Medical Empires

In today's episode, I'm joined by two fantastic guests, Sam Patel and Jackson Lintz, to discuss a crucial issue in healthcare: the gap between medical expertise and business know-how. Together, we dive into the reality that many healthcare providers, despite their extensive training, are often unprepared for the business side of running a practice. From hiring to managing teams and building a strong clinic culture, there's a lot to learn. I share my own journey of building my first medical weight loss clinic from the ground up, and Sam and Jackson add their unique insights on how this experience shapes our ability to respect and understand every role within a practice.

Transitioning from patient care to consulting has given all of us a close look at just how many providers struggle with essential business skills, like marketing and scaling. This is where consulting groups come in, helping medical professionals either grow their clinics independently or partner with larger groups that provide the necessary infrastructure. Sam, Jackson, and I explore how rewarding it is to help physicians develop these skills and ultimately improve patient care. Our shared experience highlights the importance of resources and mentorship, as healthcare faces new challenges and evolving patient expectations.

As we look at today's medical landscape, with cash-based models like wellness, aesthetics, and functional medicine gaining traction, the three of us discuss the clash between innovative healthcare options and traditional big pharma interests. Patients are seeking more preventative, holistic care, and we explore how practices can balance cutting-edge services with strong business practices to meet those needs. If you're a provider ready to make the leap into cash-based care or wanting to scale sustainably, you'll want to tune in for our conversation. Join us as we discuss building a medical practice that thrives and creates lasting, positive change.

In today's episode, I'm diving into the importance of staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices when scaling a medical company. In the med spa and medical clinic world, change can feel slow. Yes, there's always a buzz around new products and machines, but the reality is that the tried-and-true treatments often bring the most value. While we're constantly researching new trends and testing products, we only introduce them once they've been proven reliable. For instance, with a product like Daxxify—a longer-lasting botulinum toxin—we initially rolled it out at one location with our top injector after monitoring the market for over a year. This careful approach ensures that we bring safe, effective options to our clients without using them as test subjects.

When adding new services, it's essential to prioritize compliance and legal standards, especially when expanding into new states. Laws vary widely, with some states requiring higher credentials for procedures that other states allow with minimal training. This is why retaining legal counsel familiar with state-specific medical regulations is crucial. Additionally, it's wise to hire a competent accountant to manage your books from the start. Consistent consultation with legal experts ensures we're doing everything by the book, allowing us to scale without unnecessary risks or compliance issues. Having a knowledgeable team supporting these efforts has been invaluable for our sustained growth.

Ultimately, we focus on offering services that are in demand and proven effective. This means sticking to pillars like weight loss, hormone therapy, and aesthetics rather than chasing every trend. For example, weight loss services continue to rise with the country's increasing obesity rates, making them a wise addition to any medical business. We also ensure any new treatments we adopt are well-known and marketable. Using tools like Google Trends and SEMrush, we gauge public interest and avoid adding obscure services that clients aren't looking for. Trends may come and go, but by focusing on high-quality, proven treatments, we've scaled consistently, delivering lasting results. If you're curious about the services we provide or want to see which trends have made the cut, check out our websites for Genesis Lifestyle Medicine and Accesso Bio for insight into what drives our growth and success.

Welcome to The Spinoso Podcast hosted by CEO, doctor, comic book geek, and car guy, Alex Spinoso. I help people and companies grow - especially in the medical business. While my experience and expertise is in scaling all types of medical businesses to 7, 8, 9-figures or more, I can be a mentor to anyone who wants to take ownership of their lives, become a better leader at home and at work, and overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.

(0:00) - Intro

(0:48) - Staying Updated with Industry Trends

(3:20) - Marketing and Compliance in Medical Businesses

(5:30) - Scaling Medical Businesses with Proven Practices

(6:00) - Evaluating New Services and Products

(8:30) - Focusing on Proven Services and High-Quality Marketing

(9:40) - Conclusion

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Today, we're tackling a lesson in humility inspired by a name many Americans recognize—General Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur was a brilliant military leader during World War II, especially known for his role in the Pacific Theater. But while his strategic genius was undeniable, he had one fatal flaw: his ego was out of control. In war, that ego gave him the confidence and decisiveness he needed. But in peacetime, MacArthur forgot he wasn't the ultimate authority, and that led him to disregard direct orders from President Harry Truman. The result? Truman fired him. MacArthur's downfall serves as a reminder that no matter how talented or important you think you are, you're not indispensable—and if you forget that, you could end up on the chopping block.

This attitude isn't limited to high-ranking generals; it shows up in businesses and organizations everywhere. I've seen it happen to people who aren't even close to being "five-star generals" in their roles. They start believing they're irreplaceable, that their contributions give them the right to act as if they're the CEO. But here's the reality: when you overestimate your importance and start causing problems within the organization, your days are numbered. Take, for instance, the case of Colin Kaepernick in the NFL. Regardless of anyone's opinion on his stance, he caused significant controversy, but he wasn't an elite player at the time. In business, too, if you bring more trouble than you're worth, you won't last. The lesson here isn't about being passive; it's about understanding your role and contributing value without letting ego get in the way.

The most valuable people in an organization are those who focus on results, not titles or recognition. They "serve at the pleasure of the CEO," as the phrase goes from The West Wing, meaning they understand their role and support the vision of leadership without ego or entitlement. I'm lucky to work with an incredible team at Genesis, filled with hardworking, humble individuals who bring real value. But I've also seen a few people let their ego cloud their judgment and convince themselves they were the driving force of our success. They, too, suffered MacArthur's fate. So, if you're looking to create lasting success in any company, let your actions speak for your value and keep that ego in check. Otherwise, you'll end up like MacArthur, fading away before ever reaching your true potential.

Welcome to The Spinoso Podcast hosted by CEO, doctor, comic book geek, and car guy, Alex Spinoso. I help people and companies grow - especially in the medical business. While my experience and expertise is in scaling all types of medical businesses to 7, 8, 9-figures or more, I can be a mentor to anyone who wants to take ownership of their lives, become a better leader at home and at work, and overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:00) - General Douglas MacArthur's Ego and Its Consequences

(3:30) - The Perils of Delusions of Grandeur

(6:00) - Embracing Humility and Contributing Value

(9:50) - Conclusion

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In today's episode, I'm diving into a topic that might surprise some people: building rapport and mastering the art of communication for business success. Now, as much as I'd be happy spending days in the garage alone with a few cars, I realized early on that wouldn't cut it if I wanted to grow a business, build a team, and engage with clients. So, I threw myself into reading—a ton of books on how to connect with people and improve my communication skills. Titles like The Charisma Myth offered insights that were invaluable, especially since I'm naturally not the most conversational person. My wife, on the other hand, has always been incredible at this, remembering everything about someone she met years ago, even their dog's name. But for me, it's been a skill I had to intentionally learn, and now, starting with genuine compliments has become my go-to technique to put people at ease.

Before all the reading and training, though, I definitely leaned on those around me for help. In the early days of Genesis, I was lucky enough to have Sapphire, our first employee, who was naturally gifted in sales and conversations. While I focused on backend tasks, she was out front, building rapport with clients and making connections that were critical to our early success. Even though I've since read and learned how to train others in sales, I still focus on what I'm best at while empowering my team to excel in what they're best at. This approach of playing to our strengths has paid off, and I'd recommend it to any business owner who may not feel like an extrovert. Hire someone who loves the people aspect, and you'll be free to focus on growing your business.

Today, we're breaking down a method that's worked well for us: the CLOSER method, a structured approach I learned from Alex Hormozi's podcast. It's a step-by-step way to build genuine, long-lasting relationships with clients by truly understanding and addressing their needs. Each letter stands for a key step in the process, starting with "C" for clarify, where you hone in on the exact problem your client is facing and make sure it's something you can solve. By following this method, we've transformed how we engage with clients and made sales feel less like a pitch and more like a partnership. So, let's jump in and explore how you can apply this approach in your own business!

Welcome to The Spinoso Podcast hosted by CEO, doctor, comic book geek, and car guy, Alex Spinoso. I help people and companies grow - especially in the medical business. While my experience and expertise is in scaling all types of medical businesses to 7, 8, 9-figures or more, I can be a mentor to anyone who wants to take ownership of their lives, become a better leader at home and at work, and overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.

(0:00) - Intro

(0:30) - Mastering Sales Conversations: Introduction and Personal Background

(5:00) - Overcoming Sales Challenges and Building a Team

(6:08) - The Importance of Hiring Sales Experts

(7:30) - Explaining the Closer Method

(10:30) - Building Rapport and Labeling the Problem

(17:00) - Addressing Objections and Offering Solutions

(27:00) - Selling the Vacation, Not the Plane Ride

(30:00) - Engaging and Reinforcing the Decision

(36:30) - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

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Today, I'm going to dive into the truth about scaling a medical clinic. When it comes to growth, there are two approaches: fast or slow. At Genesis, we chose the fast track, but that doesn't mean you have to follow the same path. Building a company, especially in the healthcare field, requires a sense of urgency every single day. When you wake up, your feet should hit the ground running because, in business, you're either predator or prey. Allocating resources wisely is critical to scaling effectively, and from day one, every extra dollar we made went straight back into the business. We sacrificed a lot to make that happen, even relocating from Palm Springs to Las Vegas, where living and business costs were more manageable. This choice allowed us to build our dream from the ground up, debt-free, and keep our expenses low so we could reinvest and grow.

From the start, we prioritized essential services and minimized costs. We rented rooms in a chiropractor's office, used basic signage, and kept furniture to a minimum. When I left my high-paying jobs to go all-in on this business, it meant cutting back on everything else. For nearly three years, my wife and I only took out enough money to cover our basic living expenses. We avoided dining out, extra bills, and even gifts for the holidays, all to reinvest every dollar back into the business. It wasn't easy, but we were focused on keeping expenses low while ramping up our investment in marketing and clinic growth. As a result, our business grew exponentially, doubling or tripling in size every year. Today, with more than 23 locations and counting, that dedication to reinvestment has proven to be a key to our success.

Of course, not everything went smoothly. We made mistakes, especially early on, like offering services just because they seemed popular. We spent money on laser hair removal across all locations, thinking it would be profitable, only to realize we were losing money on it after diving into the numbers. Lesson learned: stay focused on your core strengths. For us, that meant weight loss, hormone therapy, and sexual health services, areas where we could truly excel. Another key lesson was the importance of hiring quality vendors, especially in marketing, and choosing partners who specialize in your field. We've also learned to avoid distractions like diversifying into unrelated businesses. Instead, we reinvest in the core areas we know best, building stronger partnerships and expanding our capabilities. That's what scaling smartly looks like, and for anyone serious about growth, these strategies will serve you well.

Welcome to The Spinoso Podcast hosted by CEO, doctor, comic book geek, and car guy, Alex Spinoso. I help people and companies grow - especially in the medical business. While my experience and expertise is in scaling all types of medical businesses to 7, 8, 9-figures or more, I can be a mentor to anyone who wants to take ownership of their lives, become a better leader at home and at work, and overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:40) - Early Sacrifices and Business Relocation

(3:10) - Initial Business Operations and Marketing Mistakes

(7:33) - Focusing on Core Services and Hiring Quality Marketing

(11:30) - Financial Management and Cash Reserves

(15:10) - Scaling Strategically and Avoiding Overextension

(18:10) - Building Relationships and Strategic Partnerships

(20:00) - Conclusion

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Welcome to the third episode in my series on ancient myths for overachievers. Today, we're diving into the myth of the Trojan Horse, a story packed with insights for anyone looking to succeed in life and business. If you've listened before, you might remember I previously covered Icarus and Prometheus, two myths that hold essential lessons about ambition and resilience. Now, if you're new here, you're in for a treat—these ancient tales are not just fascinating stories but are loaded with principles we can apply today. Personally, I love narratives with heroic struggles, from movies like Braveheart to comics like Superman, and these myths have had a huge influence on me, especially as a founding member of the Arete Syndicate. Arete, meaning excellence, was a core virtue in ancient Greek and Roman culture and has deeply impacted how I approach business and life.

The Trojan Horse myth is perhaps one of the most well-known tales from Greek mythology, and it's got two key lessons for overachievers and entrepreneurs. The first lesson is that things aren't always what they seem, and this story is the ultimate warning against taking things at face value. In business, operating on "facts over feelings" is crucial. A few years ago, my business partner Brent and I thought we were killing it with a high-demand service, but when we dug into the numbers, we realized we were actually losing money. Just like the Trojans mistook the wooden horse as a gift, we were fooled by appearances. That experience taught me to dig deeper, question everything, and make sure we're building on solid ground.

The second big lesson is about creative problem-solving. When the Greeks realized they couldn't breach the walls of Troy through brute force, they switched tactics and created the Trojan Horse, a brilliant strategy that led them to victory. In business, it's essential to be relentless in your pursuit of goals, but also adaptable and innovative. At Genesis, we live by the value of innovation—always asking ourselves if there's a better way to do things. As the saying goes, "What got you here won't get you there." The myths remind us that life and business aren't just about achieving financial success; they're about building a legacy. As the movie Troy puts it, "Men are haunted by the vastness of eternity… will our actions echo across the centuries?" It's a question worth reflecting on as we all strive to leave our mark.

Welcome to The Spinoso Podcast hosted by CEO, doctor, comic book geek, and car guy, Alex Spinoso. I help people and companies grow - especially in the medical business. While my experience and expertise is in scaling all types of medical businesses to 7, 8, 9-figures or more, I can be a mentor to anyone who wants to take ownership of their lives, become a better leader at home and at work, and overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:10) - Overview of the Trojan Horse Myth

(3:50) - The Greeks' Deception and the Trojans' Decision

(6:25) - The Greeks' Surprise Attack

(7:46) - Lessons from the Trojan Horse Myth

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Today's episode is all about a topic that's at the heart of both productivity and personal well-being: encouraging physical fitness and health within a team without it feeling forced or overbearing. In healthcare, leading by example is crucial. We believe in living our core values, and part of that is modeling the health and wellness we promote to our clients. This doesn't mean pressuring anyone to follow a certain regimen; instead, it's about creating opportunities and offering resources that make it easy for our staff to prioritize their health. From offering access to services at cost to encouraging open conversations about fitness journeys, we want our team to feel supported in their wellness goals.

For us, building a culture of wellness isn't about enforcing rigid expectations; it's about fostering a genuine environment of care and enthusiasm for health. When our staff experiences firsthand the benefits of treatments we offer—whether it's hormone optimization or body sculpting technologies—they can confidently share these experiences with clients, which naturally enhances our clinic's credibility. I've seen this in action, as many of our team members, including myself, have gone through transformational journeys that make advocating for these services feel authentic. By cultivating this culture, we're not only improving our team's physical health but also boosting morale and strengthening client trust.

Balancing work with personal health, however, includes more than just physical activity; it's about rest and recovery too. We encourage our team to take the time they need, whether it's ensuring a full night's sleep or stepping out for a quick break. I've learned the hard way how critical this is, especially in a high-stress environment. Taking care of yourself makes you a better team player and a sharper professional. It's these small steps, embedded into our work culture, that ensure we have a healthy, resilient, and dedicated team ready to take on each day with clarity and energy.

Welcome to The Spinoso Podcast hosted by CEO, doctor, comic book geek, and car guy, Alex Spinoso. I help people and companies grow - especially in the medical business. While my experience and expertise is in scaling all types of medical businesses to 7, 8, 9-figures or more, I can be a mentor to anyone who wants to take ownership of their lives, become a better leader at home and at work, and overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.

(0:00) - Intro

(5:00) - Building a Culture of Health and Wellness

(56:36) - The Role of Rest and Recovery in Fitness

(57:30) - Investing in Home Gyms and Personal Health

(58:00) - Leading by Example in Health and Wellness

(58:40) - Conclusion

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Welcome to today's episode of the Spinoso Podcast, where we dive deep into the legal and regulatory challenges of scaling a medical business. Building a clinic comes with a myriad of legal requirements, and one of the most crucial steps is ensuring you have a skilled and experienced lawyer, licensed in the state where you plan to operate or expand. Throughout the years, we've partnered with exceptional legal teams, such as Daikema and Bird Adou, run by Brad and Sam, who own AmSpa. Their expertise has been invaluable in helping us structure and prepare our business for long-term growth. Early on, we learned the hard way about the risks of handling legal work ourselves, and it taught us the immense value of having a strong legal foundation.

As we grew, we made conscious decisions to avoid treatments that could potentially attract regulatory scrutiny, particularly around stem cell therapies. While both allogeneic and autologous stem cells are effective, there are strict rules in the U.S. around their use, especially regarding expansion and processing. We eventually pivoted away from stem cells, knowing that the FDA's stance on these treatments could hinder our growth and future investment opportunities. This cautious approach has been validated through conversations with private equity firms, who often steer clear of businesses involved in high-risk or experimental treatments. Staying clear of these practices has kept our business attractive to investors and aligned with our long-term vision.

In addition to regulatory compliance, securing a comprehensive legal team has been essential for managing everything from customer relations to business transactions. We work with contract lawyers, litigation specialists, and mergers and acquisitions attorneys to address a wide range of needs as our clinic expands. When clients threaten legal action, our staff is trained to refer them directly to our legal team, ensuring a professional and secure environment for everyone involved. In this industry, protecting our staff and patients is paramount, and investing in top-tier legal support has allowed us to maintain a high standard of care and grow our clinic confidently.

Welcome to The Spinoso Podcast hosted by CEO, doctor, comic book geek, and car guy, Alex Spinoso. I help people and companies grow - especially in the medical business. While my experience and expertise is in scaling all types of medical businesses to 7, 8, 9-figures or more, I can be a mentor to anyone who wants to take ownership of their lives, become a better leader at home and at work, and overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.

(0:00) - Intro

(0:20) - Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Scaling a Medical Business

(1:50) - Avoiding Risky Treatments and Experimental Medications

(6:40) - Hiring the Right Legal Team and Handling Client Issues

(9:40) - Dealing with the Medical Board and Legal Representation

(13:00) - Conclusion

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Today, I want to start with a little thought exercise that includes three different groups of people: drug addicts, people living in trailer homes, and college students. Now, on the surface, they might not seem to have a lot in common, but dig a little deeper, and you'll find they share a major trait: generally speaking, they're all cash-strapped. Sure, you might find exceptions—a wealthy addict or a college student with millionaire parents—but as a rule, these groups are not swimming in money. Still, they find ways to fund what they value most, whether it's drugs, entertainment, or a spring break trip. And that brings me to an important point: people always find money for what they truly want.

This insight is something I've noticed in many entrepreneurs too. So many of them say they're afraid to invest big money in growing their business. They're hesitant to hire a $60,000 employee or invest $200,000 in crucial equipment. Yet, if you take a closer look, these same people are often spending on luxury condos, high-end SUVs, or flashy sports cars. It's not that they don't know where to find the money—they just prioritize spending it elsewhere. They're comfortable splurging on things that make them look successful, but hesitant to put the same level of investment into things that would actually drive their business forward. It's all about priorities, and whether we like to admit it or not, we always have the money for what we want most.

For me, I've chosen a different path. I keep as little cash in reserves as possible and reinvest every dollar I can back into my business. It's a mindset that's driven my success, and I believe it can do the same for others willing to be honest with themselves about their spending habits. If you're willing to cut back on the things that don't truly support your goals and start putting big money where it counts—on hiring the right people, amplifying your marketing, or upgrading your tools—you'll see incredible growth. It's a powerful approach that's worked for me, and it can work for you too.

Welcome to The Spinoso Podcast hosted by CEO, doctor, comic book geek, and car guy, Alex Spinoso. I help people and companies grow - especially in the medical business. While my experience and expertise is in scaling all types of medical businesses to 7, 8, 9-figures or more, I can be a mentor to anyone who wants to take ownership of their lives, become a better leader at home and at work, and overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:14) - Identifying Commonalities Among Three Groups

(3:30) - Financial Habits of College Students

(5:08) - Entrepreneurs' Spending Habits

(8:35) - Conclusion

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Today, we're diving into a classic leadership question: is it better to lead with fear or love? It's a topic that's both lighthearted and profound, as echoed in that famous line from The Office: "Would you rather be feared or loved? Easy, both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." That quote captures the tricky balance leaders often face. You want a supportive, encouraging environment where people feel valued, but you also need to hold a standard of excellence, which sometimes requires a bit of toughness. Today, we'll unpack the merits and potential downsides of each approach and explore which is truly more effective in motivating a team.

In the world of leadership, we've all seen the contrasting styles: the strict, intimidating boss who commands respect but may lack warmth, versus the beloved leader who inspires loyalty and brings out the best in their people. Personally, I've always found that respect is the foundation of either approach. Whether we lean toward love or fear, it's respect that keeps everything in balance. Leading with love doesn't mean letting things slide or tolerating mediocrity; it means setting high standards and making it clear that every team member is valued and expected to perform at their best. On the other hand, a healthy level of fear—rooted in respect—can also encourage responsibility and accountability, ensuring that everyone knows the importance of their role and the impact of their actions.

As we explore this balance further, I'll share insights from my own experiences and stories from notable leaders who have successfully navigated these dynamics. For example, one principle from my work in high-stakes environments was learning how respect and clear boundaries help create a positive yet disciplined workplace. This idea is echoed by many successful leaders who push their teams hard but always ensure they feel supported and valued. The truth is, leadership isn't about being liked or feared—it's about creating an environment where people can thrive, knowing they are both appreciated and accountable.

Welcome to The Spinoso Podcast hosted by CEO, doctor, comic book geek, and car guy, Alex Spinoso. I help people and companies grow - especially in the medical business. While my experience and expertise is in scaling all types of medical businesses to 7, 8, 9-figures or more, I can be a mentor to anyone who wants to take ownership of their lives, become a better leader at home and at work, and overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:25) - Balancing Fear and Love in Leadership

(5:00) - Respect as the Foundation of Leadership

(8:30) - Setting Boundaries and Core Values

(15:30) - Handling Negative Employees and Maintaining Culture

(28:50) - The Role of Compassion in Leadership

(30:40) - Building a Culture of Innovation and Failure

(37:40) - Balancing Tough Love and Support

(45:10) - The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

(49:20) - Building Rapport Without Losing Authority

(54:00) - Conclusion

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