Ever felt caught in the middle when it comes to practice finances? A practice manager wrote in, sharing their frustration with an owner who regularly draws large amounts of money from the business—leaving the practice struggling to cover bills and payroll. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Practice Management Super Nerd, Stephanie Goss and guest Dr. Sue Sayles dive into the tricky dynamics of managing practice finances when the owner’s withdrawals disrupt cash flow and this practice manager's morale. With 23 years of practice ownership under her belt, Dr. Sue has seen it all. She started out as a mixed-animal practitioner, then built a thriving small animal practice, growing it from $300k in revenue to over $2 million. She knows firsthand the challenges of balancing financial needs with business growth, and today she’s passionate about helping other practice owners and managers navigate these waters. Stephanie and Sue share actionable insights on how to structure tough financial conversations, establish trust, and support the owner’s goals while keeping the practice afloat. They discuss ways to approach sensitive topics, build financial systems that work for both parties, and ultimately foster a practice environment that supports everyone’s success—even when priorities don’t always align. If you’re looking to navigate the rough seas of practice finances and improve team morale, this episode is for you. Let’s get into this episode!

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Uncharted Practice Owner Summit at NAVC SkillShop

Owning a veterinary practice comes with challenges no one teaches you in school. The Uncharted Practice Owner Summit, hosted at NAVC SkillShop in Orlando, is a hands-on leadership workshop designed to help owners strengthen their teams, improve operations, and make confident business decisions. This small-group, working session focuses on real-world tools and honest conversations, not passive lectures.

Register for The Uncharted Practice Owner Summit Today!

Office Hours

Inside the Uncharted Veterinary Community, Dr. Andy Roark hosts Office Hours where veterinary leaders can bring real-world challenges and get practical guidance from someone who understands the realities of practice life. These sessions give veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders a chance to ask questions, workshop difficult situations, and gain perspective on issues like team dynamics, communication, burnout, and clinic operations. Instead of navigating leadership challenges alone, members get direct access to Andy’s insight along with the support of a community of veterinary professionals working through many of the same challenges.

Join Dr. Andy Roark for Office Hours at the Uncharted Veterinary Community!