For The Record

In this milestone 100th episode, we welcome the incomparable Dr. George Baxter-Holder, VP of Talent Development at SkinSpirit and one of aesthetics' most influential voices. Known for his signature bowties and infectious energy, Dr. George is more than just a celebrated industry leader - he's a recipient of multiple industry awards, an ISPAN fellow, Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist, accomplished author, and mentor to countless professionals in the field. Throughout this special episode, he shares his wisdom and signature magic on topics ranging from personal growth to industry evolution. Our Favorite Episode Highlights: • George's inspiring path from his early career challenges to becoming a sought-after trainer and thought leader • The evolution of SkinSpirit from a single location to 50 clinics nationwide and how culture and talent development have played a critical role • Crucial insights on maintaining quality and safety standards across a rapidly growing aesthetics organization • Candid discussion about industry challenges, including the "master injector" trend and the need for standardized credentials • The importance of authentic leadership and staying true to yourself while scaling your influence • Vision for the future of medical aesthetics and the role of proper training and education Dr. George's story serves as both inspiration and blueprint for success in the field, demonstrating how passion, persistence, and authenticity can shape a remarkable career. As he reflects on SkinSpirit's growth from a single location to more than 50 clinics nationwide, Dr. George offers invaluable insights into how maintaining strong culture and talent standards has been crucial to their success. One of the most compelling aspects of our discussion centers on the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine. Dr. George addresses head-on some of the industry's most pressing challenges, including the controversial "master injector" trend and the critical need for standardized credentials. The episode delves deep into what it means to be an "intrapreneur" in aesthetics - a path that Dr. George advocates as a powerful alternative to private practice ownership. He makes a compelling case for how professionals can build influential, successful careers within larger organizations while maintaining their artistic autonomy and personal brand. A significant portion of our conversation focuses on the critical role of quality and safety standards in scaling aesthetic practices. Dr. George shares practical insights into recruitment, emphasizing the importance of finding providers who are both humble and hungry. He outlines how robust onboarding processes, clear policies, and regular monitoring systems work together to maintain consistent quality across multiple locations. Looking to the future, Dr. George shares his vision for the evolution of medical aesthetics. As the aesthetics industry continues to mature, Dr. George emphasizes the need for standardized training, proper credentialing, and maintaining the highest safety standards. His vision for the future includes creating more structured pathways for new practitioners while preserving the artistry and innovation that makes this field unique. This episode serves not only as a celebration of 100 episodes but as a masterclass in leadership, growth, and maintaining excellence in aesthetic medicine. Learn more about Dr. George: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gorgeous_bygeorge/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-baxter-holder-697939a4/ SkinSpirit: https://www.skinspirit.com/

In this episode of For The Record, we dive deep into the world of aesthetic practice management with industry veteran, author, speaker and podcast host, Danielle Cobo. Drawing from her extensive experience at major aesthetic companies and her current role as a consultant, Danielle shares game-changing insights on turning vendor relationships into powerful business partnerships and building teams that drive practice success. The Secret Weapon in Your Practice: Your Sales Rep Remember that sales representative who stops by your practice? They're not just there to sell products – they're potentially your most valuable business consultant. Danielle reveals how these professionals have their fingers on the pulse of what's working across hundreds of practices nationwide. From million-dollar patient events to innovative marketing strategies, your sales rep has seen it all and can bring these insights directly to your practice. But here's the real game-changer: about 90% of a sales rep's job should be helping you sell through inventory, not just selling to you. That means they're invested in your success and can be a powerful ally in growing your practice. As they come back from their National Sales Meetings in Q1, be ready to ask them to share the best practices they've heard from their colleagues and how to bring those ideas to your practice. Building Trust and Managing Challenges One of the most valuable frameworks Danielle shared is the LAER approach to patient communications: - Listen to concerns - Acknowledge feelings - Explore solutions - Respond with a plan This approach isn't just for patient interactions – it's a powerful tool for all challenging conversations in your practice. Danielle emphasizes that some of her most loyal customers started as her most frustrated ones, highlighting how proper problem-solving can transform relationships. The Art of Smart Inventory If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of products available in aesthetics, you're not alone. Danielle tackles the common misconception that practices need to carry everything. Instead, she advocates for strategic partnerships with key vendors, explaining how this approach not only simplifies inventory management but can lead to better economics and stronger vendor support. Building Your Dream Team Perhaps most importantly, Danielle shares her expertise on building high-performing teams. Her key insight? Hire for character, train for skill. She emphasizes the importance of cultural fit and suggests using tools like DISC assessments to build well-rounded teams. The right team member might not be the most experienced, but they should align with your practice's core values and culture. Next Steps Want to implement these strategies in your practice? Start by scheduling a strategic planning session with your key vendor partners and use the frameworks discussed in this episode to maximize these relationships Ready to Transform Your Practice? Connect with Danielle: Website: daniellecobo.com LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellecobo/⁠⁠ Danielle's Book: ⁠⁠Unstoppable Grit: Break Through 7 Roadblocks Standing Between You and Achieving Your Goals⁠⁠

In this week's episode of For The Record, we're continuing our deep dive into the world of medical aesthetics mergers and acquisitions with Josh Swearingen from Tusk Practice Sales. If you've ever wondered about the nuts and bolts of buying or selling a med spa, this episode is your golden ticket to understanding the process. If you haven't listened to Part I with Josh's colleague, Elizabeth Macready, head on over to Episode 97! Meet Our Expert Josh brings a unique perspective to the table - he's not just another M&A guy- he's been on the sell side, too! With 20 years of healthcare experience under his belt, including owning his own med spa and managing multiple DSOs, he's been in the trenches and knows firsthand what it takes to make a successful exit. Currently serving as the Director of M&A at Tusk Practice Sales, Josh shares insights that only come from having experienced an M&A transaction from every angle. The State of the Market: It's Getting Hot in Here Josh takes us through the numbers, and it's no surprise to any of us, the med spa industry is on fire right now. Think opening multiple locations is your ticket to a bigger exit? Think again. Josh dropped some truth bombs about the reality of scaling: • Multiple locations don't automatically mean higher EBITDA • Every headache in your first location gets multiplied in your second • You need a whole new layer of management • Your original location's profits might need to float the new one for a while Josh's tip: If you're planning to exit in 3-5 years, opening new locations might actually hurt your valuation. Focus on maximizing what you've got inside your current four walls instead. What Buyers Really Want (Hint: It's Not Just About Revenue) The magic number? $500,000 EBITDA. That's your ticket to attracting serious buyers. But here's what's fascinating - it's not just about the numbers. Buyers are looking at: • How dependent the practice is on you (key-person risk is a real deal-breaker) • Your operational systems and SOPs (or lack thereof) • Revenue diversification (not just living off Botox and filler) • Compliance and risk management (those wild west days are numbered) The Timeline Nobody Tells You About As Elizabeth mentioned and Josh echoed, selling your practice isn't an event, and it's typical not very fast. According to Josh, the typical timeline looks more like: • 3 months for valuation and market materials • 3 months in the market • 3 months for closing That's 9-12 months total, and that's after you've spent years preparing your practice for sale. If you're thinking about exiting in five years, you should have started planning yesterday, or at least start today! The Future of Med Spas: What's Coming Down the Pike Josh shared some fascinating predictions about where the industry is headed: • Expect accelerated consolidation over the next 10-15 years • Regulatory changes are coming (especially as private equity groups cross state lines) • The gap between large groups and private practices will widen • Being a solo practitioner is going to get harder The Franchise Factor One of the most interesting discussions centered around the rise of med spa franchises. While they offer an easier entry point for new owners, there are some serious considerations: • Brand dilution risks • Exit limitations • Potential for corporate takeovers • The impact on the broader industry Key Takeaways for Practice Owners 1. Start planning your exit strategy NOW, even if it's years away 2. Document everything - those SOPs are worth their weight in gold 3. Focus on building a business that can run without you 4. Get professional help - this isn't the time to DIY 5. Think twice before expanding just for the sake of growth Want to Learn More? Learn more about Tusk at www.TuskPracticeSales.com Follow Josh on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaswearingen/

In this episode of For The Record, we sit down with Elizabeth Macready, Director of Special Markets at Tusk Practice Sales, to discuss the evolving landscape of private equity investment and practice sales in the medical aesthetics industry. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare M&A, particularly in the dental sector, Elizabeth brings valuable insights and years of personal experience on how medical aesthetics practices can prepare for and navigate potential acquisitions. We kick it off with Elizabeth outlining the current state of Medical Aesthetics M&A which is not surprising but a reminder that this industry is growing rapidly with very little signs of slowing. We also talk through how to objectively look at your practice and understand its potential market value in an M&A transaction. She shares the key metrics to consider and an overview of the entire deal process: • EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) is the crucial metric for valuation • Practice revenue of $3 million+ typically positions a practice well for competitive bidding • Multipliers and deal structures vary, but the underlying EBITDA calculation is critical • Buyers may manipulate EBITDA calculations to offset higher multiple offers While it may seem scary to some, there are a host of major benefits that come along with an exit! We discuss what it can mean for you as an owner, for your team, and for your patients' experience long-term when you move forward with an acquisition: • Increased buying power for products and supplies • Access to better vendor relationships and negotiations • Enhanced ability to attract and retain talent through career growth opportunities • Operational support and resources for scaling • Potential for "second bite of the apple" through future liquidity events As you listen to Elizabeth talk about the ins and outs of an M&A deal, it's abundantly clear that you have to have a middleman, a broker, to help navigate the process for you and get you the highest price for your practice. At Tusk, Elizabeth is a trusted guide helping Med Spa owners connect to the right sellers that align to the mission, vision and values of the practice, structure a deal that is favorable to both parties as this is not an event but a long term partnership where everyone needs to win, and in many cases, act as a confidante and counselor throughout the many emotional up and downs that come with this process. Elizabeth recommends a few key things as you begin down the M&A path and start thinking about your next steps. We cover her hit list which includes starting early which may be well before you intent to sell; build a strong team that provides exceptional patient outcomes and experiences as this is where you create your value; find the right team of advisors to help you with financial decisions along the way, and always keep a close eye on your numbers! We wrap it up with a look into the future of M&A and Elizabeth's predictions for the next 5 years: • Continued consolidation across medical aesthetics • Integration with other healthcare verticals (dermatology, plastic surgery) • Increasing importance of scale for competitive advantage • Evolution toward multi-specialty practices and comprehensive care models Elizabeth's team at Tusk Practice Sales offer various resources for practice owners considering their exit options, including educational content, podcasts, and one-on-one consultations. They emphasize the importance of proper timing, preparation, and partnership alignment in achieving optimal outcomes for practice sales. If you are eager to get started and connect with Elizabeth: Reach out via Tusk's website: https://tuskpracticesales.com/ & checkout all their free resources! Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-macready-b38b9a248/ Reach Out via email at Elizabeth@TuskPracticeSales.com

This week we welcome power couple and dynamic duo, Jessica Harper, RN and Ken Harper, the innovative forces behind DrippyNurseJess Med Boutique in Gilroy, California. Their remarkable journey from pandemic-induced burnout to med spa success is a testament to how authenticity, a strategic vision, and unwavering partnership can transform a desire for change into a thriving aesthetic practice. At the height of the pandemic, Jessica found herself at a crossroads. As the Plastic Surgery Services Lead at Kaiser in Silicon Valley—ground zero for early COVID-19 cases—burnout led her to explore alternative paths in healthcare. What began as a venture into mobile IV therapy quickly evolved into something much bigger, thanks to the entrepreneurial vision she shared with her husband Ken, a seasoned digital marketing expert. Together, they have gone all in on their shared goal to create a thriving business and lasting legacy in Gilroy. Ken flexed his marketing muscle early on with the brand DrippyNurseJess, a bold departure and memorable moniker for her new IV practice! Ken's brand-building expertise shaped this distinctive identity with intention: "We're not going to sell IV therapy," he explained. "We're going to sell your story and build a brand." And as she's branched into injectables, Jessica's DNJ brand is thriving! Jessica's own experiences with dramatic weight loss and self-proclaimed imposter syndrome fuel her mission to create an environment that is accessible to all and a place that every client can feel like they belong. Several fundamental principles drive their growing practice: Authentic Patient Connections: Drawing from Jessica's surgical background to create meaningful relationships Strategic Industry Presence: Regular conference attendance and relationship building with key opinion leaders Team Synergy: Clear role division between clinical expertise and business strategy Inclusive Environment: Creating a welcoming space for all clients, regardless of experience with aesthetics Forward-Thinking Approach: Staying ahead of industry regulations and changes including Jessica's pursuit of her BSN to NP! The Harper's also shared several practical insights for aspiring med spa owners who are trying to build their clinical expertise while also building their business: Invest time in building genuine industry relationships. You will need them as you continue on your journey. Maintain authenticity in both branding and patient care. Balance clinical excellence with sound business practices - find a partner who can help if you don't have both skills. Create an environment where clients feel welcome & deliver great results. If you do, word of mouth will grow your practice by leaps and bounds! The Harpers exemplify how combining clinical expertise with marketing savvy creates a formula for success. Their story reminds us that with the right partner, you can take on the world and win! Connect with Jessica, Ken & DrippyNurseJess Jessica: @drippynursejess Ken: @kenharpersocialmedia Website: drippynursejess.com

In this special Thanksgiving edition of For The Record, we're giving thanks for the transformative power of smart marketing—and for our guest, Sarah Denham, Director of LeadAR. As LeadAR celebrates its one-year anniversary, Sarah shares invaluable insights on how practices can revolutionize their approach to lead management and Patient relationships with the help of a powerful CRM. Why This Episode Matters Sarah and host Dr. Tiphany Hall dive deep into why managing existing leads is more crucial than generating new ones. As Sarah emphasizes: "If you're not managing your leads, you're not growing." This conversation offers a blueprint for turning existing inquiries into lifelong Patients—and marketing dollars into exponential growth. Key Insights & Strategies: 1. The Truth About Lead Generation Why generating new leads isn't always the answer How to leverage your existing Patient database effectively Converting interest into action through smart automation Why speed-to-lead is crucial for conversion success 2. Smart Communication Strategy Open rates with SMS vs. Email Creating non-transactional Patient touchpoints Building trust through consistent, personalized communication Using AI to maintain 24/7 Patient engagement 3. Automation That Builds Trust Post-treatment follow-up workflows Educational content delivery systems Treatment journey mapping and Patient scoring Converting single-service clients into comprehensive care Patients 4. Team Management & Accountability Tracking performance through CRM metrics Managing team communications effectively Protecting Patient information during staff transitions Creating efficient task management systems 5. AI Integration & Innovation Automated response systems for common inquiries Review management across platforms Chat widgets for instant Patient engagement Balancing automation with personal touch The Bottom Line Whether you're running a solo practice or managing multiple locations, this episode provides a roadmap for transforming your marketing approach. By focusing on lead management rather than lead generation, practices can build stronger Patient relationships, improve conversion rates, and maximize their marketing ROI. Use code FORTHERECORD through 12/2/2024 to save 100% on LeadAR's setup fee! Learn more at www.myLeadAR.com or on Instagram at @AestheticRecord. Follow Sarah on IG at @Sarah_Denham

In this transformative episode of For The Record, Tiphany sits down with Dr. Christopher Rex, a trailblazing, double-board certified dermatologist and CEO of Peak Dermatology. He's the son of Nigerian immigrants who left the US and returned to Nigeria throughout his childhood, but college brought him back stateside. He pursued Dermatology as a specialty and began his career serving the underserved. Fast forward a few years, and he's transformed into a visionary leader who is redefining patient care with a thoughtful blend of dermatology, plastic surgery, medical aesthetics and functional medicine. Episode Highlights: • A Global Perspective: Dr. Rex's inspiring journey, from growing up in Nigeria to pioneering a multidisciplinary approach to dermatology and aesthetics. • A New Model of Care: How Peak Dermatology combines medical dermatology, aesthetic treatments, wellness services, and surgical care—all under one roof. • Bridging Gaps in Healthcare: Dr. Rex's mission to expand dermatology access to underserved communities and his unique partnerships to deliver care across Arizona and California. • Money with Meaning: A refreshing take on cultivating a “healthy relationship with money” in the business of healthcare, emphasizing collaboration over competition. • Skin Cancer Education: A masterclass on the ABCDEs of melanoma and the critical importance of early detection and routine skin checks. • Revolutionary Treatments: Insights into cutting-edge innovations like superficial radiation therapy (SRT) for non-melanoma skin cancers and radiofrequency liposuction for body contouring. • Growth with Integrity: Lessons on scaling a practice while preserving quality care, team satisfaction, and patient trust. Some of our favorite takeaways include: 1. The Future is Integrated: Comprehensive care centers that combine medical, aesthetic, and wellness services are reshaping the patient experience. 2. Collaboration is Key: Creating partnerships between specialties can improve patient outcomes and redefine the business model of modern healthcare. 3. Preventative Care Matters: Medical spas and aesthetic clinics should integrate basic skin cancer education to better serve their patients. 4. Success Through Vision: Building a thriving practice depends on fostering a culture of shared goals, continuous learning, and mutual respect among team members. Dr. Rex's story is one of breaking barriers and rethinking what a dermatology practice can achieve. With Peak Dermatology, he's not just building a business—he's pioneering a movement toward more inclusive, patient-centered healthcare. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for inspiration to shake things up and dare to be different. Learn more about Dr. Rex & Peak Dermatology Web: https://peakdermcare.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/peakdermatology/

In this episode of For The Record, we sit down with Victoria Boyle, LE, an expert straddling both the clinical and content creation worlds. As the owner of Skin by You in Arizona, Victoria has mastered the delicate balance of treating Patients three days a week while building a powerful digital presence as a content creator with a popular Patreon channel, an engaging social media platform, and as an influencer for major brands like HydraFacial. With seven years of aesthetic experience and two years as a Practice owner, Victoria brings invaluable insights into managing the modern demands of an aesthetic Practice. She shares her journey from starting at Massage Envy to becoming a sought-after content creator and successful Practice owner, offering a blueprint for others looking to follow in her footsteps. Outside of her role in the treatment room, her passion is branding, photography and videography. She's investing ample time in producing high-quality content that resonates with her audience, and it's moving the needle in a big way. At only 2 years in, she's already a power player in her local market with a large following & strong Patient retention. Some of the highlights we cover during E93 include: • Strategic content creation without compromising Patient care • The power of dedicated content days and efficient video production • Building an authentic online presence while maintaining professional boundaries • Advanced tools and techniques for professional content creation, including teleprompter tips • Creating a seamless experience from social media to in-clinic visits • The importance of empowering Patients to advocate for themselves Victoria's approach to Patient care stands out with her signature "experience-focused" treatment style. She emphasizes the importance of: • Building genuine connections before treatments begin • Setting clear expectations and encouraging open communication • Creating a comfortable environment for honest feedback • Over-explaining procedures to ensure Patient comfort and understanding • Maintaining professionalism while sharing select aspects of personal life For Practitioners looking to enhance their content creation skills while running a successful Practice, Victoria offers comprehensive training through her Patreon community Optimize Esthetics, where she shares monthly videos on growing your aesthetic business. What can you expect from her Patreon if you join? • Video apps for professional video creation & editing • Content batching strategies • Upwork and Fiverr for outsourcing • AI tools for content optimization Connect with Victoria for more insights into building a last brand, creating top tier content & elevating your in-Practice experience: • Instagram: @skinbyyouaz • Patreon: Optimize Esthetics Whether you're just starting your aesthetic Practice or looking to expand your digital presence, this episode is a survival guide for how to slay The Double Life and crush it in the clinic and with your content!

In this episode of For The Record, we're joined by Mary Robb, CEO and Founder of Social Practice, to delve into the art and science of social media marketing in the always competitive, ever-evolving aesthetics industry. She started her career in traditional marketing prior to launching Social Practice in 2019, but she saw the writing on the wall- digital marketing, specifically social, was the key ingredient to building a strong brand. This episode is a power hour full of SO many insightful tips and proven tactics to turn your social media efforts into business growth, but some of our favorite highlights include: The Power of Storytelling Mary believes that social media is fundamentally about storytelling—sharing your passion, expertise, and how you serve your patients. For aesthetic practices, social media has become essential for patient education, community building, and practice growth. But the challenge lies in balancing genuine content with strategic business objectives. Crafting a Content Strategy Mary advocates for a structured content strategy that keeps teams aligned and engaged. From content batching for efficiency to defining clear roles and KPIs for staff participation, she emphasizes the importance of making social media a team effort rather than relying on sporadic posts or trendy content alone (and a team of experts when it's all too overwhelming!) Engaging Patient Content One of Mary's standout insights is her approach to creating patient content, like before-and-after photos and testimonials. She shares practical strategies for obtaining consent and suggests hosting “social media days” with incentives for patients who are willing to share their stories. This approach not only generates authentic content but also fosters a closer community around the practice. Most importantly, it gives Patients the content they really want- information about procedures, outcomes, and what to expect! Key Content Pillars for Success Mary recommends organizing content around four primary pillars: 1. Educational Content - Highlight expertise and share treatment insights. 2. Patient Outcomes - Showcase real results through testimonials and procedural content. 3. Culture Content - Provide a glimpse behind the scenes, spotlighting team members and practice values. 4. Sales/Promotional Content - Promote special offers, memberships, and limited-time deals. In Mary's experience, balancing these pillars helps practices maintain engagement while driving conversions, blending authenticity with strategic goals. Tools to Streamline Social Media Mary introduces tools like Splice for video editing, Sprout Social for content scheduling, and ChatGPT for content ideation, making social media management more feasible for busy practices. Building Community and Authentic Connections Mary stresses the importance of engagement beyond just posting. She discusses collaborating with local businesses and micro-influencers, highlighting that authentic connections often yield better results than traditional ads. Transforming your online presence into real patient appointments is the ultimate goal, so be stay on top of what is driving results and do more of that! This podcast is GREAT for those of us struggling with the daily grind of social media- What to post? What to write? What trends to follow? And on and on… and if or when it all becomes too much, connect with an expert like Mary and her team at Social Practice to help you get the results you need to turn your Posts into Profits! Connect with Mary: • Instagram: @maryelizabethrobb & @socialpracticeus • Website: https://social-practicetx.com/ • Podcast: The Aesthetic Edit Looking to elevate your practice's social media presence? Social Practice offers free social media audits and discovery calls to help assess your strategy and identify growth opportunities.

In this episode of For The Record, we sit down with Chad Van Horn, PA-C, better known as "Needle Daddy," a Physician Associate based in Fort Lauderdale and owner of Icon Aesthetics and Wellness. Over the last 8 years, Chad has authentically created his unique brand to combine his larger-than-life personality with his artistic eye and exceptional clinical skills. His Needle Daddy persona spills over to his practice, Icon Aesthetics, and has helped it to rapidly grow with a big expansion on the way! How does he do it? Chad's journey to aesthetics wasn't a straight path - following the 2007-2008 housing crash, he made the bold decision to transition from flooring sales to medicine. Initially pursuing PA school with dreams of orthopedics, he found his way into aesthetics through a small IV clinic where he demonstrated his natural talent for both patient care and business growth, scaling the practice from $15-25K to 10x that amount in just three years. Today, as the founder of his own practice, Icon Aesthetics, Chad has crafted a unique approach that sets him apart in the competitive South Florida market. His practice maintains a 75/25 split between aesthetics and hormone/weight loss services, with an unwavering focus on quality over quantity. Unlike many in the industry, he's built his business without external funding or loans, forcing a strategic approach to growth and vendor partnerships. He's got to be smart with his money- constantly watching his COGS, his profitability, and his cost to bring in and retain patients. Throughout this episode, Chad shares several priceless insights: 1. The Power of Authenticity: As a self-described "card-carrying metrosexual," Chad encourages practitioners to double down on their personality quirks rather than trying to fit a conventional mold. 2. Patient Care Philosophy: His approach emphasizes genuine connections and honest conversations, even if it means recommending a plastic surgeon over injectables when appropriate. 3. Business Strategy: Operating from salon suites with plans to expand to a 1,500 sq ft facility, Chad discusses the importance of selective partnerships and strategic inventory management. 4. Industry Evolution: He shares his perspective on emerging trends, from regenerative aesthetics to the integration of wellness services, while advocating for more standardized practices and research in the field. We dive deep into the challenges of scaling an aesthetics practice while maintaining quality and authenticity. Chad's insights on everything from patient relationships to vendor management offer valuable lessons for practitioners at all stages. His commitment to being "nothing if not a good time" while delivering excellent clinical results demonstrates that success in aesthetics doesn't require conforming to industry stereotypes. As he prepares to expand into a larger facility featuring four treatment rooms and a stunning lobby, Chad remains focused on building a practice that reflects his unique brand. His vision includes expanding into the intersection of aesthetics and functional medicine, highlighting the growing convergence of these fields. Whether you're a new practitioner trying to find your voice in the industry or an established provider looking to maintain authenticity while scaling, Chad's journey offers valuable insights into building a successful practice without compromising your values or personality. Connect with Chad: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/needle_daddy/ Icon Aesthetics and Wellness: https://www.instagram.com/icon_wellness/

In this episode of For The Record, Jessica Hunter, CEO & Founder of Hunter Consulting, is in the hot seat to share her proven strategies to drive success in medical aesthetics practices. With over a decade of industry experience, starting with Allergan as a consultant before going at it alone, she's worked with Practices who have yet to open, those with 8 figures in annual revenue, and everything in between. While her approach is rooted in the data and the metrics, she definitely brings in the bigger picture- the mission, vision, values and heart of the Practice. Jessica provides a wealth of actionable insights, guiding you through nearly every aspect of Practice management, but some of our favorites include: Mastering Financial Management: Learn how to track and optimize key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve profitability and ensure sustainable growth. Building a High-Performance Team: Discover effective strategies for hiring, compensating, and managing staff to create a motivated and productive workforce. Crafting a Distinct Brand Identity: Jessica shares the importance of defining your practice's “why” and how it influences every aspect of your brand and patient experience. Lead Generation & Conversion: From targeted marketing to personalized follow-up, uncover how to attract the right patients and turn inquiries into loyal clients. Maximizing Patient Retention: Explore loyalty programs and retention strategies that build long-term relationships and keep patients coming back. Jessica also highlights the importance of aligning your business decisions with your core values, ensuring that every step you take as a Practice Owner is purpose-driven. From leveraging automation in patient communication to creating compelling content that resonates, Jessica offers practical, hands-on advice that is relevant at every stage. Whether you're launching a new practice or scaling an established one, this episode is packed with expert tips to help you lead with confidence and build a thriving, profitable business in the competitive medical aesthetics space. Key Takeaways: Data-Driven Success: How to use financial data to drive strategic growth. Fair Compensation: Balancing staff performance with competitive pay structures. Automation & Patient Experience: Using technology to streamline communication and enhance patient care. Educational Content: How to create valuable, engaging content that builds trust and keeps patients informed. Tune in for this comprehensive masterclass in med spa management and discover how to elevate your practice to the next level! Learn more about Jessica & Hunter Consulting Instagram: ⁠@hunterconsulting_ Website: ⁠hunterconsultingservice.com⁠

In Episode 89, we sit down with Nune Stepanyan, DNP, FNP-C, CEO, Founder & Aesthetic Injector at The Stepanyan Clinic in Encino, CA. Nune began her career in Critical Care, and while she made the jump to Aesthetics many years ago, her traditional medical roots run deep! While she's a rising star in the injectable world, she approaches her patients and her treatment philosophy with a clinical mindset; that means saying NO or referring out, spending more time on Patient education, and setting realistic expectations that may impact revenue today but result in a lot less headaches tomorrow! In addition to her role as a CEO and a full-time injector at TSC, she's also teaching and training others- a passion she found early on in academia. And she's really good at it! She's currently one of the headliners of the national Revanesse tour with Prollenium going city to city to share her techniques. She's leading cadaver labs, doing in-practice training and consulting, and she made her Aesthetic Next debut this year in multiple talks. In every lecture, it's clear that Nune is a truth teller. She's authentic and unafraid to call out the parts of the industry that seem to jeopardize patient safety or optimal outcomes. She's also a master content creator and has a passion for using her platform to authentically educate, inform and excite others about aesthetic procedures. Tune into her IG any day of the week, and you can find her spilling at least a little tea about the realities of the aesthetics industry! But she credits her candor and real-talk approach to creating trust with her patients and allowing them to feel confident in her ability to deliver great results. Some of Our Favorite Episode Highlights: • Industry Culture: How Nune navigated and transformed challenging industry dynamics and a “mean girl” experience into a platform for authenticity and inclusivity • Ethical Practice: The importance of saying "no" to inappropriate treatments, prioritizing patient well-being over profit, and erroring on the side of caution • Social Media and Aesthetics: Balancing online presence with clinical excellence in the digital age. You really can do both at the same time! • Safety First: Addressing the dangers of unlicensed procedures and DIY treatments and our obligation to keep bad actors out of our specialty • Personal Experience: How her decision to forgo injectables and choose surgery at 35 took her consults to the next level • Business Growth: Insights on expanding to a second clinic location while managing a busy schedule, the finances, and Instagram vs. Reality expectations • Continuous Learning: The value of ongoing education and conference attendance for experienced practitioners to stay innovative and connected in a rapidly evolving specialty • Patient Education: Creating transparent, informative content to build trust and expertise in the field but make it fun, trendy, and sometimes viral! Nune shares her own journey through imposter syndrome, weight issues, mean girls and more, and she's come through it all with her authentic self still intact and zero concern that she's changing who she is to fit anyone's narrative! Her commitment to ethics and patient safety are at the forefront as she navigates the complex world of medical aesthetics with grace, humor, and a dash of sass and brings us all along for the journey. This episode will inspire you and provide a healthy dose of truth moments whether you're an aspiring injector, established practitioner, and anyone finding their way in the evolving world of medical aesthetics. Tune in to hear Nune keep it real in an industry that can be anything but transparent. Warning: Side effects may include a few “hell yeah,” moments of shock, awe and pure entertainment, and a newfound respect for speaking the truth! Learn more about Nune and The Stepanyan Clinic: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestepanyanclinic/?hl=en Website: https://www.thestepanyanclinic.com/

In this episode of For The Record we dive into the dollars and cents of running a successful med spa, particularly managing finances effectively. We're joined by Nick Liguori, CPA, and Dan Simard, Director of Business Development from Liguori Accounting, a New Hampshire-based, full-service accounting firm that exclusively serves the Aesthetic industry. We explore many of the common pitfalls Practice owners must watch out for when starting their business- things like, Can I keep my own books and save money? Why am I working so hard but making no money? Do I wait until I can pay cash to buy a device? These questions and many, many more are top of mind for med spa owners, even when they've matured out of their early startup phase. That's where Liguori comes in! They discuss what it means to have a fractional CFO to not only help assess the data and be on call to make the important decisions, but also to NOT be on the payroll when their services aren't required. In addition, they speak to the differences in that role versus a CPA and a bookkeeper- a distinction that is critical when it comes to managing the day to day versus the long-term financial health and overall tax burden of the business. When do you outsource? When do you insource? What happens if you've been burned by a prior firm, and now you are scrambling to pick up the pieces? As a firm who specializes specifically in our industry, Nick & Dan have such a good handle on the challenges clients face throughout their entrepreneurial journey, and they offer some great tips and areas of opportunity for any owner making the decision to change up their financial management team. From bookkeeping and tax strategies to navigating revenue recognition and fractional CFO services, Nick and Dan share practical advice to help you grow your med spa business smartly and sustainably: Key Takeaways: 1. Why Outsourcing Accounting Matters – Learn the benefits of having an outsourced accounting team with industry-specific knowledge and how it helps med spa owners focus on what they do best. 2. Revenue Recognition & Cash Flow Planning – Understand the importance of accurately tracking sales, package liabilities, and the impact on your financials. 3. Navigating Common Med Spa Accounting Challenges – From keeping track of inventory to dealing with complex tax strategies, Nick and Dan break down how to simplify your med spa's financial management. 4. The Importance of Financial Forecasting – Discover why it's crucial to work with professionals who can provide insights on growth opportunities and potential financial risks. 5. Tips for Preparing for Tax Season – Proactive planning can help avoid surprises when tax time rolls around, and Liguori Accounting gives advice on how to stay ahead. 6. Avoid the DIY Trap – Why it's better to delegate accounting tasks to professionals and focus on running your practice efficiently. 7. Beware of Always Showing a Loss- When you need to take out a loan or show value in your business, be cautious of taking advantage of all the write-offs and showing little to no profit…..it may come back to bite you! Nick and Dan share common financial mistakes we all make when it comes to burning through cash, tightening the belt with expenses, and finding the right opportunities for growth. This episode is time well spent learning actionable tips on how to better manage cash flow, optimize tax planning with a fractional team, and understand your financials to ensure long-term profitability. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this episode will help you analyze how confident you feel in your existing accounting team, and what next steps may be if you are looking for a change! Reach out to Liguori Accounting; https://liguoricpa.com/ Connect with Dan for a Discovery Call: d.simard@liguoricpa.com Checkout Liguori on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liguoriaccounting/

In this week's episode of For the Record, we welcome Danielle Mathers, RN, CANS, Founder and Lead Trainer at The Luxe Room, a Colorado-based med spa group that secured the #1 spot on Inc Magazine's Fastest Growing Companies in the Rocky Mountain Region! Danielle shares the fascinating story of how she and her husband met in Rome, started their med spa journey in Australia, and eventually built a thriving business in the U.S. Danielle's path from traveling the world to becoming a dominant player in Colorado's aesthetic market is one of grit, growth, and great partnership. During the episode, Danielle discusses how she balances managing three busy practices with her husband, Brad, and how their complementary skill sets—Danielle's clinical and patient care expertise and Brad's operational and marketing savvy—have been key to their success. They share how their early days renting a room in a plastic surgeon's office and bootstrapping their business taught them the importance of refining processes, sticking to core values, and scaling at the right time. Danielle dives into the challenges of running a growing business, hiring and training new staff, and maintaining company culture across multiple locations. She also shares insights into the rigorous hiring process for both injectors and practice managers to ensure their team is a great fit for The Luxe Room's high standards. As a highly regarded Galderma trainer and frequent speaker at aesthetic conferences, including Aesthetic Next, Danielle discusses how she balances her passion for teaching and educating other injectors with the demands of running a med spa. She explains how staying involved in the training community keeps her skills sharp and opens doors for ongoing growth in the ever-evolving aesthetics industry. Danielle shares so many insights about what it takes to go from a single room to a multi-location, profitable collection of Practices, but it really comes down to business culture, the importance of building a strong team, and knowing when to take calculated risks for future growth. She and Brad were new to the US when she started her Aesthetic journey, which means no credit for a big loan, no professional network to rely on, and no patients! But they did it- they built an [growing] empire from the ground up! Some of Her Key Takeaways: • The importance of starting small, refining processes, and growing at a sustainable pace. • How Danielle and Brad balance their professional and personal relationship while running a business. • The value of strong company culture and the no-gossip policy that keeps their team professional and supportive. • Insights into the rigorous hiring and training process at The Luxe Room to ensure the right fit for both patients and staff. • How staying involved in industry training and speaking engagements can elevate your skills and your business. If you are just starting out and wondering “how big should I go” or you're busting at the seams and ready to grow to the next level, this podcast is a perfect window into what it takes to scale! Learn more about Danielle: Danielle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/injector.danielle/ The Luxe Room: https://www.luxeroomcosmetic.com/ Inc Magazine Press Release: https://tinyurl.com/58puut89

In Episode 86, we sit down with Heather Zade, BSN, MSN, CRNP-BC, Founder & Medical Director at Adora Aesthetics, for a raw look at managing the controlled chaos, feeding an insatiable appetite for learning, and getting comfortable with taking risks. Heather shares her journey from her injecting friends & family out of her home to becoming a renowned injector, practice owner, and creator of her own trademarked lip technique. While we all know it's not easy to climb your way to the top of a competitive field, and Heather approaches obstacles with flexibility and an innate awareness of the risk / reward payoff. She's happy to admit that it's not always picture perfect- something so few rarely do- but it's her faith in herself and that things will work out as they should that has made this accidental CEO a bonafide business owner who has yet to take her foot off the gas. She's in a place so many find themselves- it's time to grow and scale, but how can we recreate the brand in a second location or scale without losing the details that make us who we are? For Heather, that's easy! She's intentionally built strong leaders who can fill the gaps when she's out with a sick child, speaking at an event somewhere in the country, or who can take the reins when a new location opens its doors. As she transitions into this next phase of growing her practice and Adora Academy, all while training on behalf of manufacturers, her signature lip technique is opening doors and firmly planting her flag among the innovators and thought leaders in the industry. She won't tell you it was luck or a stroke of genius that led her to building and trademarking her technique. No, it was hard work, a lot of curiosity, late night research and trial & error that created this novel approach to lips that nearly eliminates pain, significantly reduces needle sticks, and delivers a beautiful lip. Sounds like a win-win-win! We pack a major punch into this episode, but here are a few of the highlights: - Practice Growth: What it's really like to transition from injecting in your living room to owning an 11,000 square foot practice with 15-16 employees - Innovative Techniques: Get the full scoop on the injection technique that has changed the lip game and put her on the map as the "Lip Queen." - Training and Education: How does she make time to train injectors & run a business and still contribute to ongoing education in the field? - Business Insights: 1. The importance of having full appointment books before expanding 2. Why Heather avoids financing equipment and waits to purchase in cash 3. Her approach to inventory management, staying involved in all aspects of the business, and a cautionary tale about delegating too much too soon 4. Team Building: Her approach to retaining top talent by offering growth opportunities and prioritizing staff happiness. - Work / Life Balance: What's that? Heather gets real about the sacrifices you must make to do it all. No matter where you are in your journey as an injector or Practice Owner, Heather's perspective on what it takes to achieve success and the reassurance that you must trust yourself and step out on faith to move forward is a lesson for all. If you are eager to see Heather's approach to lips and hear more of her story, join us Aesthetic Next 6.0 where Heather will perform her technique during the Sunday Showdown and lead a session on managing adverse events with lip injections. Find out more about Heather: Heather's IG: https://www.instagram.com/injectorheatherzade/ Adora Aesthetic: https://adoraaestheticsmd.com/ Adora Academy: https://adoraaestheticsmd.com/injector-training/

In this episode of For The Record, we're diving deep into the value of Aestheticians in a medical aesthetic practice with one of our Aesthi besties, Delaney Poor, LE. Delaney is a Managing Partner at Beyond Skin Aesthetics in Columbus, Ohio, a KOL with Color Science and Alastin, an advocate for holistic skincare, and a client experience expert! As a Disney alum, she's intimately familiar with the guest relations magic that permeates Disney parks & resorts every day and has for 65 years. Now, she's focused on bringing those same quality standards and dedication to a consistent, exceptional client experience to the medspa world. Couple that with her passion for integrating gut health, skincare, and wellness into her approach, and it's evident that she's redefining the role of aestheticians in modern medical aesthetic practice. In this episode we cover everything from teaching staff how to anticipate guests' needs and creating a differentiated experience in your practice to how to select the right retail products for your shelf! From pixie dust to professional skincare, a few of the highlights include: • The Role of Aestheticians: Insights into how aestheticians are crucial for patient retention, education, and bridging the gap between medical treatments and at-home care • Skincare Science: Exploration of the latest advancements in skincare, including the importance of evidence-based products and treatments • Teen and Tween Skincare: Delaney's process for educating younger clients and the potential long-term impact of early skincare education. • The Disney Touch in Aesthetics: Delaney shares how her experience at Disney informs her approach to patient care, emphasizing safety, courtesy, show, and efficiency • Business Insights: Tips on creating treatment plans, improving patient retention, and integrating skincare sales into your practice model with a collaborative care model. We also chat about Delaney's upcoming lectures at Aesthetic Next 6.0! She has several including a live demo of her signature Glow Beyond Peel. Whether you're an Aesthetician, Practice Owner or Injector looking to enhance your skincare offerings, this episode offers valuable insights on combining high-touch luxury experiences with medical-grade treatments for optimal patient outcomes. Delaney's perspective as an Aesthetician in a large practice and as a managing partner in that same Practice gives her a unique blend of business & clinical that is relevant for everyone! Don't miss this enlightening conversation that bridges the gap between Disney-level customer service and cutting-edge treatments and products that will turn skincare into a profit center for your Practice! Find out more about Delaney: Delaney's IG: https://www.instagram.com/skinbydelaneydanielle?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Beyond Skin Aesthetics: https://www.instagram.com/beyondskinaesthetics?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Beyond Skin's Website: https://beyondskinaesthetics.com/ Delaney's Aesthetic Next Schedule: https://s6.goeshow.com/aestheticrecord/next/2024/profile.cfm?profile_name=person&master_key=85DD4426-F000-EF11-8102-B95C44E1822F&page_key=7CDE043C-C926-865F-8B20-3C9AA04D0295&xtemplate

In Episode 84, we sit down with John Wheeler, CEO of Alpha Aesthetics Partners and thought leader on all things business and scale. John and his team have grown the platform to 9 partners with 22 locations across the US and more on the way. Prior to joining Alpha, he was the CEO of Esthetics Center, a CA-based medspa where he grew revenue 1000% and scaled to 3 locations during his tenure before bringing it under Alpha's banner and transitioning to the platform CEO. If you've spent even a minute with John, it's obvious that he does things differently in all the right ways. What's his secret to success? People. That's what drives Alpha's unique model of partnering with local med spas to help them grow and compete with larger chains, while still allowing them to maintain their own brand identity and autonomy. John is a believer of open-book management, sharing financial data with employees, and aligning compensation with the most important metrics for the business. Most of all, he's passionate about empowering providers in every Alpha practice to make their own treatment decisions and lean into their own artistry. In return, he makes sure they have every product in their toolkit and access to training, resources and products, most of which are out of reach without the volume and purchasing power of a platform like Alpha. He's equally passionate about the numbers and relying on data to make better, smarter decisions. Additionally, he's an advocate for sharing metrics and performance data with the team to ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. If those numbers power your compensation plan, don't you want people to know how they are performing?! What's his #1 metric every practice owner (and all staff) needs to know? Revenue per Hour! In this episode, he shares so much insight on what every entrepreneur must do to get acquainted (and obsessed) with financial performance and benchmarking. Listen in for John's insight on: • The advantages of partnering with an investment firm that specializes in aesthetics and is designed to help your unique brand thrive. • The importance of being a student of your craft. If you are a non-injector who owns a clinic, you are still responsible for learning everything you can about what Providers do day-to-day. • Prioritizing culture, brand and financials for long-term success. • The ongoing convergence of aesthetics and wellness and the future impact of AI on the medspa industry. If you are starting a medical spa, in your early years of entrepreneurship, or you need some inspiration to realign you to your goals, John's insights on effective leadership, the importance of prioritizing people, brand, and numbers, and the challenges and responsibilities that come with running a successful business are like a field guide to running a successful business! Checkout more from John & Alpha: Alpha Aesthetics Partners: https://www.partnerwithalpha.com/ John's & Alpha's Collection of Podcasts: https://www.partnerwithalpha.com/podcast-copy John's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwheeler.alpha/ Alpha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partnerwithalpha/

This week we sit down with Gilbert Saenz, III, a Physician Associate based in Austin, TX with a 20-year career spanning Family Medicine, Dermatology & Plastic Surgery. Because he's spent the bulk of his career on both sides of the Aesthetic coin in Derm & Plastics, his expertise combines a deep knowledge of the skin with a thorough understanding of what lies beneath. He's thriving in one of the most competitive markets in the US, Austin, TX, which is no doubt a biproduct of his skillset and his approach to treating patients like family! But as his patient base and the industry evolves, he's not sitting still! He's become a pioneer of body procedures, specifically Aveli, a precision cellulite release device he's using to effectively treat cellulite in addition to a combination of biostimulators and other treatments to fight skin laxity (wait until you hear about the structural sandwich!). While he's still very focused on the face, the writing is on the wall- GLP-1s have created a massive disruption in the marketplace, and those injectors who hope to retain patients and grow their market share must quickly up-skill on body procedures! We cover a whole host of topics throughout this podcast, but if you came for body insights, you are in the right place! And, if you leave wanting to know more, join Gilbert at Aesthetic Next 6.0 for a lecture on post-weight loss procedures, a live onstage demo of Aveli, and an all-star panel where our faculty discuss their approaches and perspectives on key cases. In this episode, Gilbert and Tiphany discuss: 1. Integrating ultrasound at the Point-of-Care for Aesthetic procedures 2. The revolutionary impact of weight loss treatments on the aesthetics industry & adjunct treatments that satisfy patients and boost your P&L 3. Innovative cellulite treatments, including the Avéli device, with proven results 4. Strategies for building and maintaining a loyal patient base 5. The importance of continuing to innovate with new protocols that leverage the unique mechanisms of existing products 6. Insights into working as an intrapreneur vs. starting your own medical spa 7. Sneak peek into upcoming presentations at Aesthetic Next 6.0 conference 8. The 411 on his patient-focused podcast with fellow Aesthetic Providers, Plastic Surgery Untold, and how it helps create a sense of community before they walk in the door Follow Gilbert on Instagram for updates on new aesthetic treatments and techniques (he let us know something big is launching soon!). Check out the Plastic Surgery Untold podcast for more in-depth discussions on plastic surgery and aesthetics and be sure to catch Gilbert's sessions at Aesthetic Next to learn more about bringing the total body experience to your aesthetic clinic! Connect with Gilbert on Instagram: @pa_gilbertsaenz Learn more about Austin Plastic Surgeon: www.austinplasticsurgeon.com Listen to Plastic Surgery Untold: https://plasticsurgeryuntold.com/

In our second episode of Season 5, we are tapping into the 20-year expertise of Erin MacNeil, CEO & Founder of The Spa Business Coach. Erin has been at the helm of international luxury spa brands leading teams around the world. She's come full circle from her start in the industry as an Aesthetician to now working together with Aesthetic Practices to help transform their operations and build profitability. Throughout her career, Erin has had a front row seat to the challenges of leading a team. Her insights are invaluable for the new Entrepreneur trying to do it all while learning to run a business and to the CEO who is constantly calibrating teams to drive operational success. She's helped countless Aesthetic Practices to build sustainable, profitable businesses, and in this episode, she shares several priceless tips to help you do the same: 1. The importance of creating a luxury experience in medical spas 2. Transitioning from a hands-on practitioner to a CEO mindset 3. Effective hiring, onboarding, and team management strategies 4. The significance of setting clear standards and expectations 5. Balancing generalist and specialist roles as your business grows 6. The value of continuous feedback and personal growth in leadership We dive deep into the challenges of scaling a medical spa, with an emphasis on the need for proper systems, delegation, and a shift in mindset as the business expands. And we can't forget investing in your team and creating a strong company culture! Whether you're a new med spa owner or looking to take your established practice to the next level, this episode offers practical advice and strategies to help you become a more effective leader and build a thriving, profitable business. Learn more about Erin & The Spa Business Coach Website: https://www.thespabusinesscoach.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/thespabusinesscoach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-macneil-spa-business-coach/

In the season 5 premiere of For The Record, we welcome Chris Balbi, Co-Owner and Director of Operations at Meesha Aesthetics, a five location med spa practice headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Chris has been with Meesha for more than a decade, and in that time, he's grown it into a powerhouse brand that continues to innovate and find new ways to reach potential clients and bring value to those who are already part of the Meesha family. Throughout this episode Chris shares his cutting-edge practice management strategies, marketing techniques, and industry insights that are reshaping the aesthetics landscape in 2024. Chris is without a doubt a marketing expert- his legendary giveaways have become a staple part of the Meesha brand, and he's disciplined and diligent every, single day in how he crafts content and engages with the online community. But, as he explores new ways to bring business to Meesha in a heavily saturated industry, he's asking the multi-million dollar question….Is social media dead? There's so much to take from this episode including the answer, but a few of the highlights that you do not want to miss include: 1. How Chris is adapting to the evolution of social media marketing in the aesthetics industry 2. How he's leveraging innovative approaches to community engagement and event marketing to drive new leads into the Practice 3. The power of membership programs like Meesha + and beauty banks in client retention 4. His battle-tested strategies for staff retention and motivation in a competitive market 5. How he prepares Meesha to adapt to changing client preferences and industry trends 6. Why personalized follow-ups and lead management is a non-negotiable for success 7. How Meesha is exploring new revenue streams through pop-up med spas This episode provides a wealth of actionable insights for med spa owners and managers looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. From rethinking marketing strategies to implementing innovative client retention programs, Chris's approach offers a fresh perspective on building a successful Aesthetics Practice that can sustain the rapidly changing world of social media and the non-stop shifts in client preferences. In typical FTR fashion, of course he's sprinkling in a healthy dose of how to survive it all with a lot of fun & laughs along the way! Learn more about Meesha Aesthetics: Web: https://www.botoxbymeesha.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/botoxbymeesha/?hl=en

Season 4 of For The Record is coming to a close, but we're going out on a very high note in Episode 80: Hustle & Heart: A Rise to the Top with Erika Barry, NP-C and Libby Dysart. This dynamic duo has been working together for several years, and the proof of their combined powers is unmistakable. What Erika brings to the table as an expert injector, top trainer and KOL, Libby matches with brand management experience, social media expertise, and a knack for contract negotiations and influencer management.  Erika started her IG in 2015 and quicky begin to grow her following. Her page was a combination of before & afters and an authentic look at her life- something that improved her patient relationships and become a calling card for her business.  But Libby encouraged her do more, and she took over in 2018. Now Erika's follower number is at an impressive 295k! But that's not even close to the whole story... With Libby's insight into Patreon and Erika's ability to connect with injectors and create a community that was hungry for more knowledge, they launched Erika's account in 2017, the first in the medical Aesthetics field. Her Patreon has grown into a massive following and become a powerhouse business of its own. In 2023, Libby launched her own Patreon to share best practices for brand management and how to slay at social media, stepping out into her own light as an influencer! But while the social media influencer version of Erika is what you may see, behind that persona is a tremendous amount of hard work and hustle. She is extremely disciplined and professional in everything she does, and let's face it, she does more in a day than most of us do in a week!  She's the co-owner of award-winning Potomac, MD based medspa Moksha Aesthetics with another well-respected trainer & KOL, Hania Khorshidi. Recently, Libby finally turned over the reins to the Moksha brand to someone else, freeing up more time to focus on Erika's many endeavors! In addition to Patreon and Moksha, Erika co-founded Aesthetic Intel with her longtime mentor and friend, Waseem Garbia, PA-C, another big name in the Aesthetic industry. Who hasn't heard of the Injector's Club consultation pads? This invaluable resource was the jumping off point for Erika and fellow industry veteran, injector and KOL, Shakira Cabrera, MPAS, PA-C, to start the Injector's Club. Their joint venture not only supplies helpful tools like consultation pads and anatomy boards, but they frequently train on business building & injecting. No surprise, Libby is behind the curtain of both of these companies, masterminding a social media and brand strategy that has resulted in national recognition in a very short time. When Erika's not involved in one of her businesses, she can be found touring all over the country speaking on behalf of companies taking the stage at conferences, advising manufacturers on product plans, and doing hands-on training.  Libby is her constant sounding board and confident, and together they have a unique balance of tough love and unwavering support that is the epitome of straightening another woman's crown. As Erika's star grows, Libby's role has shifted to a talent manager- making sure Erika's contracts, projects, compensation and schedule are the right fit for her brand and her role as a wife and a mom. With Libby's success of the Bunny brand, she's become a hot commodity all her own is  now in demand to share her knowledge and consult on the growth of other brands across the industry. From the humble beginnings in 2015 to the top of the class in 2024, these two are the perfect pair we never knew we needed. They've got heart, and there's no question they've got the hustle, and they've earned their success every step of the way! To learn more, visit: IG: https://www.instagram.com/injectorbunny/ https://www.instagram.com/socialbylibby/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Botoxbunny1 https://www.patreon.com/libbydysart

We're sharing the best kept secret in Aesthetics this week and pulling the curtain back on the 2023 Nexties winner for Training Institution of the Year, Beautiphi Academy & its founder, Kelly Hermans, CRNA. Based in Rochester Hill, MI, Kelly is on a mission to empower new injectors and business owners with her training academy, and Kelly and her team are also simultaneously delivering a high-touch patient experience and exceptional patient outcomes and at her medspa, Beautiphi Aesthetic Boutique. Kelly was a practicing CRNA, but after some unexpected life events, she found herself in a unique position to dive headfirst into aesthetics. Like so many, when she decided to start her own practice, Kelly had more questions than answers. Over the next year, after a lot of digging and trial and error, Kelly found what she needed, and in 2018, Beautiphi opened. Her experience was a catalyst for building what would become Beautiphi Academy. As her success grew, fellow CRNAs across the US sought Kelly out for her advice and her help to start their own practices. Fast forward 6 years, and she has amassed a following of more than 700 trainees who are actively involved in the Beautiphi community.  There's no better word to describe this close-knit group of entrepreneurs who are learning, sharing, and overcoming the challenges of owning a practice together. No gatekeeping, no drama, and no frills! At the helm is of this group sits Kelly who is constantly advocating for lower pricing, more opportunities and better service from vendors across the industry, and it's paid off. Beautiphi has become a well-oiled machine – Kelly finds the right vendors, handles the negotiations and then passes the benefits on to the community. Meanwhile, they all work together to share best practices, protocols, watchouts and successes among a curated list of products and services. Frankly, it's genius, and it all started because Kelly found herself without a tribe and without access to the answers and the training she needed when she entered aesthetics. Manufacturers have certainly taken notice of what Kelly's built.  She's a national educator for Merz, Aerolase, and Rohrer Aesthetics in addition to being a thought leader for Revance, and of course, Aesthetic Record & LeadAR! And, while all this is going on, she's running a very busy practice where she and her 5 injectors and her staff are offering cutting-edge treatments and pouring into their patient relationships. What you can't help but love about Kelly is that she always shows up as her authentic self, and that means spending time where it's most productive, even if it's not popular. She's not big on Instagram, she isn't one for the glitz and glam, but what she IS focused on is working tirelessly to bring value to her Beautiphi community, to provide the best experience for her patients, and most importantly, to be a good mom and wife. That means showing her kids what it means to work hard, be ethical, and be someone others can depend on.  Even when others spend time stirring up drama and trying to drag her down, she's remains steadfast in her commitment to prioritize what's important and keep her head above the fray. What she's been able to build is truly remarkable, especially when you consider that she's done it all exclusively with word-of-mouth advertising and referrals from existing trainees, a testament to the constant investment of her time and her passion for helping fellow entrepreneurs to build successful businesses.  Her community is 700 strong and growing day by day, and she's not slowing down. Beautiphi Academy may be a best kept secret, but it is long overdue, as is Kelly,  for the recognition it and she deserves, and we are more than happy to share it!!!   Find out more about Kelly & Beautiphi: Visit Beautiphi Aesthetic Boutique: www.Beautiphiyou.com Visit Beautiphi Academy: www.theBeautiphiAcademy.com Follow Kelly on IG: www.instagram.com/the_aesthetic_anesthetist/

This week we are focusing on what drives growth in your Aesthetic practice and how to harness the power of systems, scale, technology, and digital marketing. We are joined by serial entrepreneur and aesthetic industry veteran, Cameron Hemphill,CEO of Growth99. Their focus as a company is on scaling your business through effective digital marketing and marketing automation strategies. As the medspa landscape continues to change, with new technologies emerging and private equity taking an increasing interest, we talk about the gaps that are starting to show in the industry. Patient perception is changing, so our businesses must change, too. Cameron's company is known for building beautiful websites, and in his own words, the website is like a second location and the BEST place to start. It should be invested in and cared about to the same degree as a physical practice- a good website drives everything else you'll need in your digital strategy. From there, Cameron reiterates that it's about building a strong tech stack to handle your data exchange between your CRM, EMR, Ads, Social, etc. With disparate systems, it's nearly impossible to scale! Some of our Favorite Takeaways with Cameron: 1.     The Evolution of the Medspa Industry: Cameron provides an overview of how the industry has shifted, highlighting the introduction of private equity and new weight loss treatments and discussing the importance of staying informed and adaptable. 2.     The Importance of Technology and Systems: We take a deep dive into the role of technology in scaling a medical practice. You need a customer relationship management (CRM) platform that can handle marketing automation and social media. Cameron talks about his own journey at G99 from offering managed services to developing a successful SaaS model so practices can manage their operations more independently and efficiently. 3.    The Gap in Utilization & Knowledge: Our discussion uncovers a common issue where practices invest in technology but fail to leverage its full potential- as a software vendor we want you to use it all! What are you missing? How does that impact the practice? Your tech stack is only as strong as your use of your tools! 4.     Building and Leveraging a Digital Presence: We talk about what your website really needs- It's a way to collect data, enable online booking capabilities, and convert visitors into clients. It's about strong SEO, easy functionality, and a strategy that connects to your ads, local SEO, social and more. 5.     Running a Successful Business: Cameron has decades of experience as a successful tech entrepreneur. He shares the lessons he's learned and the blueprint for scale: SOPs, connected systems, a highly educated staff, and a dedication to clients. Some Key Takeaways for Medspa Owners: Embrace technology and systems to scale your practice effectively Fully utilize the tools and platforms you invest in to enhance your operational efficiency Pay attention to your digital presence, ensuring the website serves as an active tool for growth and client engagement Continuously educate yourself and your team on the latest industry trends and technologies Remember, success in the medspa industry requires a balance between being a skilled practitioner and a savvy business owner Building Your Tech Stack to Scale offers a comprehensive guide for medspa owners and injectors looking to navigate the complexities of the industry while also building beautiful websites, effective digital content and collecting data at every stage. Cameron is one of the leading voices in digital marketing in our industry, and his advice is incredibly valuable! This is one episode you MUST listen to and then GO take action- it's packed full of impactful strategies to build systems and successfully. scale. Learn more about Growth99 at https://growth99.com/ Checkout their Instagram at https://growth99.com/

This week, we're going to "skinny things up" by diving into the popular yet controversial world of weight loss. We're joined by a weight loss expert, Nikki Plourde, NP-C a nurse practitioner specializing in family medicine who turned her focus to weight loss and aesthetics in 2021. She's the co-owner of Nurturher in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, and in addition to her own busy patient load, she has trained thousands of Providers on implementing weight loss strategies with the ever growing list of demand for GLP-1s. In this episode, Nikki shares her journey from ICU nursing to family medicine and eventually to aesthetics and weight loss. She has watched the positive business impact of the weight loss boom firsthand- after working with Wegovy in her prior role, she knew the opportunity that had been laid at her feet when it was approved for weight management in 2021! She talks about how jumping in with semaglutide as soon as it was available was a catalyst for growth at Nurturher. They went from 2 Providers in a small space to a commercial property with 11 staff members, much of that growth she attributes to the semaglutide tidal wave.  But, she's also passionate about helping others get started with semaglutide or tirzepatide the right way- with proper training and protocols in place. Nikki felt a strong calling to begin her own training program after seeing the lack of education available. She's a stickler for BMI requirements, and her motto is to stick with the least effective dose, because, well, it works! And, it helps to mitigate the pesky side effects.  She has a consistent routine for how often she sees her patients & she arms them with tons of educational information and resources to promote a FULL lifestyle change - not just a shot.  In our short hour, she shares so much knowledge & critical information from how to dose and assess patients to how to market and price weight loss medications. She also talks about the overall health benefits of weight loss via GLP-1s including the ability to be more physically active, improved cardiac health and a better quality of life- something that we should communicate more to the public (and less about skinny celebrities!)  Key takeaways from this episode include:  1. Expert Insights on Semaglutide: Nikki provides in-depth knowledge on how to effectively use semaglutide in weight loss, discussing the right patient profiles, dosing strategies, and managing side effects. 2. Integrating Weight Loss into Practice: Learn how to incorporate weight loss treatments into your practice, from the medical aspects to marketing strategies. Nikki shares her experience in making weight loss a successful part of her practice. 3. Patient-Centric Approach: Discover the importance of a personalized approach in weight loss treatments, considering factors like BMI, individual health conditions, and long-term goals. 4. Marketing and Growth: Insights into how weight loss services can be marketed and how they contribute to the growth and expansion of a medical practice – and how to think about your pricing strategy so you can complete the “full picture” of weight loss. 5. The Future of Weight Loss Medication: Discussion on the evolving landscape of weight loss drugs and what medical professionals can expect in the future. This episode is a must-listen for Providers looking to expand their knowledge in weight loss treatments, particularly in using GLP-1s like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Whether you're looking for dosing information, the best compounders, how to market or build a program, Nikki is an invaluable resource! Find out more about her training programs and & monthly support at www.Weightmanagementcourse.com Find Nikki on IG at https://www.instagram.com/nikki_nurturher/ Learn more about Nurturher at www.nurturheraesthetic.com

This week we are heading to Kansas City to chat with one of the legacy injectors, a real OG, who has been part of our industry for more than 2 decades, Georgia Cirese, RN, CANS. Georgia began her journey in a Plastic Surgery office, pre-Botox, and found her niche in the science and artistry of injecting. She worked in a dermatology clinic for years after, but she felt the entrepreneurial pull 4 years ago when she opened Georgous Aesthetic Bar. Situated in the high-end Country Club Plaza in KC, she and her daughter have collaborated to build a world-class medspa that focuses on exceptional outcomes and patient experience. Georgia is part of the founding group of injectors who came together 20+ years ago to, in her words, slay the jungle of aesthetics. With little training and an even smaller portfolio of products, that veteran cohort of injectors laid the foundation for what would become a thriving industry decades later. Georgia was exactly where she needed to be when the Botox brand took off- she was assisting Dr. Jerome Lamb, a plastic surgeon in KC, in the OR as he performed face lifts and other aesthetic procedures.  Her surgical knowledge coupled with her own experience from her first Botox injections were the catalyst for her career. She understood the artistry, the anatomy, and she knew a gentle touch was a necessity if patients were going to want to come back! She enrolled in an Aesthetic Advancements course early on which helped to build the necessary skills to really thrive. Now she's a trainer for the organization and has been for many years. It had a positive impact on her learning journey, and she's paying it forward.    Catching up to modern day, Georgia is a well-known national trainer for Allergan and AAI, and she's been on podiums throughout the industry. Looking back on where she started, she talks about the rise in influence of the medspa and the “non-core” injector and what it means to be faculty on podium and to be the respected expert in the room. That hasn't always been the case Those are stripes she has definitely earned with years and years of practice, mentoring and training others, and acting as an advisor to the industry.   This year she was appointed to the board at ISPAN – a full circle moment. She was one of the original nurses to earn the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist designation. Over the last several years, ISPAN has worked diligently to get the CANS certification recognized as a true board certification, and they've done it! As that organization expands to include more nurses and hopefully other licensures as well, Georgia is in a position to continue her advocacy of industry-wide standards and regulations to create a safer and better skilled specialty.   As an entrepreneur, she's busy building her business with continued growth, including being named a top 10 Allergan account in Missouri. More than 50% of her patients come from word of mouth, and it's not surprising when you hear her talk about her staff and the investment in hiring the right people to fit her culture. She's creating a unique experience for patients through her team, and it's her careful hiring and onboarding process that ensure it's sustainable. She has her daughter as her right hand managing the business operations and marketing. Together, they have created a practice that is as well known for Georgia's incredible skill as it is for that of her Providers. As Georgia continues to train, she doesn't discount her own need to constantly learn and evolve. After 20 years in aesthetics, thousands of patients, and more injections than one can imagine, she's still eager to constantly improve…..THAT is why she's still slaying the jungle and remains one of the most respected injectors two decades later! Learn more about Georgia: https://georgouskc.com/ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgousinjections/ Follow GAB on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgouskc/

We are shaking things up toward the end of the season with an innovative concept that marries the high-touch aspects of concierge medicine with the dedicated space and treatment room of a brick & mortar spa. In recent years, we've watched Aesthetic vendors take their businesses on the road with luxury RVs providing treatments in the middle of Times Square, to cadaver buses rolling up to conferences for a day of learning. It's no surprise that now, injectors are catching on to the benefits of going mobile! This week we sit down with Nurse Practitioner and new(ish) entrepreneur Michelle Chapman, APRN to learn more about how she's building out her dream business, MC Aesthetics, on 4 wheels! Michelle comes from an ICU background, but like so many, she decided she wanted more post-COVID. She moved on to travel nursing and she worked at a retail clinic with no windows, a tiny space, a crazy quota, and an experience that she just couldn't imagine doing forever. In walks Aesthetics.... she took a course and was immediately in love with her next career move. She saved up her travel nursing money to pay for a long list of trainings to build her skills- and as we discuss, some great, and others not so good! As she was learning her new craft, she decided to also take the entrepreneurial leap. It never occurred to her to open up a brick & mortar space. Perhaps it was her prior roll in that tiny retail clinic, but she wanted the freedom to move! So, MC Aesthetics, a luxury mobile med spa, was born. In this episode, we talk about the challenges of learning how to run a business. In all the trainings and all the conferences, the nuts and bolts of business ownership is rarely discussed. Knowing this from the start, Michelle elicited help from experts in the legal and compliance field to make sure she was doing everything right from the start. She also purchased a van and had it outfitted by a company specializing in corporate conversions. While it's not tied to a lease, don't be fooled into thinking it's cheaper or less work! The cost to build out a custom van is definitely on par with a brick & mortar build out, but where Michelle goes, her business follows without worrying about how she'll relocate! So far, her concept has proven to be a successful one! She travels between Tampa and Orlando, carefully scheduling her visits to ensure she has time to complete her signature facial balancing treatments as she goes from one location to the next. It's not unusual for her to park outside an office building and do a patient's lips over lunch or turn the home-based "botox party" into something more sophisticated by treating patients in a dedicated treatment room that just happens to be on wheels! She's received a lot of press and interest from local publications and bloggers in the Tampa / Orlando area despite only being open for a year - something that typically doesn't happen- but the concept is so inviting and so different, that people can't help but take notice. She is a rolling billboard with fellow drivers calling her after seeing her wrapped van advertising her services. Her patient reviews are fantastic, many of them mentioning convenience as a big part of the initial draw, but her skill and aesthetic eye is what keeps them coming back. Because the concept is so novel, it would be easy to rely on that alone as a competitive advantage. But not Michelle! She's focused on delivering fabulous outcomes- just ask her patients! Next, she has plans to grow her mobile med spa business either through franchising or expanding her own fleet. Regardless of how it happens, growth is inevitable. In a time where we are all in a hurry and Door Dash and Instacart have replaced dinners out and grocery runs, it only makes sense that we want our aesthetic treatments when we want them and where we want them! Learn more about Michelle at www.michellechapmanaesthetics.com Follow her on IG at https://www.instagram.com/mc_aesthetics__/

This week we sit down with one of the most well-known, influential, and, at times, controversial figures of the Aesthetic industry, Josh Davis, BSN,RN or as we all know him, Tox Josh!  From his start in rural Tennessee to music, trauma nursing, and now Aesthetics, Josh has trail-blazed his own way from simple beginnings to superstar status. But things aren't always what they seem. Behind that larger-than-life persona is a man who has fought his way through incredible challenges to not just survive, but to turn those messes into a metamorphosis. Since battling through a life-altering complication with filler just last year that was extremely serious, he's reemerged as a new Josh- one who is focused on his own mental health, using his platform to bring awareness and advocacy, and sharing his journey to help others do the same.    There was a time when most people thought of Josh as nothing more than a social media influencer. Can he really inject? Is he just a personality? While he was logging 9-10 hours a day of screen time to cater to his growing follower count, he was also running a successful business and delivering high-quality patient outcomes. For those of us watching, it became more about what kind of tea he might spill and less about his skillset as a bona-fide injector who has trained alongside some of the biggest names in our industry.   Over the years, he's taken the stage at multiple conferences for live injections, conducted trainings and programs across the country, been a guest injector at well-known clinics, and become a KOL for industry partners who align with his value system. He's quieted the doubters and proven that there's more to him than what you see on Instagram. During his meteoric rise to industry fame, he was also busy building a successful medspa that also experienced rapid growth and change. He started small at Davis Aesthetics then traded up to Whisper Wood – a traditional, Tennessee suburban-approved med spa that benefitted from Josh's notoriety, growing quickly in parallel. He soon found out that a growing business means more time spent working on the business and less time doing the things he loves- treating patients, being involved outside the practice, training and. managing his high-profile brand. He made the decision to downsize and get back to what he loves- in addition to aesthetic treatments, he's created a unique experience that is about more than just outer beauty. It combines his love of non-traditional treatments like reiki (he's a certified healer!), human design, massage and more into the medspa environment. This exodus into the eccentric was too much for some- 30% of his patients didn't make the move from Whisper Wood- it had nothing to do with skillset and everything to do with optics. But as Josh often does, he turned that challenge into a triumph by using that experience to attract patients who better align with the holistic experience he's building. Instagram Josh Version 2.0 has traded his call outs and controversy for a focus on mental health, healing, and being a force for positive change in the industry. He coined “Community Over Competition” not so many years ago, and while that message has been muddled and misused over time, it's something he still believes in – you are only in competition with yourself. But now more than ever, it's apparent he knows you can't run a marathon at full speed. Nobody can. With a new book launching in January, a faculty position with the vendors he wants to work with, a thriving practice that is the right amount of business and pleasure, he's standing on top of his mountain going in to 2024. Like any metamorphosis, the journey never stops, and we'll all be watching! As Josh says….in a field of horses, be a unicorn, and he's certainly one-of-a-kind! Find out more about Tox Josh at: www.toxjoshstudios.com https://www.instagram.com/toxjosh/

This week we're sitting down with Tox Papi to talk all things male perspective, seizing every opportunity to learn, the power of networking, and staying humble along the way! @toxpapi also known as Christopher Cotto, MS, PA-C spent the last several years as a Physician Associate specializing in Emergency Medicine, but as the pandemic came to a close, he felt a calling to move into a new specialty, one where he could focus on treating the patient holistically and build long-term relationships. Enter Aesthetics! He's an avid seeker of education, and he knew he needed to hone his skills before jumping into a new field. So in between his ER shifts, he was shadowing Larry Blevins, PA-C, and eventually applied and was accepted as a Fellow in the American Foundation for Aesthetic Medicine- a rigorous 6-month fellowship that focuses not only on the procedural skills for all things Aesthetics but also business skills, clinic setup, optimizing workflow, and completing a research project with a goal of publishing.  When you meet Puerto-Rican born, Orlando raised @toxpapi, he's a larger-than-life guy! In a field that is dominated by women, Chris certainly stands out. But he's found a way to use that to his advantage as a clinician and a business owner. In this episode we talk a lot about his patient population and the small details he's put in place to make a big impact on their experience.  We discuss how his commitment to providing a thorough consultation continues to increase his conversion rate and build loyalty.  It's apparent he loves his patients and the opportunity to spend time with them – he's building relationships while he's building revenue. We also discuss his foray into sexual wellness. While it's still only a fraction of his practice, he's seen the impact it has on patients when you can treat not only their aesthetic concerns but also their sexual ones. As a result, his patient base continues to grow for these procedures week after week. It's not only a profitable add-on, but as Chris mentions, those happy Patients are incredibly loyal, and they continue to refer and lead more patients to his practice. One thing Chris does so well is finding the right room with the right people. He not only shadowed and completed a fellowship for months with no pay, but he's consistently volunteering and assisting at events where he's onstage and behind the scenes with well-known injectors. Why? He's eager for an opportunity to learn. And, through his efforts, he's scored an onstage lecture at AN 5.0, grown his network to include an enviable set of friends and mentors, earned opportunities to teach and train, and more. Is it difficult to take a step back and work for free after years as a practicing PA? Nah! Chris' advice: let go of that negativity, get ready to learn, and just stay humble. He's learned a lot of lessons about business along the way- some tougher to learn than others- including the dissolution of a partnership in his first med spa, Renew. Chris realized not long into the endeavor that partnerships are a tough road; someone is always doing more work than someone else, opinions don't align, and splitting the money 4 ways doesn't leave a lot for each person. He got out of the partnership, took the leap, and founded his own practice Aesthetic District Medspa so he can focus on doing things his way without the added stress of too many cooks in the kitchen. He provides us with a few watch outs for anyone looking to go the partnership route- and as everyone always says in hindsight- get it all in writing! This is a fantastic episode for those who are eager to make the jump to aesthetics and those who are ready to go out on their own! In Chris' own words, get ready to let go & learn! Learn more about Chris at https://www.instagram.com/toxpapi/ Learn more about Aesthetic District Medspa at https://www.instagram.com/admedicalspa/ and https://admedicalspa.com/

This week we take a closer look at the legal, clinical, technological and practical aspects of performing Good Faith Exams in a growing practice. In light of the recent tragedy in our home state of Texas, it was important for us to use For The Record to bring you a group who can provide guidance, solutions and watchouts for Practices who are wrangling the GFE beast. In Episode 72: Ask The Experts: Good Faith Exams, we head back to Aesthetic Next 5.0 for a panel focused specifically on how to take your GFE processes and protocols from good to great.   FTR Host and CGO of Aesthetic Record, Tiphany Hall, moderated the panel and provided her perspective from a software partner operating inside the practice: How can we leverage technology and what we know about scale to make sure we perform an appropriate GFE but that we keep it efficient and repeatable with every patient? She was joined by panelist, Justin Marti, Esq., of Marti Law Group, a hyper-focused, boutique law firm that specializes in healthcare law, specifically dental and aesthetics. His firm helps clients from startup to scale all the way through an exit, and as an attorney working across the US, he's familiar with the ever-changing landscape of our industry. Also joining us was Noah Bohbot. He is the mastermind behind Qualiphy, an innovative, virtual GFE provider that keeps the practice in control while delegating the execution of the GFE to Nurse Practitioners and Physicians who are available on demand. Patients are able join a Qualiphy provider for a telehealth GFE exam within seconds of receiving a link. The fee is low to the Practice, and most importantly, the GFE is performed by an appropriately licensed medical professional who is familiar with the service and can assess before treatment. We rounded out our panel with Jennifer Hartley, ACNP, Founder & Medical Director at Skin Synthesis in Seattle. Prior to Aesthetics, Jenny worked in Critical Care for nearly a decade, and she approaches the GFE process with the same intensity you'd expect from a former ICU NP! Jenny has done extensive research and spent a lot of time, money and energy building her arsenal of legal documents, SOPs, and safeguards to protect her Patients and her Practice. As she looks to scale Skin Synthesis, she has to strike a balance between Patient care, business efficiency and financial viability. Throughout the course of this AN 5.0 panel, the group talks about the multitude of factors to consider for GFEs: What are the questions you need to ask for each procedure to meet the medical and legal standards? Are you comfortable sending out your GFEs to a 3rd party to complete? How can you be sure it's legal in your state? If you use a company like Qualiphy, what are the processes you need in place to request the GFE, get the results, and store them in the chart? Hint: Aesthetic Record is now fully integrated with Qualiphy! What are the legal pitfalls and watchouts you need to consider when it comes to the actual exam- What if your patient isn't truthful? How does a growing practice decide whether to invest in additional NPs or PAs to complete exams or bring in a third-party? Do we approach the GFE with the same rigor that we would an intake for critical care or more invasive medical treatments?   We covered a lot of ground in this panel, including several audience questions and perspectives that have been simplified and restated for our listeners. When we consider the real possibility of tragic events like the one that unfolded in Texas and the inherent risk of any medical procedure, there's one thing the panelist all agreed was imperative for Patient safety- conducting a thorough GFE. Follow our panelist as they share more about GFEs, legal, compliance and Practice management topics through their own companies: Marti Law Group: https://www.martilawgroup.com/ Qualiphy https://www.qualiphy.me Skin Synthesis: https://skinsynthesis.com/

This week we are headed to the Big Apple for a story about overcoming the odds, leading with innovation, finding your why, and building your empire your way in Episode 71: The American Dream Unleashed. We sit down with Lanna Cheuck, DO, FACS, a urologic surgeon turned aesthetic mastermind, to understand what it truly means to overcome incredible odds and turn rejection into redirection. Dr. Lanna is the child of Chinese immigrants who came to the US with $6 in their pocket and a desire to give her a better life. She was always extremely dedicated to her education and had an innate need to do very well in school- something her parents never had the chance to do, and she was always aware of their sacrifice to give her the opportunity. She earned a coveted spot at Brown for medical school, then on to urologic surgery which is extremely competitive with very low acceptance rate. She served as Chief Resident, completed a fellowship in Urologic Surgery with a focus in robotics, and she became one of the most prolific and early pioneers of the DiVinci robot, eventually becoming the Director of Robotics at South Nassau Community Hospital in Long Island. From there, she found her a passion for sexual wellness and developed her own program for penile rehabilitation. But with all her accolades and expertise in the OR, she was still being paid less than her male colleagues. She was working an insane number of hours with 1 baby and 1 on the way, and she was at a crossroads. When a discussion about her pay led to her eventual dismissal from her position, she turned her part-time interest in Aesthetics into a full-time success! She is theowner & CEO of Dr. Lanna Aesthetics in midtown Manhattan where she's known for her celebrity facelift among other procedures. She opened her third location and has scaled her business not only in size but also in impact. She founded Face Med Training shortly after she started in Aesthetics – the mantra “See one. Do one. Teach one.” stuck with her, and she had a calling to teach and train others almost immediately. Now, she's impacting not only her own patients but also her students and their patients. She also started a large Facebook community from the get-go where her students and colleagues could collaborate, share best practices, and eventually, they came together to secure better pricing from manufacturers. She co-founded Face Med Store with Dr. Hardik Soni as a way to formalize GPO pricing and give her nearly 40K Facebook community an opportunity to buy products she'd already vetted, build better, more successful businesses, and do it all collectively. Face Med Store is now an online marketplace that connects buyers to all sorts of products, services, and supplies they need day-to-day in their aesthetic practice. Her goal is to leverage Face Med Store to do more to help bridge the gap for business owners who so often lack a blueprint or a guide on how to get started. She's been knocked down, but she most definitely got back up. Dr. Lanna had no big dreams to be an entrepreneur and very little interest in being the “boss” but when her why became so big and so powerful that it could no longer be ignored, she knew what she had to do. When she started Dr. LannaAesthetics, her close friends commented that she had become unleashed- free to pursue her passion and create her future by design, and she's done a stellar job at it! And in true Dr. Lanna fashion, she freely shares her thoughts for hiring, delegating, prioritizing, and running a successful business throughout our hour together. This episode is so, so interesting and Dr. Lanna is a proof that no matter where you come from or what happens along the way, success is within your reach if you are willing to do the hard work to make it happen! Learn more about Dr. Lanna: Dr. Lanna Aesthetics website: https://doctorlanna.com/ Face Med Store: https://doctorlanna.com/providers/face-med-store/

In Episode 70: The View from 30,000 Feet, we sit down with Laura Crowley, Licensed Aesthetician, Founder & CEO of Laura Jeannette and Co.  Laura takes us through her successful transition from entrepreneurial Aesthetician to Practice Consultant propelled by her passion for skincare and her desire to help others capitalize on industry growth. Laura talks with us about how she made the leap from front desk girl in her teens to a 20 year career in Aesthetics where she's known for providing one of the best facials in all of Massachusetts!   After several years in practice as an Aesthetician, she moved into a concurrent Director of Education role, and her passion for helping others grow, develop and scale their skill sets and their businesses came into focus. She started Laura Jeannette and Co. to guide other aesthetic professionals as they grow their business through training, education and consulting for dermatology, plastic surgery offices and Medspas. As her own Practice embarks on an expansion and rebrand, she's also coaching Practice Owners across the country as they do the same.  In this episode, Laura shares her insight on how she helps businesses and business owners transform from “surviving to thriving” by offering a 30,000 foot view of the entire enterprise from sales and marketing to operations, patient experience and human resources.  Just as an Aesthetician provides a consultation before recommending treatment, she works intensely with her clients upfront to understand what they want to get out of this next growth step before rolling up her sleeves and getting to work. Is it money, building a legacy, boredom, or something else? Equipped with that info, she helps them build their practice by design- creating the management processes and operations that enable them to achieve their goals and live the lifestyle they desire. In this episode, Laura talks about: How to leverage social media to target the RIGHT audience with the RIGHT message When to delegate and outsource so you can free up your time to focus on the big rocks The benefits of hiring virtual assistants to help you along the way and take on tasks that aren't strategic or urgent How to educate your staff on new treatments and products and make it “stick” long term with excellent training How to think about your retail strategy, limiting your SKUs, and being smart about your inventory costs We also take a few minutes to discuss what it means to be a working mom in this industry and the reality of really trying, often failing and constantly living with “Mom guilt” when attempting to balance it all. If you are an aesthetics business owner that wants to stop guessing and start growing and you are looking for a business coach to take you to the next level, this episode is for you!  Learn more about how Laura can help you level up: www.laurajeannetteandco.com.  Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurajeannetteandco/

In Episode 69: Hustle & Flow, we sit down with Fiona Tennant, MSN, FNP-BC, CANS, Founder & CEO of Nurse Fiona Med Spa in Framingham, MA. Fiona began her medical career as an LPN, then became an RN and spent more than a decade working in Pediatrics. It's in Peds that she learned the critical thinking skills that would later help her build a successful practice and become a respected, in-demand injector and trainer years later. Before opening NF Med Spa, she worked at a Plastic Surgery center as a Staff Nurse, and she credits that job with giving her a foundation to build from as she entered the world of non-surgical aesthetics. One weekend class later, the burning desire to go out on her own wouldn't fade, and she made a big decision to leave her steady paycheck and benefits and give entrepreneurship a go! She had to learn to inject largely on her own back then, but twelve years and one very successful med spa later, it was no doubt the right decision. We talk a lot about her decision to go back to school and become a Nurse Practitioner. With kids, a husband, and a booming business, it seems like an impossible time to do it, but she's overcome adversity and fought her way through life before. As a young mom, she was on food stamps and lived in Section 8 housing, but she knew where she wanted to go, and she's always had the hustle factor to get there. But why now? Why go back to school when all the puzzle pieces are finally in place? Her decision was driven by a few key factors that are weighing heavy on the minds of RNs across the industry: She never wanted to feel that her Practice or her staff were at risk because of her licensure or because she had to involve other parties to legally own NF Med spa. She's a stickler for the rules and as the grey area gets smaller and smaller, she wanted to mitigate any risks and take that burden off her shoulders.   As an NP, she can diagnose and prescribe eliminating the burden of hiring NPs just to complete Good Faith Exams so she can see her own Patients. More and more states are moving toward legislation to further limit the scope of practice of RNs and prevent them from injecting or running devices, and she wanted to protect what she'd build over all these years. We also talk about the challenges of business ownership from wearing may hats to working late hours and finding the right staff who want to do great work and stay with you. Like so many, she's taken injectors under her wing only to train them and have them leave, but she works diligently to create an environment that enriches her staff and fuels their growth. With her NP boards wrapped up and a little more freedom on her hands for the first time in years, it's no shock she's antsy to keep growing! She has her sites set on south Florida where she's opening another NF location and expanding her brand.  She's no stranger to the game and has been burned before, so she's playing this one close to the vest….time will tell where the next Nurse Fiona Med Spa will open, but there's no doubt it will be a success- she's doesn't shy away from hard work, and she's eager to grow into the next phase of her business journey! Learn more about Nurse Fiona: Nurse Fiona Med Spa: https://www.nursefiona.com/ Nurse Fiona on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nursefiona/      

This week we sit down with entrepreneur, injector & device expert Dana Zeitler, PA-C for a closer look at how she's built a successful Aesthetic practice with integrity, expertise and intention on Episode 68: Honesty at Work. Dana began her journey into Aesthetics in 2009 with a chance opportunity to get involved part-time providing laser hair removal services, and she never looked back! From LHR, she moved onto tattoo removal, and eventually, injecting, and now she's at the helm as a success practice owner! Over time, she honed her skills with both injectables and devices and made the next logical move. She and her husband opened D-Lux MedSpa in Naples, FL 8 years after that first chance encounter. Fast forward, and now Dana trains for Galderma & Sciton, and she frequently shares her expertise on podiums (most recently Aesthetic Next!), podcasts, webinars, and industry trainings. In addition to those engagements, she also conducts private trainings out of her Naples office, coaches other entrepreneurs, and she's developed several resource guides to help injectors and entrepreneurs with everything from photography to consultations and more!  In this episode, we talk about Dana's process for bringing on a new injector. She takes us through her 6 month onboarding program where new injectors act as her MA, learning and absorbing her techniques, her consultative process, her standards, and of course, her concierge-style approach to patient experience. Each provider is trained on D-Lux's services and modalities over time, and they are required to complete a certain number of cases and pass Dana's quality assessment before they can ever see a paying patient. This means an injector is not cash-flow positive for the business for up to a year! But, as Dana's seen over time, this methodical, in-depth training process pays big dividends in the long run.  We also talk about her passion for hiring true Medical Assistants for the practice. When she finally made the decision to invest in an MA, D-Lux added $600k in revenue the first year, and she attributes it to her MA. She talks alot about the importance of delegating and moving tasks that bog you down or that you simply shouldn't do on to someone else - then inspect what you expect- but get it off your plate! She started in laser many years ago, and her love of devices has only grown as she's seen the transformative outcomes her patients can achieve with her protocols. She's a big believer in “stacking” her treatments, or combining multiple devices or modalities, to create signature services that can only be found at D-Lux. We also discuss what it takes to get a new device off the ground- how to train, market, select patients, and integrate it into your overall service offerings. One of the things that stands out most about Dana is her commitment to D-Lux's core values, specifically honesty. We discuss how a strong commitment to honesty has enriched her practice by improving communication with and between employees, reinforcing the practice's integrity with patients, and made her a more transparent leader when she's busy managing a staff while also managing resources, legal and compliance, dollars and cents, marketing and more. This honest approach provides clarity and accountability, and it bleeds into her non-negotiables when it comes to following state guidelines, operating ethically and compliantly, and making sure she is doing everything in her power to safeguard the practice, her patients and the livelihood of her employees.  She's put honesty to work in her practice, and there is no doubt it's creating value and enhancing the experience for everyone involved!  Learn more about Dana, her training opportunities and resources: Visit D-Lux on the web at www.dluxmedspa.com Follow Dana on IG at https://www.instagram.com/naplesbeautyinjector/Follow D-Lux at https://www.instagram.com/dluxmedspa/

We're taking you to the Exhibit Hall floor at Aesthetic Next 5.0 for Episode 67: Fast. Fierce. Female. We are joined by two powerhouse women each doing unique things to expand their brand and the brands of others but in very different ways. These two mini-episodes pack a punch, so while it's not our traditional format, there's plenty of valuable knowledge nuggets up for grabs! We sit down first with Limor Weinberg, FNP-BC, CEO & Founder of The Clinic USA and brand new aesthetic-focused fashion line, Fillers Anonymous. Limor has been a part of the industry for many years, and in that time, she's emerged as a successful entrepreneur, a KOL, private and industry trainer, and influencer. At her Miami clinic, she's both treating patients and training others, and she's built a great reputation in a very busy market.  But, as she looked at the industry horizon, she made the bold move to start allocating her time to a project that has become an overnight sensation, and it's only getting started! Since unveiling FA, they've launched a handful of their 30+ sayings on merchandise like cropped sweaters, hats, tees, mouse pads, bags and more!  With the competition growing more fierce, Limor says she's sure of two things- Fillers Anonymous is an income stream she hopes to build into a business that rivals her clinic .And, she's also a big proponent of AI and the concept of working smarter, and using way smarter tools. She touches on how AI has changed her own way of work, and she shares her goal to launch a full AI class for aesthetics. Fingers crossed! Next we sit down with Lauren Taylor DeJohn, CEO & Founder of The Limited Agency now in Dallas, TX. Lauren Taylor or “LT” has quickly built a name for herself as the creative mastermind behind several of our favorite Injector influencers. She approaches brand management, social media presence, content curation and making a digital impact in much the same way as an injector augmenting a face- with a careful blend of science and art.  We talk about how she manages high-profile clients and becomes a unified part of their brand voice. What's the goal- is it brand awareness, booking patients, expanding influence or just growing a following?  In any case, it's authenticity and consistency! She talks about what it's like to work on location with her clients and mastermind what's happening behind the scenes to deliver the right content via the right channel at the right time. She shares a few key insights that can really impact your success with social from consistently posting to finding the right kind of content to achieve your goal. She also takes us through how to look at an event, even one as big as AN 5.0, and decide what matters, what will play well on social, and where to spend your time capturing content.  Learn more about Limor and LT: Fillers Anonymous: www.fillersanyonymous.com The Clinic USA: https://www.theclinic.us/ The Limited Agency: www.thelimitedagency.co

We've just returned from the exhilarating Aesthetic Next 5.0 conference, and we've got a special treat for you! In Episode 66, The Leadership Alchemist, we're honored to sit down with the dynamic Shakira Cabrera, MPAS, PA-C. She's not just an aesthetic expert; she's a transformational leader who's turning her Practice culture into a business triumph. Shakira embarked on her PA career back in 2006, gaining invaluable experience in diverse fields like Cardiology, Neurology, and Hospitalist roles. However, it was her time in Trauma & Plastic Surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center that ignited her passion. There, she witnessed the life-altering impact of reconstructive surgery, inspiring her to continue her journey in Plastic Surgery and eventually to Aesthetics.   In 2018, Shakira took the entrepreneurial leap, launching Jules Aesthetic & Wellness from a humble single-room (purple!)  setup. Fast forward to today, and it's evolved into a highly respected practice boasting seven treatment rooms, a team of skilled injectors, and  its own training facility. While her injection skills are unquestionable, what truly distinguishes Shakira is her exceptional leadership skills. Whether it's her keen business acumen, meticulous performance tracking, or her innate ability to foster a culture of growth and collaboration, Shakira has become a sought-after authority on running a thriving practice. But don't be fooled by her business acumen—Shakira is also a master with a syringe. Her years in the operating room have given her an advanced understanding of facial anatomy. She honed her injection skills under industry leaders—a rare opportunity in the days when weekend crash courses were the norm. Now, years removed from her early beginnings, she's paying it forward, aiming to shorten the learning curve for new injectors through quality training & help them run better businesses.. Shakira shares her knowledge & expertise through various channels: private training sessions at Jules' facility, national tours alongside Erika Barry, NP-C, her co-founder at Injector's Club, and on her Patreon channel. Together with Erika, she curated an extensive collection of invaluable tools, webinars, and business resources for Injector's Club to help aspiring injectors hit the ground running (and new things coming soon!) Her Patreon is filled with real-time business insights and pearls for building better practices, and she's also a respected, in-demand hands-on trainer with a knack for keeping things calm and easy to understand, no matter the complexity.  What makes Shakira's commitment to culture truly extraordinary is how she's transformed the often stressful task of employee retention into a competitive edge. She holds monthly one-on-one coaching sessions with her team, focusing on performance reviews and strategic growth plans. She's not just aligned with her employees' development goals; she's invested in their success and holds herself accountable. This  transparent, supportive work environment she's created has cultivated a culture that people are excited to be a part of every single day. Combine that with her analytical prowess, her ninja injection skills, and it's clear why Shakira is a bona fide business powerhouse. So, enjoy this enlightening episode where we delve deep into the mind and methods of a true Leadership Alchemist! Learn more about Shakira: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lipsdontlieshakira/?hl=en Jules Medical Spa:https://julesmedspa.com/  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Lipsdontlieshakira The Injector's Club: https://www.theinjectorsclub.com/

This week we welcome a new(er) face to the Aesthetic Industry but certainly not to the business brokerage landscape. Fernando Gonzalez spent nearly the last 20 years in high-end real-estate brokerage bringing buyers and sellers together on high-density luxury developments. He's always approached the role of a broker as more of a trusted guide or partner, helping clients to achieve financial, emotional, and transactional success with each encounter. He's built a successful brokerage firm, The Gonzalez Group, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area where he's still involved. But, with a veteran team who actively manages those residential and commercial relationship, Fernando is now shifting his focus to Aesthetics! He's a big relationship guy, it's evident from the moment the episode starts. Make no mistake, he's still absolutely focused on helping sellers maximize the value of their Practices, but the way he gets to that end goal is anything but transactional.  To listen to Fernando describe his methodology is equal parts art and science. He started ORO Medaesthetic Brokerage to fill a gap in the industry- one where brokers operate alongside their clients, fighting for high multipliers and big payouts, but never forgetting the human element of the process. He's very focused on forging relationships that allow him to be the best representative of the owner's vision, their operating reality, staff involvement and overall business desires. When he's able to act as that trusted partner, the artistry of brokerage comes into focus. And it's not only for the seller, but he's also playing matchmaker between two parties, so he's equally as focused on understanding the buyer, their investment thesis, long-term goals and the overall portfolio of practices in the mix, not just the offer. Finding the perfect match is the truly the artistic side of the broker's role. In this episode, we talk about the ORO methodology and what a Practice owner can expect in a typical transaction. The process is equal parts art & science from making the right match to putting pen to paper and getting to the right number. But throughout it all, it's very apparent that Fernando and the ORO Team spend as much time cultivating and focusing on the human element of the sale- the Practice owner's desires, the desires of the staff and what happens to them in the transition, helping to manage the change as it comes, and never forgetting that the M&A process is not just the numbers. Behind it is a small business owner who's embarking on a new, potentially scary and stressful process that involves handing over their life's work. They've entrusted the care of their Practice to ORO, and Fernando's track record proves he's up for the challenge! As ORO enters the Aesthetic space, there's no doubt Fernando's relationship-based approach will permeate every part of the “deal.” That's a big win for Practice owners who have been reluctant to take those next steps. Fernando's passion for this industry and the opportunity to show a different side of the PE coin. One thing is certainly clear, he's just getting started! To learn more about ORO Medaesthetic Brokerage, visit their website at www.OROMB.com and follow Fernando and team on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/oromedaesthetic/    

This may be our most fascinating podcast ever! We are joined by the Co-Founder of Rion, Inc., researcher and pioneer of regenerative medicine, and Cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, Atta Behfar, MD, PhD. We're also joined by Saranya Wyles, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Program Director of Clinical Regenerative Medicine Education at Mayo Clinic and the Principle Investigator for Rion Aesthetic's flagship product, (plated)™.  Dr. Behfar spent several years in the initial stages of research getting a deep understanding of what influences cells to participate in wound healing. His research led him to find the major gap- communication-  which is where exosomes come into play. They are the mechanism by which cells communicate with one another and make things happen in the body. Next, it was about finding the best communicators which led him and his research team to identify a particular group of platelet-derived exosomes that were specifically communicating about regeneration and repair.  This was a true needle in a haystack endeavor, and thankfully it's paid off-  it's propelled regenerative medicine in aesthetics to a whole new level.  Several years later, his findings turned into Rion, Inc as he continued on with research focused on organ regeneration (eventually the heart), and as a byproduct, he found an invaluable application within aesthetics. Looking into the future, he discusses what is possible with injectable exosomes to supercharge what filler, toxin and biostimulators can do in the tissue.  We won't need to just fill or relax wrinkles, but there is the potential to repair the tissue enough that it's no longer a concern. If Dr. Behfar is where it started, Dr. Wyles is how it's going. Not only is she an expert in regenerative medicine, but she's also a practicing Dermatologist. She is using exosome technology in her practice daily, and to hear her discuss the effectiveness and results she sees with (plated)™ is remarkable. She is using it as a primer for her patients before procedures, as their primary skincare product, and as a post-treatment wound-healing accelerant. While this is not a sponsored Rion Aesthetic's podcast, the results she's seeing clinically, not just in the lab, are cause for major kudos to the Rion Aesthetics research team! She's working on next steps toward future research involving hair growth, injectable exosomes and atopic dermatitis among other potential uses- all pending the FDA of course. She truly is the perfect intersection of where the research lab meets the treatment chair.  We are definitely at the tip of the spear in regenerative medicine with this episode. It's rare to sit down with two of the best and brightest minds on the research front and get a solid breakdown of the science and the clinical application of something as novel as platelet-derived exosomes. In addition, Dr Wyles provides a checklist of sorts for you to consider before bringing exosomes into your practice. It's important to check things like donor quality, batch consistency, batch effectiveness, platelet or stem-cell derived, and to ask for the clinical research that is backing the product. We know Rion Aesthetics has no shortage of research available, and from the sound of what's next, they are only getting started!

This week we're diving headfirst into all things digital marketing for E63: Black Belt Digital & Beyond with Rick O'Neill, FRSA. Rick has spent 22 years focused on digital marketing, the last 11 of which he's been at the helm of award-winning, UK-based agency, LTF Digital exclusively serving the Aesthetic industry.  Rick and his team are entrusted to lead the marketing efforts not only for the big brands that serve the Aesthetic Industry, like Merz, Allergan, AlumierMD, Crown Aesthetics, Lumenis, and Alma (just to name a few), but, they also intensely focus on marketing for practices. That's a unique combination not found in many agencies- they understand the hyper-competitive aesthetic market from all sides, and they are able to maximize results across various budgets and differing needs. Rick's list of international speaking engagements is quite long, his client list is longer. He's of the mindset that there's no benefit in keeping his expertise close to the vest. As an entrepreneur, just because you can doesn't mean you should, so one of his tenants is to ensure as an entrepreneur you understand what you should be looking for in an agency, how to measure impact and results, and how things SHOULD be done so that when you delegate those tasks to someone else, you can hold them accountable and keep tabs on their success. But with a black belt in taekwondo, it was inevitable that he would apply some of the key tenants and discipline of martial arts to how he approaches digital marketing.  In his new book, Black Belt Digital, he draws many similarities between the two disciplines. In marketing and martial arts, you must have a focused plan, consistently show up, be flexible and adaptable in your approach, and be efficient with your energy and your time. At the end of the day, it's a competition, whether on the mat or in the market, so tapping into that competitive spirit certainly doesn't hurt! He just released Black Belt Digital, and in only a few short days, it's shot to the #1 spot in The Medical & Healthcare Practitioners, Beauty Therapy and E-Business categories. This culmination of his 2 decades in marketing is a 60,000-word, 20-chapter field guide to all aspects of growing a digital presence with practical advice and insights into where to focus your time and attention.  Some of our favorites of Rick's digital building blocks include: ·     Mastering local Google SEO ·     Leveraging automations and a solid CRM ·     Using data and analytics to drive decisions ·     Diversifying your marketing strategy: a content, education, influencer, video & email marketing mix ·     And, knowing exactly who you are so you can stay laser focused on your target audience and craft your online presence accordingly Rick is coming to Aesthetic Next 5.0 this year in Dallas, TX for his first US-based workshop! He'll be bringing his Digital Dojo stateside to share his knowledge and provide tested strategies that are actionable and achievable. He's also speaking in the Business Track, so make sure if you are attending, and if you have any part of marketing your brand or your practice, that you DO NOT MISS this workshop! Find more information regarding Ricks' workshop at Aesthetic Next by visiting www.AestheticNext.com/workshops As a For the Record listener, Rick is offering several FREE tools to take an objective assessment of where your practice is right now so you can start to map out what's next. Click HERE to access your: ·     Free Guide on Google Optimization ·     Free Guide on Website Enhancement ·     Free Online Scorecard to assess your MedSpa's Digital Health Here are some helpful links to learn more about Rick, his book and his agency: Checkout Rick's new book on Amazon and visit www.BlackBeltDigital.com for more information. Find out more about Rick at https://www.rickoneill.co.uk Find out more about LTF Digital at https://ltf.digital/  

Episode 62 is right on time to prepare for and #TakeFive at Aesthetic Next 5.0 coming up in only a few short weeks in Dallas, TX on September 7th-10th. In this episode, the AN Conference Director & FTR Host, Tiphany Hall, PhD, sits down with the Director of Vendor Relations, Vivienne Echendu, and Business Development Manager, Marcus Curtis. Together, Vivienne and Marcus are responsible for the entire vendor aspect of the conference- that means they manage the Exhibit Hall, ensure sponsors for evening events, curate the vendor Think Tanks and Learning Labs, secure sponsorships for key experiences and activations to enrich the attendee experience and more. Vivienne joined the organization during the 2nd year of Aesthetic Next- AN Virtual- and after surviving that shutdown road bump, she's been on the move creating a destination for sponsors and exhibitors at AN. Now in year 5, Marcus has joined forces to help as our attendee count grows and so does the expectation of our meeting! In this episode, we take you behind-the-scenes, into the inner workings of Aesthetic Next 5.0! From what to wear to how to plan your day to making the most of your experience, we give you our expert tips complied over the last 5 years. It's the little things- what are the must see sessions, will I have time to see all the things I want to see, is the Exhibit Hall really a valuable way to spend time, and on and on! If you've never been to AN 5.0, the giant schedule can be overwhelming and Episode #62 is here to help you make sense of it! The AN 5.0 crew talks through all the deets on: ▪️The exciting events happening Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday in every track ▪️How to participate in the scavenger hunt and win fab prizes! ▪️What you can find in the mobile app and how to plan your weekend agenda ▪️What's included in the General Conference Pass and the can't miss sessions in our four core tracks ▪️All the complimentary services available for attendees ▪️ What's in store at the Thursday Opening Reception, The NEXTIES and the 5 To The Future Party ▪️All. The. CMEs!!! Whether you're thinking about going to AN 5.0 or you've already purchased your tickets, this is the FAQ, insider info sesh you need to start planning!!!! If you are looking for more information on Aesthetic Next, head to www.AestheticNext.com Be sure to cast your vote for our 2023 NEXTIES winners by voting at www.AestheticNext.com/Nexties Checkout our robust lineup of Workshops, Masterclasses and Bootcamps at www.AestheticNext.com/Workshops

We're kicking things off with a little SPARKLE! Join our first guest of the season, Dani Sher, PA-C, Founder & Owner of Sparkle Aesthetics for an in depth look at ultrasound practicality, entrepreneurship & attracting the right patients to your Practice! In the season opener, From Stand-Up to Standout, Dani takes us on a journey from early days in stand-up comedy to eventually finding her way back to medicine in the ER, to Aesthetics and now as one of the key leaders of the ultrasound movement. She's been an integral part of ultrasound education across the US training providers in her office in Chicago and at conferences around the country. Her secret to success is her ability to make ultrasound approachable and understandable at all levels. From her Top Gun and Black Fish metaphors to using chicken breasts for target practice, attendees walk away with the power to begin using ultrasound in their day-to-day procedures. She trademarked her approach, Safe Mapping ™ which cuts through the noise and complexities of full face vascular mapping to present what's important for an injector - the areas of the face where they are actually injecting! Beyond her expert ultrasound skills, Dani is also a entrepreneur who took her practice from the occasional Botox party to a dedicated storefront in Chicago. In the midst of an expansion to accommodate her growing training programs, she's also busy hiring, onboarding, marketing, seeing her own patients and overseeing the operations at Sparkle Aesthetics. And, she's fitting it all in somehow while also being a wife and a mom. Perhaps a creative outlet or a source of stress relief (either way we are here for it!) her comedy chops are one of the things she's well known for in the industry. Her parody videos of the Aesthetic underbelly bring a reality punch seasoned with well-timed humor. They say all the things we can't and remind us that at the end of the day, the pop culture obsession with influencers and social media fame aren't what makes a great injector! We also explore her one-of-a-kind and always recognizable branding. Sparkle's identity is a throwback to the nostalgia of her childhood, shows like Be Witched and The Jetsons. It permeates everything she does and is a perfect example of bringing a concept to life. It also attracts her tribe- between her comedy chops, the office branding and DNA, and her larger than life persona, patients who end up at Sparkle are drawn there by design. In this episode, we discuss: Creating a brand that attracts the right Patients for your Practice. The challenges and rewards of building your own business. Her own learning journey with ultrasound & how it's impacted the way she teaches and trains. The reason she created Safe Mapping™& how it can work in your practice. Her upcoming trainings, specifically Aesthetic Next! We're thrilled to have spent this time with Dani learning the ins and outs of what makes a standout educator, injector and business owner tick! Episode #61 is a great way to add a little sparkle to your day! Want more of Dani in your life? We've got two upcoming workshops at Aesthetic Next that you just can't miss! Learn more at www.AestheticNext.com/Workshops Preshow Education- Wednesday, Sept. 6th Facial Ultrasound Immersion with Dr. Stella Desyatnikova Workshop: Saturday, Sept. 9th Introduction to Ultrasound & Practice Uses Dani also trains at Sparkle Aesthetics on a regular basis. Find out more about her courses here: https://www.sparkleaesthetics.com/training-for-providers Find Dani on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_sparkle_pa/ Learn more about Sparkle Aesthetics: https://www.sparkleaesthetics.com/

Are you ready to be truly "competition-less" and build a sustainable brand that leads to increased revenue, less burnout, and carving out your niche in the Aesthetic Industry? If this answer is YES, this episode is going to give you the keys to unlocking the secrets of scale! It's the first step in a 4-part series focused on bringing the value of the Proprietary Aesthetic Method to your practice! We've teamed up with KLC Consulting Founder & CEO, Kaeli Lindholm, to deliver her proven methodology and winning formula to you starting with this podcast! From here, Kaeli will guide you on your journey to create your brand identity and lay the foundational structure to propel long-term growth. There will be 3 stops along the way: Positioning Your Business in "The Gap", Developing Your Proprietary Method, and Incorporating PAM in Your Day-to-Day Operations. In addition to the guided series, you have access to a resource guide that lays it all out for you and provides a blueprint for getting the most out of your PAM. Kaeli's worked with hundreds of business owners just like you, and her clients have proven this resource guide is truly a multi-million dollar business asset! In this episode, we talk about the current climate in the industry- competition is fierce, the influx of patients is turbocharged, and injectors and business owners are desperately needing to add headcount or add locations to manage it all. But, it's not easy to do when you haven't formulated your brand identity, you can't market proprietary treatment methods or onboard new staff to deliver them, your processes and operational flow isn't set up to work across multiple people or locations, and training patients to be okay with seeing someone other than you is a Herculean task! Time is a finite resource, and in addition to the potential to add millions in incremental revenue, spending time creating your PAM can give you time back to live that life you are working so hard to create. It's a small investment of time and money that can have a major impact for years to come. With this collaboration, we've been given the go-ahead to launch this course for only $297. It may truly be one of the best investments you ever make. As you wrap up your PAM process, Kaeli offers the next level of growth with Confidence to Scale which is a 6 week business certification program that takes the work you've done with PAM and helps to transform your entire practice. If you haven't met Kaeli, you are in for a treat! Widely recognized as a brand revisionist, Kaeli believes achieving ‘category of one' success requires taking a differentiated approach. Her coaching and academy programs bring unique perspectives that challenge the very construct of business success. Paired with significant revenue growth, clients describe the benefit of working with Kaeli as “game-changing”, “both guide and exceptional partner”, and “provides value well beyond monetary measurement!” When you partner with Kaeli you will make an empowered transformation in your business and life. She was named a Top 10 Most Inspiring Women to Watch in 2023 by Forbes Magazine, and she's climbed the Fortune 500 ladder, built a 7-figure medspa, and helped hundreds more find true success. To learn more about this program, visit Learn.AestheticNextProductions.com. To learn more about Kaeli, visit KLC Consulting at www.KLCConsultants.com To follow Kaeli on Instagram, visit https://www.instagram.com/kaeli.lindholm/ To listen to Fierce Factor Podcast hosted by Kaeli, visit https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fierce-factor-with-kaeli-lindholm/id1508553517

We end Season 3 talking about hustle, passion, courage, and leadership with industry icon, IG influencer, and successful entrepreneur, Shelby Miller, DNP, FNP-C. In The Leadership Manifesto, the RUMA Aesthetics & RUMA Academy Founder, CEO & Medical Director gives us an intimate look at everything from the childhood experiences that shaped her and the lessons she's learned in business and in life as her career has taken off in a meteoric fashion since opening her own practice in 2018. If you have even one conversation with Shelby, it's immediately apparent that she has a passion for learning, for growing others, and for providing the best care possible for her Patients. That passion is equally matched by her work ethic- she's not shy about doing the hard things. Whether it's long hours, doing her own construction, putting in the time to learn and work on herself, or balancing multiple business and a family, she somehow makes it all look effortless. Despite how it may appear on the Gram, she's quick to tell you, it's not without its challenges and sacrifices! Lucky for us, her original desire to be a CRNA didn't fulfill her need to care for and be involved with patients, and it lacked the fast pace she's accustomed to. She worked for a few medical spas early on and a facial plastic surgeon, a role she credits with helping her to really master anatomy, but came to realize her internal mission, vision and values didn't jive with the culture of these locations. And with that realization, RUMA was born in a single room, a few hundred square feet, located inside a beauty bar. It didn't take long for her to outgrow that space move into her second RUMA location which was 10X the size! It was here she expanded her team and really solidified the identify of RUMA Aesthetics. Shelby shares that RUMA is typically a premium option compared to the local market, but she and her team have created an environment that provides a high-end experience, superior results, and a patient-centered approach that includes modern technology like ultrasound. She attracts patients who fit the RUMA DNA: high-end, high expectations, and high-value. Fast forward 2 short years, and she grew out of that location, and has now moved into what she calls “The Mothership,” a 10,000 square foot Taj Mahal that has not only grown her RUMA Aesthetics business but has opened an entirely new opportunity to expand RUMA Academy and continue her mission to teach and train others. When she's not running RUMA Aesthetics or RUMA Academy, she and her COO/CFO husband and RUMA Air pilot, Jordan, are jet setting around the US to private trainings (don't worry..their plane has a parachute!). It may seem excessive to some and genius to others, but their investment in a plane has given her an opportunity to carve out time for her marriage, a great tax benefit, and a timesaving, efficient way to travel without demanding so many nights away from her 2 little girls! Throughout this episode, she shares countless tips for how to spend your time wisely, invest in help along the way, and to know how to stack your schedule and be okay with saying no. That's been an evolution as she's grown into her leadership role, something she takes very seriously. She talks about the lid effect- if the leader hits the lid and stops growing, the organization and team are stifled as well. Because of this, she's been a student of leadership for several years, devouring books, working on herself, and leaning into the role with courage and connection. As she says in the episode, more is required of leaders- they must see things first, have more courage, take more risks, own more responsibility, but when done right, great leaders receive more. There's no doubt she's manifesting an empire and receiving the fruits of her hard-earned labor. We also venture into her role as a Provider and the insane skills she's acquired over the years. What's her best advice for doing the same? • Always ask why. Just because it was taught in a training or is a popular opinion, peel the layers back and ask why it's done that way. When you do this, then your skills can begin to evolve. • Take the risk, pay for the training, commit to learning. She went to an ultrasound course, realized she was in over her head, and then buckled down and learned as much as she could, and went back and tried again. • It's okay to do things differently. Find what appeals to you, then go train with the people who are producing those results. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to artistry. • There is no part-time if you want to achieve greatness. The industry is a grind, and becoming a great injector requires discipline and commitment. To see what Shelby's accomplished as a business owner in only a handful of years is nearly impossible to imagine. It's a testament to her leadership and her passion to stay true to what she believes and why she started RUMA, and to bring her team along on that journey. She sees patients 4 days a week, runs a staff of 30, conducts frequent trainings at RUMA Academy and travels around the US to train. And in all that, she says it doesn't feel like work at all. She still finds joy in the day-to-day and has the excitement to continue growing and evolving herself and her businesses. If you are just starting out as a new business owner or you're struggling to hold on to your culture and core vision as your business grows, this podcast is for you! It's an action-packed sit down showcasing the hard lessons and gratifying rewards from someone who is doing it all (and making it look effortless on Instagram!) Learn more about RUMA Aesthetics: https://ruma.com/ Book Training at RUMA Academy: https://rumaacademy.com/ Follow Shelby on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aesthetic_injector/ Follow RUMA Aesthetics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rumaaesthetics/ Follow RUMA Academy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rumaacademy/

This week we take a 20+ year look at the past, present and future of injectable procedures with veteran injector & skincare expert, Kimmi Ragone, RN, BSN, CPSN. For the last 23 years, she's been with Bucky Plastic Surgery, first as an OR Nurse assisting in facelifts and body procedures and over the last several years, she's provided non-surgical treatments at one of four Bucky locations throughout Philadelphia where she also serves as the Director of Skin Care & Injectables. From the early days with one filler option and one toxin option til now, Kimmi's been on the forefront of the scientific and product-driven evolution of the industry. When she looks back to those first 3 to 5 years, she's quick to admit that having the luxury (or limitation) of only a couple of products gave her and others of her tenure the opportunity to really master each product as it came to market. But as every innovator does, she was eager to explore new ways to use those products to produce more favorable aesthetic outcomes. She's spent A LOT of time, 2 decades worth, with respected and admired Plastic Surgeon, Louis. Bucky, MD, FACS, and she's had the opportunity to learn facial anatomy hands on in his OR. It's her strong foundation in anatomy that gave her the courage and know how to venture off-label and try new techniques while staying safe and being mindful of overcorrection. As the years have passed and manufacturers have brought so many products to market, many of the concepts she implemented early on have come full circle with new indications and new tools in the modern injector toolbox. But all that innovation isn't without pitfalls. In this episode she addresses the point in time when the industry went “cheek crazy” trying to efface NLFs and how we may be on a slippery slope toward making the same mistake with the overcorrection of chins. As she's out teaching and training for Galderma and Evolus, she's constantly reiterating the need to look artistically at the face and create balance and harmonization. That means saying no when patients are better served with a facelift or when their finances won't stretch far enough to produce the results they really want and need. As part of a big practice, Kimmi has access to every product without the same constraints that a small practice may feel when it comes to cash flow and profitability. Because of this, she has a unique advantage to pick and choose among all the product lines to create the optimal result. But even with all the options, she knows her own limitations and that of HAs and biostimulators and refers patients for surgery when it's the better option. Having a great relationship with a plastic surgeon is something she urges every injector to seek out and build as their patient population continues to age. In this episode, Kimmi shares a tremendous amount of injection and patient experience pearls: • Be deliberate in creating every step of the patient journey so you elevate their experience. • Anatomy is the foundation of everything. Spend time in cadaver labs and ORs learning as much as you can before treating patients or venturing into unknown territory. • Being a skilled, technical injector can only take you so far. You must also apply artistry concepts to create beautiful results. • Build your practice in such a way that you can offer alternatives with financing or stepwise, yearlong plans so that you can deliver what your patients truly want and need and exceed their expectations. In addition to her faculty role at Coast to Coast Cadaver, she will be joining us at Aesthetic Next 5.0 to share her perspective on liquid rhinoplasty as well as joining a panel of fellow experts to battle it out as they share how they would approach various cases. She will join both cadaver labs as faculty to share her vast knowledge of anatomy and to train the next generation of great injectors. In the meantime, she's excited to continue her own revolution as the industry changes, continue mentoring others, and provide the exceptional level of care she's dedicated herself to for the last two decades at Bucky Plastic Surgery. Follow Kimmi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_beautyratio/ Learn more about Bucky Plastic Surgery: https://www.drbucky.com/ Follow Bucky Plastic Surgery on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buckyplasticsurgery/

Episode 58 is here, and it's packed full of the information you need to build your digital presence and fully book your schedule. We sit down with Aesthetic Conversion Founder & CEO, Jared Rohrer, who specializes in helping aesthetic practices move patients from search to sale and everything in between!  Jared's been in the aesthetic industry for several years. He's worked with big names like Shino Bay Aguilera amongst others, produced conferences likes Beauty Through Science and FaceIt Virtual, and he's been a content king producing videos, training series, and other media assets via his other business, Really Good Content. But, Jared has a passion for business and for helping entrepreneurs to grow and scale, and with his knack for content and love for marketing, Aesthetic Conversion is making a major impact on every practice his team serves. As a customer of AC, Jared's team helps you define and polish your web presence. That includes everything from website structure to sales funnels, copy that converts, rising in the ranks on google, and building a story around your brand that attracts the hearts and minds of the patients you want. AC manages every part of the marketing ecosystem- email and text campaigns, lead nurturing, blog posts, social presence, marketing automations, and more. His expertise has landed him a Faculty position on GAIN Business and with Revision Skincare and podiums at meetings across the industry. (Make sure to register for his AN 5.0 workshop when it launches!) How does he do it? In this episode he provides a tremendous amount of value with 5 key areas of focus: - How to build the the right landing page to improve bounce rates and appeal to your target customer. - Creating sales funnels with free offers to capture patient contract detail and grow brand affinity before they ever walk in. - How to leverage text campaigns to instantly increase conversion and stay connected to patients. - How to show up on the first page of Google through long tail keyword analysis and understanding your local market dynamics. - Harnessing the power of Chat GPT to expedite the content creation process. If you're struggling with lead gen or are ready to take your digital presence to the next level, this episode is definitely for you!!!! Learn more about Aesthetic Conversion: www.aestheticconversion.com Follow Jared on IG:https://www.instagram.com/jaredroars/ Contact Jared: Jared@aestheticconversion.com

This week we are combining the power of skincare & injectables to bring you the Best of BOTH Worlds with SkinRX founder and award-winning Aesthetician, Roxanne "Roxy" Drese, LE. Roxy has been involved in entrepreneurship in some form her whole life. Her mother owned a spa, and she swore she'd never do it, but life had other plans. From her own skin struggles, she developed a passion for skincare, and her fate as an Aesthetician was sealed! She opened SkinRX in Southlake, TX, an affluent suburb of Dallas in 2015 with the singular focus on services she could provide an Aesthetician. For 3 years, she referred out business to local injectors after carefully matching the Patient to the Provider. Over time, it became complex to figure out schedules of treatments, who to go to for what, and of course the financial missed opportunity, so after careful research and planning, she turned SkinRX into a full clinical medspa. Now, she has multiple Aestheticians and Injectors on staff, and her dream of holistically treating the Patient for all their aesthetic concerns has come to fruition. As she's grown SkinRX from one location to two, she's not afraid to admit she's made a few mistakes along the way. But one thing she has firmly planted in her clinics? Culture. Roxy is a firm believer in TEAM. Her staff meets often so they can stay aligned to the same mission, vision and values and so that operationally they are on the same page. Part of that culture is adhering to the brand. She spent the time to develop brand guidelines and a framework for how SkinRX should look and feel to every Patient. When it comes to hiring, she's all about making sure she has a really good sense of the person before bringing them into the fold. That may mean calling other spa owners who have worked with someone or doing multiple interviews to get a good sense of their character. Employees go through a 1-2 month onboarding process, then they work within their teams to make sure their skillsets are up to par with the SkinRX standards. During COVID, Roxy launched an eCommerce store to keep things afloat during the shutdown. Now, she's focusing on continuing to grow that aspect of her business while also focusing on the steady growth of SkinRX. What's fueling that growth? Her biggest driver is referrals! And the SkinRX membership programs brings clients back 12x a year for their services! More frequent visits mean more opportunities to provide services for her staff! And those service are carefully curated to feel like packages and programs, not one off services. She's careful to jump into new things until there's a solid plan in place and the early adopters have worked out the kinks. Roxy is a powerhouse in her own right. She was named Dermascope's National Favorite Licensed Esthetician in 2021, and she won 1st Place in The Skin Games, Age Management Category in 2018. She's also spoken at Aesthetic Next, Live Love Spa, and she actively mentors other Aestheticians. She's also the mom of two teenage daughters, and she let us know when she gets one out of the house, she'll think about opening that third location! Ha! Find out more about Roxy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skinrxbyroxy/ Find out more about SkinRX on the web: https://www.dfwskinrx.com/ Find out more about SkinRX on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skinrxsouthlake/

We're back this week with an industry visionary who has spent the last 10 years leading marketing and training efforts in the Aesthetic Industry. After business school, Drew Fine spent 10 years at Eli Lilly honing his craft in Diabetes marketing before moving to Galderma, where in the course of his nearly 7 years there as VP of Marketing, he led multiple launches of new FDA approved products, played a major role in the development of GAIN, and in many ways, masterminded the rise to dominance of the Restylane, Dysport and Sculptra brands under the ownership of Nestle Skin Health. From there, he moved to Allergan as VP of Marketing for the Facial Injectable Portfolio for nearly two years where he had his hands in Juvederm, Botox and AMI marketing efforts. But now, he's taking on a whole new challenge…. At the start of 2023, Drew was named the Chief Commercial Officer at Advanced MedAesthetic Partners. Since its inception in October '22, AMP has experienced rapid growth, scaling from 7 to 21 practices in only a few short months. Why? Some may lump AMP into the same category as traditional “Private Equity,” but as Drew can attest, their model is different. They come alongside successful practices and partner for the long haul. His analogy of the Marriott Autograph collection is a good one- great practices get to keep the very essence of what makes them successful and unique in their local markets, much like the Autograph hotels, but they get to reap the benefits of having a sophisticated, structured corporate partner in the background who oversees the legal, technical, compliance and HR operations much like Marriott. It's truly the best of both worlds! AMP is led by Nicole Chiaramonte, a veteran entrepreneur who was a multi-Aesthetic clinic owner prior to taking the CEO reins. She and Drew share a similar vision to create a culture of appreciation, maintain a strong focus on the people who make up the business, and to be a source of value for both owners and their staff as they transition to the AMP family. AMP has assembled a leadership team with the right balance of aesthetic experience and outside perspective, and their vision for the company stays true to the goals of the industry: putting patients, people and practices ahead of profits. Drew has been an advocate for solid training, something he focused on at both Galderma and Allergan, so it's no surprise that a key part of AMP's strategy is offering best-in-class training to both Providers and Staff. From the AMP fellowship to protocols and processes, employees at any AMP-owned practice have access to learn and grow within the organization. From Drew's perspective, one of the benefits of partnering with AMP is the opportunities for staff. As the organization continues to scale, it unlocks the potential for regional directors and trainers, corporate and field positions that just aren't an option in a privately-owned practice. To hear Drew talk about the industry and where it's headed is part of his magic. He sees the chess pieces before others know a game is even being played. What's missing in our industry? In his opinion (and we share it here at FTR!), it's about technology. First, it's automating the lead gen to booking process so that patients can find practices anytime from anywhere, keeping the store front open 24-7 without the expense of human capital. It's offering capabilities for patients to assess their own needs, buy what they want, book and come in without human intervention. Second, it's data mining. It's using data in sophisticated ways to make solid decisions for the practice, and at the scale of AMP, their access to large data sets across all geographies creates a serious advantage when it comes to Amplifying the Aesthetic Industry! Learn more about Advanced MedAesthetic Partners: https://www.weramp.com Follow Drew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewfine24/ Follow Drew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-fine-766ba/

This we are shaking things up and breaking the model with guest Brandon Mullen, BSN, RN-BC. Brandon has reinvented the Practice Manager as we know it today. He's not sitting at a desk in the Practice 40+ hours a week. He's fractional, spending half of his time onsite at Aiyana Atelier in Virginia and the other half at home in Pennsylvania! How does this work, one might ask? Brandon has been in Nursing since 2009, had a career in healthcare technology, and then answered the call when Ashley Carmen, FNP-C quickly grew her solo owner/injector Practice in Old Town, VA and needed help! Brandon is obsessive when it comes to systems, processes, project management, and details! That's why he's been able to manage both on and off-site as Ashley's grown Aiyana Atelier from now one location to two! From routing phones to shared docs, photo albums, and some help from Asana, he can run a tight ship from 4 hours away! Brandon strategically allocates his time to take vendor meetings, work on client experience, and manage the hands-on things in the Practice during his week long visits. When he's at home, it's all about the administrative work, website updates, planning the second location buildout & launch, and things that we could all use a little peace and quiet to accomplish on the day to day. As Brandon and Ashley scale Aiyana to a second location in Middleburg, he's flexing into different parts of his fractional role. Now, he is going between his home and two locations, and he's responsible for maintaining the level of service, ambience and experience Aiyana's clientele expects at both locations. As in all things that double, it's double the inventory, double the marketing, double the client responsibilities, but he's created such a defined process, that Aiyana's second location is set up for success! Brandon has also been actively consulting with other Practices as they continue to grow. He is fresh off a lecture at AmSpa where this idea & his experiences as a fractional Practice Manager was well received! It's not always feasible to find the best talent locally, and it's hard to find the right fit even when they can be onsite 100% of the time, so this New Frontier is certainly catching traction. One of Brandon's passions (and ours!) is helping Practice owners and new managers to connect with other industry professionals in the same role through an association or network. With a dedicated space just for practice owners and managers, the hope is to take the collective knowledge of the group and share it just like we do with Injectors. For now, he's busy launching a second location, and there's little doubt that more will soon follow, so perhaps when that's done, he can tackle this new challenge! We know Brandon will be joining us at Aesthetic Next in September to share more of his experience and expertise, but to connect with him in the meantime, click the links below: Brandon's IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_aestheticconsultant/ Aiyana Atelier IG: https://www.instagram.com/aiyanaatelier/ Aiyana Atelier Website: https://www.aiyanaatelier.com/

This week is like bootcamp for anyone and everyone who is trying to generate leads, increase revenue, and build a bigger practice. We have Diamond Accelerator Founder & CEO, Katlin Cauffman, in studio this week, and she's sharing some KEY information that you need to hear before you build your next offer or place that next paid ad. With years of experience marketing practices of all shapes and sizes, her expertise and insights make this episode a full blown marketing course that you'd paid big bucks for somewhere else! Katlin's company handles everything needed to be massively successful with lead gen, nurturing, and long-term retention of your client base. And over the years, after helping hundreds and hundreds of med spas, she's got a great handle on the things you can do along the way, in her own words, to make your marketing suck less! Her proven system makes it EASY for practices to set it and forget it, and to focus on other parts of the business while also knowing their marketing efforts are in strong, capable hands with the Diamond Accelerator Team! But, things like a thorough consultation and really good follow up are critical pieces that often get missed- if a company brings you leads on leads on leads, and the team inside the practice can't convert them to paying patients (or upsell them), then it's all for not. And Katlin spends alot of her time helping practices understand the funnel is only as good or as important as those face-to-face interactions. We talk about the consultation often, how to assess, how to present the treatment plan to the patient, and on and on, but do we do it over and over every time they come in? Do we understand the trial close and how to upsell? Are we overcoming objections and driving incremental revenue? ALOT rides on that consultative approach, and that's why Katlin has spent a tremendous amount of her time developing a full strategy that definitely doesn't suck! Who wants to crush an ad campaign or rock it with SEO just to have it fall apart at the consult- nobody! As part of our podcast launch this week, Katlin is giving away her full training program "The 5-Star Consultation Process- for FREE! It includes video training, a checklist, plug & play and scripts and more! It's a huge value that can pay big dividends long term. 5 Star Consultation Process: https://www.diamondaccelerator.com/5star-download We couldn't recommend this episode more, and Katlin is a total rockstar. Be sure to grab a notepad and pen because you will definitely want to jot down a few key takeaways! Learn more about Diamond Accelerator: https://www.diamondaccelerator.com/ Follow Katlin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katlincauffman/

Episode 53 is a Texas-sized crash course on serial entrepreneurship, overcoming adversity, and the patient experience. We sit down with Fort Worth native Heather Finks, FNP-C, founder of House of Beauty and a veteran nurse injector. This is Heather's THIRD entrepreneurial endeavor, starting her first business at age 21 despite all odds. Her childhood was less than picture perfect. She was raised by a single dad in a low income home, and she became a mom at 15. She made a decision then to do what she had to in order to change the generational story for her daughter, and boy did she! She's done a lot in a very short time, and basically her entire adult life she's owned a business. She's learned to be agile, to try new things, and to remove failure from the list of possibilities. In this episode Heather shares: ▪️Her experiences with overcoming adversity and the mindset you need to survive ▪️Running a successful business from idea to single location and then starting to scale ▪️Her philosophy on the patient experience and where the consultation falls apart (and how to fix it!) ▪️What it's like to share your sobriety and your faith on a public forum and be okay with who you are This episode will fill your cup- to hear Heather's story and see where she's ended up and what she's been able to accomplish proves we can do anything if we want it bad enough. She was definitely

This week we are ditching the koolaid, poking the bear, and going unfiltered with industry pioneer

Episode 51 is live this week with a true pioneer and a mentor to SO many, the legendary Larry Blevins, PA-C! In