What is a local manager group and how impactful are they? In my experience, a local manager group is a game changer and with our guest today, we will go over some tips on getting started and the impact it has had on our practices and communities.

 

Today’s guest is Patrick Fabricatore, a hospital administrator in the business for 25 years in Pennsylvania. He has his bachelor’s degree out of Pennsylvania State and his masters from University of Scranton. He is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) and is an SHRM Senior Certified Professional. He also founded the Delaware Valley Managers Group which he will be discussing with us today.

 

It is my hope that after listening to today’s episode that you are inspired to create or join a local manager’s group to better your profession and practices within your community. Be sure to check out the VHMA’s website for more resources.

 

Show Notes:

[2:21] - Debbie and Pat’s groups got started in completely different ways. Pat shares his experience with starting a manager group.

[4:10] - Pat began reaching out to local managers in the region and their first meeting was for 8 people at a restaurant which was a great start.

[4:50] - Debbie’s manager group began when she realized how beneficial they are after attending a conference. She sent out an email to every practice for 6 months. Over time, it has fluctuated in how many people came.

[5:30] - In Debbie’s experience, some managers are hesitant to join a manager group because of the misconception that the other practices will “steal their techs,” which Debbie explains isn’t accurate.

[6:30] - Pat’s group has a planning committee which helps keep the group’s transparency and makes sure that no one person is in charge.

[7:27] - After attending an amazing conference, Pat was inspired to start a group and upon inviting people, no one declined.

[8:10] - When meeting through Zoom, Pat’s group discusses some great ideas and best practices.

[8:30] - You can keep all this information to yourself and be an island but nobody wins that way. Everyone in the group is coming together to make the profession better.

[9:30] - In Delaware Valley, most of the practices are rural and the group grew out of need. It isn’t about the size of the group, it is about creating a management community out of local need.

[11:07] - Pat and Debbie both use apps to keep in touch with their group members.

[12:30] - Debbie shares a story about how sharing the information of a local IT guy in her group gave him new clients and it strengthens the relationship between practices and other local businesses.

[13:30] - Debbie’s group meets for breakfast one day a month. Lunchtime is a difficult time for managers to get out of work in the middle of the day and dinnertime is inconsistent as well due to work responsibilities.

[15:01] - Several people have reached out to Pat’s group asking for support and mentoring.

[17:02] - Over time, Pat and his group members learned what was best for them in regards to when to meet, where to meet, and what sponsors or vendors they should invite.

[18:36] - A staffing agent came out to speak to Pat’s group and made a powerful presentation. Pat and Debbie discuss its impact.

[19:07] - If we’re not looking outside of our industry, we’re limiting ourselves.

[20:07] - It is important to learn what’s happening locally in all industries. Have an open mind.

[22:05] - It is also a good idea to look back at past topics and ask what members want to talk about periodically to stay relevant to your audience.

Thank you for listening. Remember you are not in this alone. Visit our website for more resources.

 

Links and Resources:

 

• VHMA Web Page

 

• VHMA Coronavirus Resources
• VHMA Facebook
• VHMA Twitter
• VHMA on Linkedin
• Patrick Fabricatore on LinkedIn
• Perkiomen Animal Hospital Web Page
• Perkiomen Animal Hospital Facebook