How do you turn a fresh optometry degree into a thriving multi-location practice? On this week’s episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Zachary Jost, owner of Back Bay Eye Care, to discuss his journey from new graduate to successful practice owner. Dr. Jost shares insights on taking risks, managing multiple locations, hiring the right team, and expanding the scope of optometry. If you're an optometrist looking to grow your practice, or just love a great entrepreneurial story, this episode is for you!

Takeaways:

• Embrace calculated risks in your practice. Constantly look for opportunities, such as acquisitions that align with your goals and values.
• Be prepared for the challenges of not being present in both locations simultaneously. Hire trustworthy office managers to oversee day-to-day operations in different locations.
• Avoid hiring out of desperation; instead, wait for the right candidate who fits the practice culture and values. Pay your employees well to retain them and ensure they are happy, as this translates to better patient care.
• Focus on delivering a comprehensive and caring patient experience from the moment they walk in until the moment they leave. Collect and review patient feedback regularly to identify areas of improvement.
• View debt as an investment in your future. Differentiate between good debt (investments in practice growth) and bad debt (high-interest credit).
• Constantly look for growth opportunities within your practice, whether through new procedures, technologies, or expanding practice areas. Be ready to handle a growing practice by continually improving and adapting your business strategies.

Quote of the Show:

• “ Taking chances and risks in my career has gotten me to where I am.” - Zachary Jost

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-jost-od-68485699/  
• Company website: https://backbayeyecare.com/  
• Email: [email protected] 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5w1H9BBwRXvBSSkexePYxG 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optometrists-building-empires/id1762685070 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/689a039b-54ce-4f04-b641-66d8640d93d0 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/optometrists-building-empires-5812208