In part two, Derek and Dr. Dale Hoffel unpack the whirlwind from deal collapse to dream fit—how walking away from a tight, risky acquisition led to a Laguna Beach practice that aligned with her life vision. Dale shares the inside story: a last-minute listing, a 48-hour offer, and launching into ownership with three ops (quickly four), paper-to-digital conversion, and a summer of broken equipment, staff gaps, and nonstop “first impressions.”

What follows is Dale’s leadership playbook in real time—setting clear patient standards (yes to X-rays, no to “pedicure cleanings”), running on-time through better hygiene workflows, blocking admin and team-meeting time, and distinguishing why she’s a dentist (care and comfort) from why she’s an owner (freedom to be present with her family). She talks hiring for attitude, creating redundancy, inviting staff goals into the practice plan, and finding the line between pushing and listening.

You’ll hear:

How trusting her gut (and the numbers) turned a hard “no” into the right “yes”

Converting chaos into systems: 4th op buildout, digital X-rays, and on-time hygiene

Patient standards without apology—and with kindness

The “why dentist” vs. “why owner” talk that aligned her team

Practical tactics for retention: flexible schedules, goal-setting, and cross-training

A candid, tactical look at early ownership—and how to build a practice that serves the life you actually want.

Reach out to Dale at [email protected] 

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In this episode, Derek sits down with Dr. Dale Hoffel of Laguna Beach, California, to unpack her remarkable and vulnerable path to ownership.

From battling severe depression and personal trauma to rediscovering purpose and chasing a long-lost dream, Dale’s story is one of courage, self-awareness, and transformation. She opens up about the years she thought dentistry was behind her, how therapy and honest self-reflection changed everything, and what ultimately reignited her drive to lead and create the life she wanted.

This conversation is an honest look at what it takes to rebuild — mentally, emotionally, and professionally — and why being authentic can be the greatest advantage in life and leadership.

Highlights include:

Facing and overcoming mental health struggles in college

The turning point that led her back to dental school

Learning to stop hiding and start sharing her story

Building confidence through vulnerability

Reconnecting with her “why” and choosing ownership with purpose.

Reach out to Dale at [email protected]

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In this episode, Matt continues his conversation with attorney Vince Nardone on the legal mistakes dentists make around practice acquisitions.

Building on Part 1, they expand the discussion and continue breaking down areas where dentists get themselves into trouble, often without realizing it until much later. Vince shares additional examples and insight that apply whether you're preparing to buy a practice or already own one and want to avoid costly legal surprises.

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In this episode, Matt sits down with attorney Vince Nardone, a legal expert who has handled countless dental practice acquisitions.

They break down the most common mistakes dentists make when buying a practice and why many of these errors don’t surface until it’s too late. Vince shares real-world scenarios and key red flags to watch out for, whether you’re currently looking to buy a practice or already own one and want to avoid hidden legal and financial traps.

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Derek interviews Steve about how he and his family moved to Europe and lived out of backpacks.

They discuss the planning the trip, and what traveling in Europe looks like.

They talk about prioritizing experiences and  acting with urgency on your dreams.

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In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Steve Van de Graaff interviews Dr. Derek Williams about what life was really like after selling his practice and hitting the road full-time with his family. Derek shares the fears, logistics, and challenges of RV life with five kids, along with the deep rewards—stronger family relationships, personal growth, and a new perspective on freedom. They discuss what it feels like to step away from clinical dentistry, how to find fulfillment after financial independence, and why chasing growth may be the ultimate goal.

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In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Derek Williams and Dr. Steve Van de Graaff open up about the vision, planning, and mindset that allowed them to sell their practices and take extended time away with their families.

They share the early influences that shaped their career goals, the numbers and strategies that made financial independence possible, and the emotional challenge of actually pulling the trigger.

Whether you dream of early financial freedom or simply want more balance, this conversation offers insights on building a practice that supports your ideal lifestyle—both now and in the future.

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In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Derek Williams breaks down exactly how he sold his dental practice without a broker—what he did, why he did it, and what he’d change.

Derek covers building a bank-ready prospectus (financials, KPIs, payer mix), where and how he marketed the listing (FB groups, classifieds, ADA Marketplace), keeping anonymity (NDAs, separate email), and running negotiations when you’re representing yourself.

He also compares private-dentist buyers vs. DSOs, talks timing (why not being in a rush matters), transition terms, real estate flexibility, and the role of a flat-fee attorney.

Whether you’re considering a DIY sale or debating a broker, you’ll leave with a clear framework and practical next steps.

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In this episode, Matt shows you how to cut through the dental jargon and focus on what patients really care about. Stop talking about teeth and start connecting with the human in front of you... their wants, desires, and problems. When you do, both your practice and your fulfillment will skyrocket.

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Stop complaining about your team and start teaching them.  Steve shares solid lessons to help you create a team that makes your life easier, not harder.

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