The Orthopreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger

• Solving the Puzzle of Practice Growth w/ Dr. Scott Sakowitz

  In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Scott Sakowitz, an orthodontist, entrepreneur, and—fun fact—former Wheel of Fortune contestant. Scott’s story is a rare blend of bold entrepreneurial thinking and grounded leadership. From launching Florida’s first escape room with his dad while still in dental school, to scaling three ortho practices in a competitive market, Scott is a living case study in how to strategically stretch your comfort zone.We talk real numbers (like 26% year-over-year growth), the right time to bring on an associate, and what it really takes to build a multi-location practice that doesn’t break you. If you’re feeling maxed out, frustrated with flat growth, or wondering if multiple offices are worth it—this conversation is for you. Scott's calm, thoughtful approach is the opposite of hustle culture... and still delivers massive results.QUOTES"This year we're up 26% over last year… but only because I pushed myself to a place where I had to grow."— Dr. Scott Sakowitz"I brought on an associate a full year before I needed one. That gave me time to get it right."— Dr. Scott SakowitzKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)How puzzles led Scott to orthodontics (01:01)Opening two practices early to avoid corporate burnout (02:28)Adding an associate only when capacity was truly maxed (04:00)The secret behind 50% year-over-year growth (06:37)Why patient experience > clinical excellence alone (07:07)Bringing parents into the treatment area—literally (08:24)Building a concierge-style front desk experience (09:45)The story of starting Florida’s first escape room (19:13)Operational efficiency: how escape rooms sharpened his ortho skills (23:10)Being on Wheel of Fortune (25:00)What it’s really like to be hypnotized on stage… and pick your podcast host as a dance partner (26:58)Additional ResourcesListen now—and if you're coming to the final Orthopreneurs Summit, make sure to find us both on the dance floor. No hypnosis required.Sakowitz Smiles:  https://orlandoorthodontics.com THE GREAT ESCAPE ROOM: https://thegreatescaperoom.com Ready to stop guessing and start growing with intention? Whether you’re thinking about adding an associate, expanding to multiple offices, or just want to enjoy your practice again—this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been looking for.OP SUMMIT IS THIS WEEK!: opSummit2025.com- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

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• Equity Isn’t a Gamble—It’s the Opportunity l 5MF

  What if I told you that how your financial advisor values equity could reveal they don’t actually understand private equity?In this Five Minute Friday, I go straight at one of the most common—and most dangerous—misconceptions I’ve heard hundreds of times: that the equity portion of your DSO/OSO deal should be valued at zero. If that’s what your financial advisor is telling you, you might be taking critical advice from someone who doesn’t understand how private equity actually works.This episode is a follow-up to my last one on practice purpose and exit strategy. Here, I dive deeper into the real math and real logic behind equity in private equity-backed deals. You’ll hear about what a 2–3X return looks like in this space, how private equity compares to other investments (like index funds or even Ford stock), and why assuming the worst-case scenario could cost you millions. If you're considering a partnership—or even just want to be better informed—you need to hear this.QUOTES“If my financial advisor ever said to me, ‘assume the equity goes to zero’—I’d leave them instantly.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“Equity is a real thing. If I put $2 million into Google, would you tell me to count it as zero in my portfolio?”— Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro + setting the record straight (00:00)The core problem with how advisors view private equity equity (01:15)Typical deal breakdown: cash vs. equity (02:40)Realistic equity return benchmarks (03:45)The Thurston Fund and what strong returns actually look like (05:10)What questions to ask your PE partner up front (06:40)Red flags: if someone promises 6–7X, walk away (08:00)How equity compounds even while you collect a salary (09:15)When your advisor says equity is worth “0” vs. any other investment (10:30)Final questions to ask your advisor—put them to the test (12:00)Additional ResourcesI’ve seen firsthand how keeping the wrong person around too long can unravel a great team.If you’re evaluating an offer, or even if you’re just PE-curious, please DM me. I’ll never push you to join a DSO or OSO—but I will help you make an informed, math-based decision. Let’s stop letting outdated assumptions dictate million-dollar moves.🎟 Still seats left? Maybe. Check: opSummit2025.com- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

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• Scaling Smarter: DSOs, DeNovos, and Diversifying as an Orthodontist

  In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ben Fishbein — founder of Fishbein Orthodontics, multiple-time DeNovo opener, bagel store entrepreneur, and Smile Doctors partner — to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in orthodontics today: DSOs, OSOs, and what it really means to join one.If you’ve ever said, “I’m not ready,” “I could never give up control,” or “I don’t need help,” this episode is for you. Ben was once a staunch no—until he actually had the conversation. Now, with multiple thriving practices, ownership in a national DSO, and an expanding local business portfolio, he shares what changed his mind—and why most orthodontists are asking the wrong questions entirely.Whether you're exploring a potential sale, considering DeNovos, or just want to sharpen your vision, this episode will reframe how you think about your career path—and the opportunities right in front of you.QUOTES"The most frustrating thing to me is when someone says, ‘I’m not ready to talk yet.’ Why are you not ready to learn something that might be so good it changes your life?"— Dr. Glenn Krieger"I was a naysayer too. I told the Smile Doctors team, ‘There’s less than a 2% chance I do this.’ Then I listened—and it all started making sense."— Dr. Ben FishbeinKey Takeaways04:50 – Why so many orthodontists dismiss DSOs without ever really hearing the facts06:50 – “30 years in 7” — how Ben’s early hustle shaped his future faster08:36 – Why listening to opportunities is part of your duty to your team10:15 – Why selling a practice isn’t selling out—and how orthodontists misjudge entrepreneurship15:12 – How partnering opened Ben’s eyes to investments he never considered before16:48 – The surprisingly valuable business lessons from running a bagel shop20:19 – Why Smile Doctors’ DeNovo model works—and how it’s redefining growth24:18 – “Get the information. Don’t say no to something you don’t understand.”25:37 – Ben’s biggest advice to younger orthodontists: “Just go for it.”Additional Resources I’ve seen firsthand how running the numbers—really running them—has changed the trajectory of practices and lives.Want to get in contact with Ben? https://amandafloydconsulting.com/fishbein-fundamentals This isn’t about selling out or giving up control. It’s about knowing your options, making smart financial moves, and understanding when an opportunity might never come back. If you’ve received an offer and aren’t sure whether to take it, DM me. I don’t get paid either way—but I’ve had this conversation hundreds of times and I’ll help you think it through.🎟 Final Orthopreneurs Summit is NEXT WEEK!!!: opSummit2025.com- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

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• What’s the Real Purpose of Your Practice? l 5MF

  What if I told you you’re turning down $6–10 million for no good reason—and you don’t even know why?This 5 Minute Friday is for every orthodontist who's built something substantial... and still hesitates when private equity comes knocking. I’m not here to sell you on joining a DSO or OSO. I’m here to challenge you to get clear on why you wouldn’t—especially when the math says it’s one of the best financial opportunities you’ll ever have.In this episode, I break down the mindset, money, and misconceptions around private equity deals. If you're sitting on a $3M–$10M practice and you've brushed off conversations without ever running the numbers, you're not making a strategic decision—you're making an emotional one. I’ll share real-world examples, financial logic, and why orthodontists are the only group of entrepreneurs I’ve met who resist this kind of exit. Whether you're leaning in or leaning out, this episode will give you clarity.QUOTES“Everybody else on earth starts companies and sells them when an 8-digit offer comes in... Why are orthodontists different?”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“I’m not telling you to join. I’m telling you: if you’re not doing it, what’s your reason?”— Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro + why this episode matters (00:00)What’s the real purpose of your practice? (01:25)Making money isn't evil—it’s the point of work (03:45)Are you putting in the energy your goals demand? (06:10)Why private equity offers do make financial sense (08:20)Common fears and myths—and why they don’t hold up (11:40)The real risk of doing nothing (15:15)Final reflection: clarity beats comfort (17:50)Additional Resources I’ve seen firsthand how running the numbers—really running them—has changed the trajectory of practices and lives.This isn’t about selling out or giving up control. It’s about knowing your options, making smart financial moves, and understanding when an opportunity might never come back. If you’ve received an offer and aren’t sure whether to take it, DM me. I don’t get paid either way—but I’ve had this conversation hundreds of times and I’ll help you think it through.🎟 Still a few tickets left (maybe!) for the final Orthopreneurs Summit: opSummit2025.com- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

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• The Direct Print 3D Aligner Advantage in Orthodontics w/ Mike Gordon / Greatest Hits

  In this episode, I had Mike Gordon from 3DNA Dental to discuss the revolutionary impact of 3D printing technology in orthodontics.With a background deeply rooted in IT, he sheds light on how 3D printing is transforming dental practices and shares insights on the latest advancements, particularly with direct print clear aligners.Departing from traditional in-house aligners that involve multiple steps, including setting up a case, printing models, and post-processing, direct print aligners streamline the process significantly.Mike provides insights into the cost per aligner, which ranges between $4 to $6 in material costs. Compared to the national average of $56 per aligner, the direct print technology presents significant cost savings for dental practices.3DNA Dental provides comprehensive support and implementation services for dental practices venturing into 3D printing. The company's primary focus is on real, ongoing support for in-clinic adoption, ensuring a seamless integration of 3D printing technologies to dramatically cut lab costs and improve patient service times.Tune in to learn more!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)About Mike Gordon and 3DNA Dental (01:40)Direct print 3D aligners (06:21)Key features of direct print clear aligners (10:47)Cost implications and material properties (14:30)Diverse applications of 3D printing (18:12)Additional Resources🔹 Connect with Mike GordonWebsite: https://3dnadental.com/Email: [email protected] No: 808-357-1323-----🔹 Register for the LAST OP SUMMIT (2025): https://opsummit2025.com/🔹 For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/🔹 Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

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