optometry practice owners hit a "ceiling" and how the fastest way to raise it is by surrounding ourselves with people who are truly operating at the level we want to reach. We talk about the difference between real operators and social media noise, why we should look outside optometry for perspective when it helps (like lessons from other service based businesses), and how to "trust but verify" by asking better questions and understanding incentives before we follow anyone's advice. We also challenge the habit of pretending everything is fine, because growth accelerates when we get honest about what's actually broken, identify the real constraint in the practice, and lean into relationships where transparency and accountability go both ways.

Have a question you'd like us to address in a future episode? Submit it here!

Resources

Book a Triage call with Adam

Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit

20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass

OD Mastermind Interest Form

Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice

Find out more about Partners In Profit

Book: Paradox of Generosity

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/Fq1Ro

Subscribe on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/jCtsk

We use a simple Tetris metaphor to explain what real progress looks like in an optometry practice: we don't need every move mapped out, we just need to make the best next decision with the "block" in front of us, execute, and then adjust based on what we learn. We talk through why many owners get trapped waiting for perfect clarity, how the build, measure, learn cycle creates momentum and profitability, and why healthy margins require intentional choices instead of letting vendors, reps, or urgency dictate our priorities. We also get honest about the real constraint for most practice owners: if we're in clinic nonstop, we'll never have the margin to work on the business, so we may need a temporary pullback to reinvest in people and systems that unlock the next level.

Have a question you'd like us to address in a future episode? Submit it here!

Resources:

Learn more about Partners in Profit

Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit

20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass

OD Mastermind Interest Form

Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice

The Lean Startup Book

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/Fq1Ro

Subscribe on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/jCtsk

In this episode, we tackle a topic many optometry practice owners overlook: how to strategically manage reps and vendor partners so they add value without draining time, payroll, or margin. We discuss how to set guardrails with your team, differentiate true vendor partners from transactional sales reps, and avoid the hidden labor costs that come from unstructured drop in visits. From scheduling limited rep time blocks to leveraging consignment frame programs that reduce administrative burden, this conversation focuses on protecting productivity while still benefiting from outside expertise. The key takeaway is simple: if you do not create a system for managing reps, they will create one for you, and it may not serve your profitability or long term vision.

Have a question you'd like us to address in a future episode? Submit it here!

Resources:

Reduce Staff As You Scale Reduces HR Headaches

Learn more about Partners in Profit

Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit

20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass

OD Mastermind Interest Form

Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice