Welcome to the Private Practice Playbook with Jay Geier, where we dive deep into the real challenges and triumphs of life in private dental practice. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Mark and Shayne Fixari, co-founders of Fixari Family Dental in Columbus, Ohio — a thriving family business built over four decades. From humble beginnings with little more than vision and determination, Mark and Shayne scaled their practice into a multi-location, community-anchored organization, all while raising seven children and building enduring family traditions.
Today, they share candid insights on leadership, the importance of embracing mistakes, and the challenges (and joys) of growing a business well beyond the work only the founders can do. Listeners will hear stories about navigating partnership, bouncing back from hiring stumbles, cultivating leadership in young doctors, and building a family culture that’s as intentional as their practice. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking inspiration for long-term growth, this episode delivers wisdom for every stage of the professional and personal journey.
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Private Practice Playbook
06:37 Shayne's role and female empowerment
09:32 Reflecting on key life milestones
11:32 Discussing Personal Strengths
14:37 Treating All People Equally
20:02 Discussing friction in relationships
23:14 Family commitment and gender roles
24:37 Balancing family and business
28:47 Discussing leadership and marriage tips
31:40 Transitioning to Private Practice Authority
34:51 Continuous learning in leadership
40:10 Perfectionism in everyday life
41:44 Focusing on future solutions
45:31 Reflecting on hiring choices
50:13 Ending on personal connections
51:24 Dealing with demand in dentistry
Lessons in Leadership and Growth from The Private Practice Playbook
If you're an entrepreneur, dentist, or anyone juggling the challenges of growing a business while nurturing a family, this episode of The Private Practice Playbook podcast offers a wealth of actionable insights. Hosted by Jay Geier with guest appearances from Dr. Shayne Fixari and Dr. Mark Fixari, the conversation explores the intricate dance between leadership, growth, family traditions, and overcoming mistakes in private practice.
Building a Private Practice from Scratch
Drs. Shayne Fixari and Mark Fixari share their journey, which began nearly 40 years ago with the purchase of a modest two-operatory dental office for just $38,000. Without a clear vision for a massive practice, their focus was simply on providing the best patient experience possible. Hard work, vision, and a deep commitment to values drove their success. The couple's story illustrates that a successful business often starts with passion and a willingness to take risks, even when the path isn't perfectly clear.
The Importance of Leadership in Practice Growth
Leadership emerged as a central theme throughout the podcast. Jay Geier and Dr. Mark Fixari emphasize that scaling a business requires relinquishing some level of control and empowering others to lead. As practices grow, the founders inevitably lose some hands-on control but must compensate by fostering leadership in associates and team members. As Dr. Shayne Fixari notes, leadership qualities are vital, especially for working mothers balancing numerous responsibilities. Without strong leadership skills, one can quickly become overwhelmed.
Mark details how they focus on teaching leadership skills to their doctors, explaining the necessity for balance. A leader who is only “nice” may fail to gain buy-in, while being overly assertive leads only to compliance, not true engagement. The magic, he shares, happens in the middle space, where one’s authority is balanced with empathy.
Family Traditions and Creating Meaningful Connections
One of the highlights of this episode is the discussion around family culture and traditions. Despite the demands of running a multi-practice business and other ventures in their community, the Fixaris prioritize family connections. They’ve established a standing beach trip each summer and a tradition of Monday night family dinners, which even the grandchildren eagerly anticipate.
Shayne believes these consistent practices are crucial for binding the family together, stating that lessons learned in business often translate seamlessly to family life. Simple, lasting traditions not only support work-life balance, but can be passed down through generations, further strengthening family ties and enriching life outside the business.
Embracing Mistakes as Opportunities to Grow
Both Dr. Mark and Dr. Shayne Fixari are candid about the mistakes they've made throughout their decades in practice. They see errors not as setbacks but as essential learning experiences. Recognizing and owning mistakes helps free entrepreneurs to move forward rather than becoming paralyzed by past failures. As Mark points out, perfectionism can actually hold a business back and limit growth.
Being open to feedback and creating a culture where team members are coachable is vital. The Fixaris look for candidates whose values align with their practice and who demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow, rather than simply seeking individuals with experience.
Why a Positive Mindset Matters in Dentistry
Finally, Jay Geier and the Fixaris address the negativity sometimes found in dentistry forums. They remain bullish on the future of private practice, noting increased demand and opportunities even in highly saturated markets. Their experience proves the concept that mindset and leadership are crucial for business and personal fulfillment.
Conclusion
This episode of The Private Practice Playbook is a valuable listen for anyone aiming to run a thriving business while building a rewarding and connected family life. By focusing on leadership, embracing mistakes, and cultivating meaningful traditions, Jay Geier and Drs. Mark and Shayne Fixari provide a roadmap for success in both business and home. Tune in for inspiring stories and strategies to level up your practice and life.