Welcome back to the Private Practice Playbook podcast! In today's episode, host Jay Geier sits down with power couple Dr. Mary John Lalor and Dr. Robert Lalor, who share the remarkable journey of building their thriving dental practice from humble beginnings in small-town New York. With a candid look at their personal and professional partnership, Dr. Mary John Lalor and Dr. Robert Lalor reveal the behind-the-scenes strategies that fueled their growth from a single family practice to a multi-location operation with over 40 doctors and 350 team members.

Together, they reflect on lessons learned from taking risks, staying financially disciplined, and placing patients and team culture at the forefront. You'll hear how their complementary skills shaped their approach to leadership, how they navigated the challenges of expansion, and why a commitment to lifelong coaching and peer collaboration became a cornerstone of their success. Whether you're leading a practice, working with your spouse, or just looking for inspiration in your own professional journey, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, humor, and a reminder to enjoy the ride — no matter where it takes you.

Timestamps:

00:00 Longtime friendship and growth journey

07:42 Navigating challenges in marriage

10:42 Choosing locations in smaller markets

20:31 Healthy competition in education

22:18 Investing and taking calculated risks

30:10 Building the perfect team

31:56 Importance of a great team

41:24 Benefits of having a coach

46:58 Encouraging change in organizations

50:45 AI and the future of dentistry

56:13 Balancing business and personal life

01:00:13 Creating lasting family memories