Most optometrists think growth comes from better marketing or more patients—but the real advantage often starts somewhere much less obvious: your team and your culture.
In this episode of 20/20 Money, Dr. Kurt Steele joins me back on the show to discuss the leadership philosophy and operational frameworks that helped him build a thriving multi-million-dollar optometry practice while developing future leaders inside the organization.
The conversation explores why the strongest practices aren't simply focused on production or patient volume, but instead invest heavily in building engaged teams, creating ownership opportunities, and designing a culture where people feel personally invested in the success of the practice.
We also talk about the realities of practice ownership today—from the growing influence of private equity to the decline of independent ownership in healthcare—and why developing future partners inside your practice can be one of the most powerful ways to preserve independence.
Along the way, Kurt shares practical frameworks that practice owners can implement immediately, including how to track meaningful practice KPIs and how to implement operational improvements using a 7-30-90 strategic plan.
Whether you're early in your ownership journey or beginning to think about the long-term transition of your practice, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at what it really takes to build a practice designed to grow, endure, and eventually pass on.
Resources:
Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit
20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass
Check out Adam's new book: How to Buy an Optometry Practice
Check out Dr Kurt Steele's website here
Purchase a copy of Dr. Steele's book, "We're Not Selling, We're Winning: The Simple Blueprint That Grew Our Practice from $280K to $4M" on Amazon