In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m joined by the brilliant Jenni George, CVPM. Jenni is a practice manager, co-owner of Deerfield Veterinary Clinic, and living proof that building a practice is never boring.

Her story? Well, let’s just say it starts with a fold-up table in the living room, a flannel blanket for style, and a husband with big dreams but questionable bill-paying skills. Fast-forward to today and she’s running a 25+ person, multi-doctor hospital. Along the way there have been triumphs, chaos, a few questionable jello shots… and oh yes, an old “friend” who ended up in jail after botching their clinic build. You just couldn’t make it up.

Together we dig into the truth about practice growth: what works when you’re starting out, why it all falls apart when you get bigger, and how to keep evolving as a leader so your clinic doesn’t implode under its own weight. Jenni is funny, sharp, brutally honest, and not afraid to tell you exactly what she got wrong, and what she’d do differently.

If you’ve ever thought “Help! My clinic is growing too fast!” or felt like your team has outgrown your leadership, this one’s for you. Buckle up, this one’s packed with chaos, comedy, and the kind of lessons you only learn the hard way.

Episode Outline:

[00:03] – Tequila & bad ideas

[05:42] – From living room to hospital

[07:46] – 3 big start-up mistakes

[11:00] – Friends vs leadership

[13:23] – Stages of growth

[17:01] – Hiring the first vet

[23:22] – Standing out locally

[29:01] – Outgrowing your space

[33:22] – Power of a manager

[35:58] – Beating imposter syndrome

[38:31] – Here for the people

[40:42] – Culture cracks

[44:45] – Building leaders

[49:13] – Vision = next level

Connect with Jenni George:

Learn more about Deerfield Veterinary Clinic

Deerfield Vet Clinic on Facebook  

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

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