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

Welcome to this episode of the Private Practice Playbook with Jay Geier. Today, we dive into the remarkable journey of Dr. Todd Sala, a dentist whose story spans four generations and over a century of family practice. From buying into his father’s practice and continuing to build alongside his family to expanding from a modest eight-operatory clinic to a bustling 34-chair practice, Dr. Todd Sala reveals the lessons he learned along the way. We’ll hear about the challenges of earning patient trust, embracing mentorship (even when it’s hard to hear), managing finances and capital expenditures, and, perhaps most importantly, learning to delegate and become a true leader. Dr. Todd Sala opens up about balancing business growth with personal life, coaching others in the field, and the mindset shifts that unlock true potential. If you’re seeking not just growth, but lasting impact in private practice, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Timestamps:

00:00 Todd's professional journey and insights

04:22 Discussing their close friendship

08:32 Decision to retire after vacation

12:22 Discussing business growth challenges

15:39 Understanding capex in business growth

19:08 Paying off the building

20:09 Expanding dental practice team

24:31 Balancing work and family life

27:06 Understanding others' perspectives on business

31:42 Preparing for leadership transition

32:48 Reflecting on early struggles

36:54 Reflecting on personal growth process

40:55 Building a dental clinic abroad

45:16 Turning point: focusing on others

47:30 Discussing time and money freedom

50:34 Thinking about saving money

54:09 Haggling story at Sam's Club

55:49 Discussing client ranking and feedback

58:57 Discussing the company's operational strategies

In this episode, Jay talks with Dr. Steven Pilipovich about building a practice with long-term vision and intentional leadership. From solo practitioner to multi-practice owner, Dr. Pilipovich shares what it takes to grow sustainably, invest in people, and create a practice designed to last.