If you're a healthcare provider, and own your own practice, then like it or not, you're an entrepreneur. Life isn't as easy as just doing the whole healthcare thing, you've got to market, lead, hire, fire, pay bills and on and on and on. This podcast is meant to help you see things from the entrepreneurial side so you can make a better living with lower stress while still helping your patients. Practicing since 1992, Dr. Glenn Krieger has a ton of formal business training as well as time "in the trenches", so he knows what you're going through.Take a listen and help yourself and your practice today.
Listeners of The OrthoPreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger that love the show mention: krieger, glenn, practice, dr, valuable, awesome podcast, interview, excellent, thank, time, great, work, good, love, orthodontic.

What if I told you the key to better esthetic results isn't just looking at teeth—but learning to see the face first?In this episode of The Orthopreneurs Podcast, I'm joined by the legendary Dr. David Sarver for a masterclass-level look at interdisciplinary smile design and lifetime esthetics. As we revisit his course, Smile Projection: A New Concept in Smile Design, Dr. Sarver gives us a different way to think about orthodontic treatment planning—one that starts with the face, not just the occlusion.We talk about why the lateral and oblique views matter so much, how smile projection changes the way we evaluate maxillary incisor position, and how orthodontists can take good cases and make them truly exceptional. If you want to create better, quicker, more esthetic outcomes for your patients, this episode will help you see the smile in a completely new way.

I recently came across a social media incident that really bothered me.The long and short of it was that someone organizing an event had received a nasty email full of colorful language from one of the would-be attendees.They proceeded to take a screenshot of the email without the full context and posted it on their social media. They included the person's email, place of work, and other such detail.This got me thinking…Nobody is perfect. People are going to screw up, even those close to you.What will your reaction be? Will you get all worked up and do something to embarrass or destroy them?I would much rather you gave them grace. Just let it go.Quotes:"Give grace to people when they screw up, reach out to somebody with whom you're estranged if you can, and give grace." - Dr. Glenn Krieger"You're going to run into people in your life who will piss you off. And you know what, it's okay to let it go." - Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysA social media incident that really bothered me (00:47)Give a little more grace (01:48)It's okay to let it go (02:54)Give grace to people when they screw up (05:37)Additional Resources- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ #Orthopreneurs #DrGlennKrieger #5minutefriday

Have you ever considered that your back pain might be connected to something deeper than just a physical injury? This episode with Dr. David Bynum might just change your perspective on health and wellness.As a seasoned chiropractor with a deep understanding of alternative medicines, Dr. Bynum joins me to talk about the powerful interplay between chiropractic care, alternative therapies like Kambo and Ayahuasca, and a holistic approach to improving your overall health.Discover how these practices can not only address physical ailments but also lead to significant behavioral changes, promoting a holistic approach to health.Quotes “For me, health and wellness isn't about finding one single right way. Everything comes together in a broad way.” Dr. Glenn Krieger"Most sickness, disease, and trauma stem from our behaviors or the behaviors of those who cared for us. Alternative therapies focus on changing those behaviors to promote healing and wellness." Dr. David Bynum

What if I told you your biggest staffing frustrations might have less to do with Gen Z—and more to do with the culture we've created around work? This episode isn't about criticizing younger employees—it's about reflecting on what we tolerate, reward, and model inside our practices. I talk about the differences I've observed between Japanese and American workplace culture, how it impacts orthodontic teams, and why leaders may need to rethink the systems and expectations they've created. If you've ever struggled with ghosting, disengagement, accountability, or team culture in your office, this episode will challenge you to look deeper—and maybe see the problem from an entirely different angle.Quotes“It's crystal clear that the work ethic here for the younger generation is very different, at least on the surface, from what I see in the U.S.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“I'm starting to believe that a lot of the problems we face in the U.S. are functions of the U.S. and the way we maybe tolerate some of the behavior that we see as employers.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro: Lessons from Tokyo & Triforce Academy (00:00)Cultural nuances and work ethic observations in Japan (00:45)The growing conversation around Gen Z in the workforce (01:00)Is this a generational issue or a societal one? (01:40)What orthodontic employers may be unintentionally tolerating (02:00)How travel and exposure to other cultures can reshape leadership perspective (02:35)Final thoughts & invitation to experience Japan with Orthopreneurs RD (02:45)Additional Resources

What if I told you the fastest way to lower your stress, reclaim your time, and make your practice more profitable isn't working harder — it's finally letting go of the things you should've outsourced years ago?In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I'm talking about one of the biggest mistakes I see orthodontists make over and over again: being penny wise and pound foolish. Too many doctors are still using their best team members — or worse, their own mental bandwidth — to manage tasks that could be outsourced, automated, or handled far more efficiently by dedicated systems. If your days feel chaotic, your team feels stretched, and your practice still isn't running as smoothly as it should, this episode is for you.Quotes“Your goal is to show up, do great ortho, hug moms, kiss babies, and grow your practice — and don't micromanage everything else.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“Money comes and goes, but time only goes.” — The Trockels, quoted by Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why orthodontists stay penny wise and pound foolish (00:28)The time-versus-money tradeoff at different stages of practice ownership (01:18)How remote monitoring creates smoother days and fewer office visits (02:03)Why a leaner team can still support a high-producing practice (02:36)The overhead math: efficiency, staffing, and profitability (02:56)Why your in-house team is not monitoring patients the way you think they are (04:10)How delayed responses hurt both patient experience and team performance (04:46)Why outsourcing creates peace of mind, faster workflows, and better systems (06:06)The real goal: less micromanagement, more freedom, and a practice that runs on cruise control (07:53)

I've seen it firsthand: bringing in someone with zero experience—but the right attitude—can transform your culture, your team, and even your future. In this episode, I sit down with someone who proves that point better than anyone I know—Brooke Bruneman—a former team member who started with me as a sterile tech and is now graduating dental school and chasing orthodontics.We also get into some surprisingly real conversations—about social media in orthodontics, what actually works (and what's just noise), and even how Gen Z is dating today (spoiler: it's very different from what most of us grew up with). This episode will challenge how you hire, how you lead, and how you think about the next generation entering our profession.Quotes“I came to you with zero experience… I just needed someone willing to train me.”— Brooke Bruneman“When you find something good, it's hard to let go of it.”— Brooke BrunemanKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why hiring for attitude beats hiring for experience (01:12)Brooke's journey from sterile tech to dental school (03:43)The value of real-world experience before dental school (04:24)Getting rejected—and coming back stronger (04:24)Why culture matters more than credentials (17:46)Keeping great people even after they “leave” your practice (18:45)How Brooke ran social media remotely through dental school (19:01)What actually works on social media for orthodontists (21:18)The power of the “hook” in content creation (33:42)Why most orthodontists get social media wrong (34:38)Gen Z, dating apps, and how communication is changing (40:14)Why safety and trust shape modern interactions (41:37)What residency programs might be missing in applicants (49:45)Additional ResourcesIf you're still hiring based on experience alone, you're missing out on your next superstar.Start looking for attitude, work ethic, and culture fit first—and train the rest. And if you've got someone great in your practice right now, don't wait—invest in them, mentor them, and keep them in your orbit however you can.

What if I told you that for less than the cost of one case, you could buy back hours of your week—and finally focus on the work that actually grows your practice?In this Five Minute Friday, I'm challenging one of the biggest blind spots I see in orthodontists today: the belief that “I can do it all myself.” After coming off a high-level Orthopreneurs RD meeting, it became crystal clear—most of you aren't lacking solutions… you're lacking time. And more importantly, you're holding onto tasks you should've delegated years ago.Quotes“The overwhelming majority of you are way too busy, don't have enough time, and are making enough money that you can afford an executive assistant.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“If you can take $20,000 a year to free you up and focus on the things you need to be doing, it'll be the best money you ever spend.”— Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why orthodontists resist solutions they actually need (00:58)What an executive assistant really does (and doesn't do) (01:20)Real-world examples: travel, scheduling, and life logistics (01:45)Fractional hiring: how to start small (02:25)The ROI of buying back your time (03:00)Why this may be the highest-leverage investment you can make (03:45)Additional Resources

I've had hundreds of conversations with orthodontists about DSOs, OSOs, and private equity—and here's the truth: most of you are making decisions based on incomplete, outdated, or just plain wrong information. In this episode, I sit down with Connor Jorgensen, Director at Tusk Practice Sales, to cut through the noise and talk about what's actually happening in today's market.If you've ever wondered what your practice is worth, how equity really works, or whether you're leaving money (or opportunity) on the table… This episode will give you clarity—and probably challenge a few assumptions along the way.Quotes“When someone tells you you're going to get a 5–7x return on your equity… that's unrealistic. If you're making decisions based on that, you need to run for the hills.” — Connor Jorgensen“If you're going to count DSO equity as zero, then you have to count your private practice as zero too. You're just trading one form of equity for another.” — Connor JorgensenKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why “just say no to DSOs” is bad advice (00:16)Connor's background and insider perspective (04:08)OSO vs DSO vs multi-specialty: what actually matters (06:24)How brokers work—and who they really represent (09:09)Equity vs cash: what orthodontists misunderstand (11:19)Why 5–7x equity claims are misleading (13:12)The biggest mistake advisors make about equity value (16:18)Why selling often beats holding long-term (18:07)How OSOs improve profitability overnight (24:55)Cultural myths: what really happens after you sell (28:02)Why education—not opinion—should drive your decision (29:57)Additional ResourcesConnor and the team at Tusk Practice Sales will walk you through a complimentary orthodontic valuation analysis—no pressure, no obligation, just real numbers and real insight so you can make the right decision for your future.

What if I told you the smartest way to approach airway isn't to become the hero in the room — it's to become the gatekeeper who knows exactly when, where, and how to refer?In this episode of 5 Minute Friday, I tackle one of the most polarizing conversations in orthodontics: airway and sleep-disordered breathing. There's so much noise, ego, and misinformation around this topic that a lot of orthodontists either jump in too aggressively or back away completely. My take is simple: neither extreme serves patients well. We don't need to diagnose everything ourselves — but we do need to know enough to recognize red flags, evaluate the orthodontic pieces we are responsible for, and collaborate with the right interdisciplinary team.Quotes“We are part of a bigger puzzle. We're just one piece and if we work together with the science and our referral base, we'll be able to treat people really, really well.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“We need to be gatekeepers and we need to work with ENTs and oral surgeons and myofunctional therapists and pediatric dentists.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why the airway conversation has become so overblown in orthodontics (00:25)Why orthodontists should be gatekeepers — not lone diagnosticians (00:46)The real problem with extreme pro-airway vs. anti-airway positions (02:17)How to use symptoms, occlusion, anatomy, and CBCT responsibly (04:55)When to treat the occlusion and when to refer to the interdisciplinary team (06:11)Why ENTs, oral surgeons, myofunctional therapists, and radiologists matter (06:32)What Dr. Krieger's Scottsdale airway course will teach orthodontists and teams (06:43)Why collaborative care creates better outcomes than ideology ever will (08:24)A real example of how orthodontic-ENT collaboration changed a child's life (10:08)Additional ResourcesI've seen firsthand how airway and sleep-disordered breathing can become one of the most rewarding parts of an orthodontic practice — but only when we stay in our lane, know what we're looking at, and work with the right team. If you want to learn how to evaluate these cases more thoughtfully, collaborate more effectively, and treat patients with greater confidence, keep an eye out for the upcoming airway and sleep-disordered breathing meeting in Scottsdale. And if you want to learn more about Orthopreneurs RD, message me directly.Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

I've seen a lot of innovation in this space over the years—but every once in a while, something comes along that makes you stop and think, “Okay… this actually changes things.” In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mehdi Peikar—orthodontist, physicist, and one of the most fascinating minds you'll ever meet—to talk about where orthodontics is heading and what happens when you combine AI, biomechanics, and true customization.Mehdi walks us through his journey—from studying quantum mechanics and biomechanics at some of the top institutions in the world to building award-winning orthodontic technologies—and now launching Celebrace, a fully customized 3D-printed bracket system that flips traditional orthodontics on its head. We're not talking about “low, medium, high torque” anymore… we're talking about precision-built prescriptions for every single tooth, for every single patient.But this episode goes deeper than just a product. We get into the future—AI, robotics, and yes… even the possibility of orthodontics being automated someday. Whether that excites you or terrifies you, one thing is clear: the doctors who understand where things are going are the ones who will thrive.Celebrace is a 100% digital, AI-driven, fully custom metal braces system, designed to bring greater precision and consistency to finishing. If you're interested in seeing how it works in practice, LEARN MORE and get started.Quotes“Nobody's really MBT or Roth—every case is unique. Now we finally have the tools to treat patients that way.” — Dr. Mehdi Peikar“You approve the treatment plan… and we reverse engineer the bracket to match it exactly.” — Dr. Mehdi PeikarKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Mehdi's journey: ortho → physics → innovation (01:13)Why quantum mechanics thinking shapes innovation (03:54)AI vs. quantum computing—what's actually impacting us now (07:12)Will AI replace orthodontists? (09:08)The future: robots, automation, and orthodontics at home (11:54)Why traditional prescriptions (MBT/Roth) are outdated (26:26)What makes Celebrace different from other “custom” systems (33:03)How fully custom brackets improve efficiency and finishing (29:31)Reverse-engineering treatment plans into exact prescriptions (34:16)Digital orthodontics: where braces are heading next (32:48)Additional ResourcesIf you're even remotely curious about where orthodontics is heading—and how to stay ahead of it—this is one you don't want to ignore.

What if I told you your practice could grow to $3M+ without working harder—just by fixing the leaks in your funnel?In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I challenge you to take a hard, honest look at your practice performance. If you're stuck at $1.6M–$1.9M and grinding four-plus days a week, the problem isn't effort—it's efficiency. Somewhere in your marketing, your conversions, your case acceptance, or your systems… you're leaking. And the good news? You can fix it without adding more hours to your schedule.I break down what a sustainable, profitable orthodontic practice really looks like—and why a $3M, three-day-a-week model is not only realistic, but repeatable. We talk about the real drivers of growth: effective marketing, strong phone and TC systems, leadership, and patient experience. If you're ready to stop making excuses and start making changes, this episode will give you a clear, practical path forward.Quotes“I can almost guarantee you that no matter where you practice… your practice is not reaching its potential for what you want.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“Somewhere along your funnel, you're leaking—and you can be much more effective with no more work.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why most orthodontists are stuck below their potential (00:30)The $3M practice model: realistic, sustainable, and repeatable (01:00)Why working more days isn't the solution (02:05)The 4 key growth drivers: marketing, conversion, case acceptance, leadership (03:45)Why most orthodontists don't know how to “close” cases effectively (04:20)How to build projections and take control of your numbers (04:55)Identifying and fixing leaks in your practice funnel (06:30)Additional ResourcesI've seen firsthand how small improvements in your funnel can unlock massive growth—without adding more stress or more hours to your week.If you're serious about building a more efficient, profitable, and scalable practice, join me at the 4M “Make More Money” Meeting in Nashville. We'll break down your numbers, your systems, and your strategy—from start to finish—so you can finally build the practice you actually want.Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

Unless you've been living under a rock, you must have heard about the recent developments in Artificial Intelligence and its capabilities.But have you tried using it in your orthodontic practice to help with some day-to-day tasks?AI is undoubtedly a huge part of our technological future, and we better learn how to use it.I have used it for writing job posts, responding to patients, creating emails, texts, performance reviews, policies and systems, social media posts, and more.One thing to note with AI is that AI is only as intelligent as the person using it, so the more specific you are with what you're looking for, the better the outcomes will be.Wondering how to incorporate AI into your practice? Tune in to learn more.

In this episode, I sit down with Kara Pfister, a speech-language pathologist and certified orofacial myofunctional therapist, to unpack one of the most misunderstood—and underutilized—areas in orthodontics: function. We break down what myofunctional therapy actually is, when you should be referring (and when you shouldn't), and why working without a team is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in modern orthodontics.If you've ever wondered why some cases relapse, why certain patients struggle with expansion or open bites, or how to actually build a referral network that improves outcomes—not just checkboxes—this episode will give you practical, real-world insight you can apply immediately. More importantly, it might completely change how you view your role as an orthodontist—not just as a tooth mover, but as a gatekeeper for long-term function and health.Quotes“We're not just fixing speech—we're often preventing bigger problems before they even start.” — Kara Pfister“If they release the tongue without addressing function… it's like doing surgery on a hip and expecting someone to just walk again.” — Kara PfisterKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why orthodontists must act as “gatekeepers” for function (00:30)What a myofunctional therapist actually does (01:17)Why most speech issues aren't being caught early enough (02:46)The real causes: airway, tongue tie, and oral habits (14:35)Why school speech screenings often miss these problems (13:04)How to identify when to refer (31:22)The truth about tongue ties—when they matter (29:53)Why releasing a tongue tie without therapy fails (30:58)Expansion vs. tongue tie timing—what comes first (36:17)How improper function leads to relapse (34:49)Building a referral team that actually works (40:51)Where to find qualified myofunctional therapists (44:11)Additional ResourcesIf you're serious about improving outcomes—not just finishing cases—you need to stop working in isolation.Start by building your team:Find a qualified myofunctional therapist through https://iaom.com (International Association of Orofacial Myology)Connect with specialists (ENTs, oral surgeons, therapists) who share your philosophyAnd if you want to reach Kara directly:

In this 5 Minute Friday, I'm breaking down the uncomfortable truth: we obsess over the science of brackets and wires, but most orthodontists have no scientific approach to the part of the practice that actually creates growth—how patients move from interest to “yes.” I'll walk you through the funnel leaks I see everywhere: weak phone conversions, untrained trial closes, TCs who aren't coached on objections, and doctors who accidentally tank conversions by staying in the room too long or saying the wrong thing.And because I'm tired of watching practices bleed opportunity, I'm building something different: a focused event designed specifically to help doctors and key team members master every step of the funnel. If you want to grow ethically, confidently, and with a repeatable system (not “hope”), this episode will light a fire under you—in the best way.Quotes“Sales has science behind it. There are people who've studied this top to bottom and know exactly what gets people to say yes.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“Do you have a scientific approach from A to Z—from the way you market, to how the phone is answered, to how the exam is handled, to how your TC closes? Or are you just hoping it works?” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)The “A–Z” scientific sales funnel (marketing → phone → lead handling → exam → close) (00:00)Sales has science—proven triggers like scarcity and positioning (01:35)Where orthodontic practices leak: phone scripts, trial closes, consult flow, objection handling (03:24)Doctor behavior that can hurt conversions—and what to rethink (04:08)Why most TCs aren't trained to overcome objections scientifically (04:42)The “Make More Money Meeting” concept + who should attend (05:08)Instant implementation tip: TC sits next to patient when presenting fees (08:00)If “sales” offends you, this isn't your meeting—and that's okay (09:03)Additional ResourcesI've seen firsthand how a scientific sales system can change a practice faster than any new bracket or marketing trend.If you're ready to stop guessing and start building a funnel that converts—from the first call to the signed contract—go check out the meeting I created for this exact purpose at ortho4m.com. Bring the people who touch your funnel (office manager, TC, key front desk). If spots are still open, grab them—because not everyone is going to fit in that room.Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

Most orthodontists think they need a better system, better marketing, or better scripting.What they actually need is clarity.In this episode, I sit down with someone I deeply respect — Dr. Lou Chmura — and we go far beyond brackets, aligners, and production numbers. Lou has decades of clinical experience, but what makes him different is his deliberate, principle-driven thinking about life and practice. We talk about why so many orthodontists are more stressed than ever… despite practicing in one of the greatest professions in the world.If you've ever found yourself chasing growth, comparing yourself to others, or wondering why success doesn't feel as fulfilling as you expected — this conversation will hit home.Quotes“The practice is just a vehicle. If you don't know what kind of life you want, you'll build the wrong vehicle.” — Dr. Lou Chmura“If you can figure out your one thing — the thing that really matters to you — everything else organizes around it.” — Dr. Lou ChmuraKey TakeawaysWhy orthodontists are asking the wrong questions about successYour school pedigree doesn't matter — what you did yesterday does (02:05)Revenue vs. take-home: Why production numbers can be misleading (04:30)Why defining your life comes before defining your practice (12:00)The danger of chasing someone else's version of success (20:00)The STEAR framework: How your thoughts create stress (42:00)Why social comparison is sabotaging modern orthodontists (49:00)Finding your “one thing” — and building everything around it (52:00)Additional ResourcesI've seen firsthand how easy it is for orthodontists to drift — to chase growth, add locations, increase production — without ever stopping to ask, “Is this actually the life I want?”If you're feeling pressure, burnout, or just a sense that something's off… don't fix your systems yet.Fix your clarity.Reach out to Lou at drlou@eggheadortho.com or visit eggheadortho.com and start the conversation. Even one hour of honest reflection can change the trajectory of your career.You worked too hard to get here to build the wrong life.Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

In this Five Minute Friday, I break down one of the most misunderstood conversations in orthodontics: real return on investment and equity value in private equity-backed organizations.After hosting bankers, CPAs, venture capital leaders, real estate experts, and private equity professionals at Vanguard, I walked away with one very clear realization: far too many orthodontists are being modeled at 6–8% annual returns — and that thinking alone can completely distort whether selling, affiliating, or holding makes financial sense.This episode is not about convincing you to join an OSO or DSO. It's about education. It's about understanding equity, multiples, long-term capital gains, private equity performance benchmarks, and — most importantly — transparency. If someone refers you to a broker, a CPA, or an investment opportunity, you need to know what questions to ask. Because if you don't understand how money truly compounds, you're making decisions in the dark.Quotes“If my financial planner told me to plan on 8% per year for the rest of my life, I would fire them.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“Always ask questions of people and find out — are there any relationships that you should be aware of?” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Rethinking “Acceptable” Returns (01:20)How Wealthy Investors Think (02:05)Understanding Private Equity Multiples (05:10)Capital Gains vs. Practice Income (08:30)Transparency & Conflicts of Interest (10:40)Additional ResourcesIf you're even remotely considering selling, affiliating, recapitalizing, or exploring private equity — do not make a decision without understanding the math.

Most orthodontists are worried about OSOs, GP competition, or clear aligner companies.But what if the real disruption is AI, automation, staffing shortages, and the fact that our traditional practice model may not survive the next 10–15 years unchanged?In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and St. Louis orthodontist Dr. Jackie Demko — a third-generation orthodontist, EOS implementer, AI early adopter, and longevity enthusiast. Jackie brings a rare mix of loyalty, operational discipline, and future-focused thinking. We talk about building culture that actually works, why core values aren't fluff, how AI can completely reshape the orthodontic practice model, and what we should be doing right now to stay ahead.This is not a doom-and-gloom episode. It's a wake-up call — and a roadmap. If you care about protecting your practice, building something sustainable, and staying energized for the long haul, you'll walk away with both practical ideas and a broader perspective.Quotes“If big corporations are running on core values and systems, why wouldn't we? Why would we think we're smarter than that?” — Dr. Jackie Demko“Anything that's repeatable in your practice should be automated. If you're still doing it manually, you're already behind.” — Dr. Jackie DemkoKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Three-generation orthodontics & the $100K practice mindset (02:05)Why core values aren't optional (06:32)Culture as your operational blueprint (07:30)AI in the orthodontic practice — right now (16:05)The Holy Grail: the fully automated ortho practice (18:17)The real existential threat to orthodontics (25:30)Why every orthodontist needs an exit strategy (28:20)Longevity & performance optimization (30:52)Additional ResourcesWhat if I told you your biggest opportunity right now isn't increasing production — it's increasing clarity?If you haven't defined your core values… if you aren't experimenting with AI… if you don't have a future-proof strategy for staffing and automation… you're not behind — but you are exposed.Start small:Define your 3–5 core values.Explore EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System).Experiment with AI in your new patient workflow.Think seriously about automation before staffing becomes your bottleneck.And if this episode resonated, share it with a colleague who's thinking about the future — not just next month's collections.Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I'm challenging you to look in the mirror and ask a hard question: Are you truly investing in your professional growth — or are you coasting? After hosting Ortho Vanguard and launching the Make More Money (R4M) meeting, I noticed something powerful: the most successful orthodontists are the ones who keep showing up. They travel. They join groups. They seek mentorship. They shorten the learning curve instead of waiting 15 years to “figure it out.”I share some tough love in this episode — about CE requirements, about prioritizing growth, and about the uncomfortable reality that many of us are putting more intentional time into parenting than into leadership, management, and marriage. This isn't about guilt. It's about awareness. If you want elite results, you have to do what the elite are doing. Growth doesn't happen by accident — it happens by exposure, implementation, and relentless commitment.Quotes“If your practice isn't where you want it to be, you have to look in the mirror and ask yourself what's more important — growing your practice or being home at 5:15 for soccer practice.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“If you want to get to a place where nobody's been, you've got to do what nobody else is doing.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why the same successful doctors keep showing up (00:30)The CE wake-up call (04:09)Balancing practice, parenting, and marriage (05:00)The spouse support conversation (06:20)Additional ResourcesI've seen firsthand how consistent exposure to high-level rooms changes practices — and lives. The doctors attending Vanguard and R4M aren't the ones struggling most. They're the ones already doing well — and refusing to slow down.If you're serious about shortening your learning curve, scaling your practice, and living with intentional balance, join us at the Make More Money (R4M) Meeting in Nashville.And here's your homework: book at least one out-of-town CE event for next year. Put it on the calendar. Then have the conversation with your spouse. Elite results require elite commitment.Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

Most orthodontists think the only path to freedom is scale. Bigger practice. More chairs. More locations. More production.Dr. Luis Gutierrez proves that's simply not true.Luis isn't running a $20M operation. He doesn't work five days a week. He doesn't grind 60-hour weeks. Instead, he planted intentional seeds early — paid off nearly $800,000 in student debt aggressively, invested relentlessly in CE, chose a smaller community, kept overhead disciplined, and built systems that support the life he wanted.And now? He's harvesting.In this episode, Luis shares how he went from dental school in Peru to rebuilding his career in the U.S., opening a startup in a small New Mexico town, and creating a lifestyle most orthodontists only talk about. This isn't about hype. It's about planning. It's about discipline. And it's about designing your practice around your life — not the other way around.If you're early in your career… overwhelmed by debt… or wondering whether private practice is still worth it — this episode will reset your mindset.Quotes“Failure to plan is planning to fail.” — Dr. Luis Gutierrez“It's so much fun to harvest what you planted years ago.” — Dr. Luis GutierrezKey TakeawaysWhy lifestyle design — not production numbers — is the real goal.Moving to a small town and “owning it” (13:04)Paying off $800,000 in student loans aggressively (10:43)Why living like a resident for a few years changes everything (10:43)Working only three clinical days per week (18:20)Taking 14 vacations in one year — with intention (18:29)Investing in 10 CE courses per year for 10 straight years (25:10)Building systems to eliminate blind spots (26:54)Why private practice is still absolutely viable (24:17)The planting vs. harvesting mindset (30:10)Additional ResourcesIf you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to build the life you actually want — start by asking yourself:What seeds am I planting right now?Am I investing in myself?Am I designing my practice… or just reacting to it?If this episode resonated with you, share it with another orthodontist who needs to hear it.And if you want help building your plan — reach out. You don't have to figure it out alone.Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I dive deep into one of the most overlooked growth levers in orthodontics: tracking your marketing ROI with precision. After three flat or down years in the industry, many practices are feeling stuck. I challenge you to look inward. Are you truly tracking where patients come from? Are you deploying capital intentionally? Or are you just “doing marketing” without a measurable strategy?Quotes“Again, you need to track everything… The key will be deploying your capital in an effective way to get a consistent return on investment.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“Hi, I'm Glenn Krieger. Nice to meet you. By the way — how did you find us?” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why Flat Growth Is Happening (01:30)The Marketing Deployment Problem (02:05)The One Question Every Doctor Should Ask (03:00)Tracking ROI Like a Real Business (04:30)Stop Wasting Capital (05:30)Leadership Alignment Matters (06:15)Additional ResourcesI've seen firsthand how intentional tracking and disciplined marketing deployment can transform a stagnant practice into a growth machine.If you're serious about increasing revenue while maintaining peace of mind, you need systems — not guesses.That's exactly why the Make More Money Meeting in Nashville this October exists. This isn't fluff. It's marketing, sales, and ROI strategy you've never seen before — and it's limited to 250 doctors and key team members.If registration is open, grab your seat. If you're unsure how to find it, DM me directly.Stop hoping marketing works. Start knowing it works.Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

I know this episode may ruffle feathers. That's okay. If you've ever felt skeptical about sleep and airway, overwhelmed by the noise online, or frustrated by sensational claims from bad actors — this conversation is for you.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Anil Rama — neurologist and Stanford-trained sleep medicine physician — to zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Not from an orthodontic silo. Not from a social media debate. But from a multidisciplinary, science-based lens.Quotes“Sleep apnea isn't the disease — it's often the symptom of something bigger.”— Dr. Anil Rama“If orthodontists don't step into this space responsibly, someone else will — and they may not understand craniofacial growth the way we do.”— Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysWhy this conversation requires an open mindSleep apnea as a symptom — not just a diagnosis (07:01)The orthodontist's role: quarterback or team member? (09:26)Why expansion alone is never the whole answer (14:19)The danger of practicing in silos (24:35)How a WatchPAT test can transform your diagnostic awareness (41:19)Why many ENTs still miss airway-driven sleep issues (44:51)The brain impact of sleep-disordered breathing (34:03)Why humility — not ego — moves this field forward (59:14)Additional Resources

Have you ever really looked at where the money is leaking from your practice?In this 5-Minute Friday, I take a deep dive into one of the biggest problems plaguing orthodontic practices—and it's happening right inside your TC room. The issue? Case acceptance. You might think you're doing well, but just a 5% improvement in conversion could mean hundreds of thousands in added revenue. Yes, hundreds of thousands.And the kicker? Most orthodontists—and their treatment coordinators—aren't trained on how to actually close. Not just talk. Close. Get the “yes.” As Alec Baldwin said in Glengarry Glen Ross, “Get them to sign on the line which is dotted.”Quotes“There's nothing dirty about talking about money in the practice. If you believe your patients are best served by you treating them—get them closed.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“One more start per week at $5,000 is $240,000 a year—and there's almost no extra cost. That's free money you're leaking if you're not closing.”— Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro – Why case acceptance is broken (00:00)How ‘leaky' front desks and TC rooms cost you starts (00:45)The real math behind one extra start per week (01:50)Why doctors staying too long in the exam hurts case acceptance (03:35)The importance of training your TC to handle objections (04:55)Why sales skills protect your income, your team, and your sanity (06:00)Overview of the “Make More Money” meeting (06:45)Additional ResourcesIf you believe your patients are best served by being treated in your practice, then learning how to close cases ethically and confidently is not optional—it's essential. Start by tightening every step of your sales funnel, training your TC properly, and getting out of your own way in the consult room.If you want to go deeper, keep an eye out for my Make More Money Meeting, where we'll break down the entire process—from marketing to objections to secondary income streams—in a way you've never seen before. DM me if you want details or availability.Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

I've seen firsthand how practices double production, retain team members long-term, and charge more than their competitors—not because they bought more ads, but because they built a culture that people want to be part of.In this episode, I sit down with Brian Wright, founder of New Patient Group, serial entrepreneur, and one of the sharpest business minds working in orthodontics today. We go deep into what truly separates average practices from elite ones. And spoiler alert—it's not brackets, aligners, or even clinical skill alone.If you've ever struggled with team turnover, price shoppers, inconsistent case acceptance, or feeling stuck at the same production number year after year… this episode will challenge your thinking in the best possible way.Quotes“If you're struggling with team issues, it's not an HR problem. It's a leadership problem.” — Brian Wright“There's a difference between being a business owner and being an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs implement ideas even when everyone else says no.” — Brian WrightKey TakeawaysHow elite practices “destroy competition” without talking about competition (01:00)Entrepreneur vs. business owner mindset shift (13:00)Why orthodontists misuse the word “scale” (16:00)The real reason price shoppers exist (24:00)Why culture—not advertising—is the true growth engine (29:00)Expense vs. investment: The accounting mistake killing growth (20:00)How leadership determines team retention (33:00)Why good orthodontics alone won't justify premium fees (39:00)What iconic practices do differently than everyone else (44:00)Additional ResourcesGrowth doesn't start with ads. It starts with leadership. Are you running a practice… or are you building a business?And if you're serious about becoming the latter, start investing in yourself the way elite entrepreneurs do.NPG Iconic: https://iconic.newpatientgroup.com Brian Wright: https://newpatientgroup.com/book-brian-wright/ Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

I've had the privilege of working with some of the world's greatest marketing minds—Gary Vaynerchuk, Todd Brown, Russell Brunson—and let me tell you, the deeper I go, the more I realize how most orthodontists, myself included, haven't been taught how to market effectively.In this episode of 5 Minute Friday, I walk you through a powerful framework I've learned: marketing as a pyramid. At the bottom of that pyramid are people who don't even know they have a problem, and at the top are the ones ready to take action. But here's the catch—most of us are marketing to the wrong level of awareness, with the wrong message, in the wrong place. That's costing us real money.Quotes“When you put a $500 discount in front of people who don't even know their kid needs ortho, you're wasting money—and missing the mark.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“Pair the message you're sending with the awareness they have of your office. That's how you make marketing work.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro & Why Money Talks (00:00)The Marketing Pyramid Explained (01:10)Different Awareness Levels & What to Say to Each (02:15)Why Most Discounts Fall Flat (05:20)A Real-World Breakdown: $500 Off Doesn't Work Here's Why (05:40)The “Make More Money” Meeting Announcement (06:45)8–10 Proven Ways to Boost Case Acceptance & Revenue (08:15)Why You Must Bring a Team Member (08:55)Additional ResourcesIf you've ever wondered why your practice isn't growing the way it should—despite all the ads and discounts—this is your wake-up call.

What if I told you that a $3–4M practice, 3 days a week, with 45 weeks a year off, is not only doable—but might be easier than the "lean and mean" model everyone's pushing?There's a growing chorus in orthodontics preaching that the only way to be happy is to stay small, keep overhead low, and see fewer patients. But I'm here to tell you—that's just one lens, and frankly, it might be blinding you to what's truly possible.Quotes“I became an orthodontist, not an ortho assistant. And I delegate most of what I don't [enjoy], because it doesn't bring me happiness to clean a chair.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“You can run a $3 to $4 million practice on three days a week—easily—with 40–45 weeks a year. And you can do it at 50% overhead or lower.”— Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro & Practice Philosophy Reality Check (00:00)Why judging high-volume practices is short-sighted (00:02)You can build a $3–4M practice at 50% overhead—here's how (00:43)Why 55–60 patients/day might be the sweet spot (02:40)Delegation and avoiding burnout (03:45)A breakdown of true overhead realities in most markets (05:00)Introducing the “Make More Money” meeting (08:30)Additional ResourcesAre you ready to break free from limiting beliefs about what your practice has to look like?

In this episode of The Orthopreneurs Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ben Samuelson—an orthodontist and co-founder of PDOA (Pediatric Dental & Orthodontic Associates)—who's quietly built a multi-practice model across Alabama that's giving OSOs a serious run for their money. We get real about the challenges of growth, retaining top-tier team members, and how building your own collaborative group of practices can unlock career advancement, culture control, and long-term freedom—without sacrificing your autonomy.Ben shares how he and his pediatric dentistry partners co-branded multiple practices under one umbrella, developed scalable systems using EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), and turned what used to be cookie-basket-level marketing into a patient magnet powered by smart, integrated operations. Whether you're feeling stuck at $1.5M/year or wondering how to grow while keeping your sanity, this episode is packed with honest insights and proven strategies you can actually use.Quotes“When I was by myself in my little practice... your ceiling's pretty low. Now I can give my team real growth paths and comp packages that actually reward performance.” — Dr. Ben Samuelson“You can treat more people, better, with fewer mistakes, if you build systems around your vision. That's what EOS gave us.” — Dr. Ben SamuelsonKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Ben's Origin Story (01:02)The Truth About Scaling (03:01)Recruiting High-Quality Team Members (04:30)Tools That Helped Build the Foundation (06:10)The Biggest Challenge: People (10:29)Covering Clinical Blind Spots (14:39).Marketing Without Cookie Baskets (16:27)Prophy-Prophy Reality Check (19:19)Secret to More Adult Starts (20:56)Additional ResourcesBen Samuelson proves that building a collaborative, multi-practice model doesn't require giving up autonomy, selling to a DSO, or losing your identity. If you've hit a wall in your private practice—or you're just ready for more—this episode is your blueprint. Whether you're curious about EOS, co-branded models, or finding your first great partner, you'll leave this conversation with clarity and confidence.Need to get in contact with Ben?Samuelsonorthodontics@gmail.com https://www.samuelsonorthodontics.com - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

Running a successful orthodontic practice doesn't mean you need to control everything. In fact, the more you try to do that, the more you risk losing team members, burning out, and stunting your growth. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on how I've transformed my management style over the years—and how letting go has made me a better leader, clinician, and business owner.I'll walk you through the exact approach I use today, including how we build systems without me being at the center of every decision. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to oversee every part of your practice—or you've struggled with team accountability—this one's for you. You'll walk away with a practical framework to create a culture of ownership, while giving your team the tools and authority to thrive.If you want to stop micromanaging and start scaling, this might be your wake-up call.Quotes“If you want to take home seven figures a year from your practice, then you gotta work at it—and that means letting go.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“There are two kinds of problems in this world: my problem, and not my problem. I'll help you solve your problem—but it's still not my problem.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00) — How I used to micromanage—and why it failed.(01:30) — My evolution from control freak to team enabler.(03:00) — Why your org chart matters more than your to-do list.(04:50) — Empowering your team to own their systems and policies.(05:30) — The two kinds of problems: “My problem” and “not my problem.”(06:45) — How to build one high-impact system per team member in 90 days.(08:00) — The true cost of micromanagement (it's higher than you think).Additional ResourcesIf you've been feeling stretched thin in your practice or you know you're spending too much time managing instead of leading, start by building that org chart. Sit down with your team, hand out real ownership, and step back from the day-to-day. Let your systems—and your people—work for you.And if this episode sparked something for you, send me a message. I love hearing how these ideas show up in your practice.Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

In this episode, I sit down with David King—coach, author of Freedom Mapping, and a guy who's worked with orthodontists across the country to help them reclaim their clarity, purpose, and peace. And this isn't some vague “work-life balance” chat. We talk about the actual tools and frameworks that have helped high-performing orthodontists climb out of burnout, reconnect with their families, and rediscover why they got into this profession in the first place.From his early days as a management consultant to becoming the fittest man in Austin (at age 45!), David shares how he reached his own breaking point—and what he built in the aftermath: a four-domain framework that helps doctors take a brutally honest look at where they are now and where they actually want to go. If you've been grinding non-stop, but feeling stuck, frustrated, or even quietly drowning, this episode is for you.Quotes“There is no system, no process, no production goal that can overcome a doctor who's not on point—mentally, emotionally, spiritually.” — David King“Prep the number one asset—you. Because as you go, the practice follows.” — David KingKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)David's backstory: consulting, coaching, and winning “Fittest Man in Austin” (00:23)Why burnout among orthodontists often goes unnoticed (04:23)The origin of Freedom Mapping and the 4 Domains: Body, Being, Balance, Business (06:00)The power of truth-telling: where you really are vs. where you want to be (07:55)How small lies we tell ourselves lead to chronic burnout (10:59)Systems vs. self: why perfect processes can't fix personal chaos (15:15)Signs your mental bandwidth is breaking (20:00)Why parents today are more burnt out—and less satisfied—than ever before (25:00)“Prep the asset”: how 3–5 minutes of intention can change your day (28:11)Why orthodontists must stop compromising their dreams out of guilt or fear (36:40)Additional ResourcesI've seen firsthand how easy it is for smart, successful orthodontists to lose themselves chasing growth, perfection, and shoulds. But here's the truth—your systems won't save you if you don't first take care of the person running them.

Most orthodontists think their biggest money leaks are in fees or overhead. But what if the real problem is sitting right at the top of your funnel—unchecked and unoptimized?In this episode, I walk you through how to dissect your practice's entire patient funnel heading into 2026. From lead generation to consult conversion to case acceptance, this is your chance to clean house, plug profit holes, and make this your most financially rewarding year yet. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, I break down the three types of orthodontists and where each gets stuck. My hope? That you're the kind who actually takes action.You'll also get clarity on the three ways to increase profits, why "scaling" and "growing" are not the same thing, and how to finally leverage your fixed costs—like rent and team size—into higher margins without burning out. This is the practical, brass-tacks business strategy no one taught you in residency—but it's exactly what will make the difference in your next 12 months.Quotes"You will never regret the days you took off.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“You'll walk away with a 90-day plan, personalized by AI, based on everything you discussed—so you're not just inspired... you're activated.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro & Funnel Framing (00:00)The 3 Ways to Make More Money (00:39)Why Scale over Growth (02:30)Your Overhead Isn't the Problem—Your Volume Might Be (03:40)Challenge for 2026 (04:30)Additional ResourcesWant help reviewing your funnel or figuring out where the money's leaking? I've coached hundreds of orthodontists through this exact process. DM me or reach out—I'd love to support you as you make 2026 your strongest year yet.And if you enjoy the podcast, take a moment to share it with a colleague. Let's raise the bar across the entire profession.

Meet Dr. Seth Lucas, a successful orthodontist who—after seven years of practice—hit the same wall so many of us do: “Is this all there is?” Rather than open a second practice or partner with pedo, Seth took a wildly different path: he bought into a cookie franchise. Not just any cookie—Crumbl. And now? He co-owns 9 locations in multiple states and has built a second business that brings in serious revenue without burning him out.In this episode, Seth shares how he launched his first Crumbl store across the country, convinced a friend to move to Wisconsin (yes, really), and built a thriving enterprise—while still loving ortho. We dig into why the seven-year itch is so common among orthodontists, what makes Crumbl such a powerful brand, and how you can start thinking differently about your next chapter—whether it's inside or outside the clinic.Quotes“I love ortho—just not five days a week. There's a sweet spot, and I had to find it.”— Dr. Seth Lucas“That first cookie store took more energy than all the rest combined. But once the flywheel started turning—it didn't stop.”— Dr. Seth LucasKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Growing up working farms and pizza shops (01:45)From de novo ortho startup to the 7-year itch (04:06)Why OSOs appeal to docs hitting a “what's next?” moment (05:30)Loving ortho… but only a few days a week (07:26)Culture is fragile: how Seth manages his 10-person team solo (09:28)The Crumbl cookie obsession begins (14:00)Convincing his friend to move across the country to open store #1 (17:20)From 1 store to 9: building, acquiring, scaling (18:27)Franchise advice: the reality vs. fantasy (19:19)Why Crumbl works—and how it compares to starting an ortho practice (21:13)Can one store be profitable? (22:05)High-volume vs. low-volume Crumbls (23:15)Startup capital: what it took (25:44)Final advice for docs thinking about a second business (28:00)Additional ResourcesI've seen so many orthodontists hit that “Is this it?” moment 7–10 years into practice. The truth is, you can love ortho—and still want something more. Seth's story is proof that your next act doesn't have to be more clinics, more chairs, or more chaos.

As I get a bit older, I have taken the role of an "older doc" in the workplace, using my morning meetings to provide words of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration to the team. This is because, for many of our team members, our workplaces may be the best part of their day or week. They may not be getting support from anyone else. During meetings, take a few minutes to offer advice that may be helpful in their personal lives and not just their work lives. Show them that you care and want to help them live their best lives. Doing this will result in a much more engaged and thankful team.

This week's episode dives into a topic most of us avoid—but absolutely can't afford to ignore: wills, trusts, asset protection, and what happens to your family if you don't plan ahead. My guest is Trevor Kuresa, attorney and founder of Hibiscus Legal, who also happens to be the one I personally trust with all my estate planning. Trevor breaks down the uncomfortable (and sometimes heartbreaking) realities of what happens when people die—or become incapacitated—without the right legal structures in place.We cover everything from choosing guardians for your kids, to irrevocable vs. revocable trusts, to family LLCs and asset protection post-OSO sale. We also talk about Trevor's new offering: fractional general counsel services—so you can finally have a lawyer on call without the big firm price tag. If you've ever said, “I'll get to it eventually,” this episode might be the wake-up call that saves your family years of pain.Quotes“I've seen families torn apart because no guardians were named. It dragged through the courts for three years—and the kids paid the price.”— Trevor Kuresa“Even a simple trust can prevent probate, protect your assets, and make life so much easier for the people you love.”— Trevor KuresaKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why this episode might make you uncomfortable—but could save your family (00:01)Trevor's backstory: law school, DSOs, and why he left it all behind (01:51)Why single people still need a will (04:34)What happens if you die with minor children and no guardians named (08:13)The danger of boilerplate wills and online templates (09:51)Revocable trusts vs. irrevocable trusts (12:34)Family LLCs and passing wealth with control (17:29)Why OSO/DSO sales require next-level asset planning (18:48)How to store your legal documents for emergencies (24:24)Who should have access to your estate plan? (25:00)The 4 legal docs everyone should have (20:43)Healthcare directives and medical power of attorney (22:02)Trevor's “Fractional General Counsel” model for orthodontists (30:21)A real-life story of getting dropped by insurance—and how a lawyer could've stopped it (34:56)How often should you revisit your documents? (38:44)Trevor's offer to review your existing documents—free of charge (39:38)Additional ResourcesIf you've got a practice, a spouse, a house, or especially kids—and you don't have a proper estate plan—you're rolling the dice every day. Whether it's a power of attorney, a trust, or a plan for what happens after a DSO sale, Trevor has seen the worst-case scenarios up close. Don't be one of them.

I've spoken to hundreds of orthodontists who can't unplug—even for a day. If you feel like your practice can't run without you answering every text, solving every problem, or approving every decision… then we need to talk. Because that's not a badge of honor—it's a red flag that your systems aren't serving you.In this episode of 5 Minute Friday, I talk candidly about what it really takes to create a practice that functions without you. I challenge the idea that you always need to be involved and show you why letting go a little is the fastest way to reclaim your time, your sanity, and your joy. If your vacation still feels like work, or you're worried the whole place will collapse when you leave, you'll want to hear this.Quotes"You will never regret the days you took off.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“You'll walk away with a 90-day plan, personalized by AI, based on everything you discussed—so you're not just inspired... you're activated.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro: The myth of being indispensable (00:00)Why you can't unplug—and how to fix it (00:35)The real cost of micromanagement (01:28)JSP: Just Short of Perfect, and why that's enough (01:50)How to empower your team to own outcomes (02:45)Coaching as a path to freedom (03:35)Additional ResourcesIf your phone can't stay buried in the sand for more than an hour, it's time to rethink your systems—and your mindset. My 1-on-1 coaching program is designed to help you step away from the chaos and step into a more profitable, lower-stress version of your life. DM me and let's talk about what's possible. You deserve this.Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

On the surface, everything looks great—your schedule's full, your numbers are strong, your team's functioning. But inside? You might be running on fumes. In this episode, I sit down with Marissa Campbell, VC-backed founder, former corporate transformation executive, and author of Lead with Heart, to talk about the hidden burnout epidemic in high-achieving professionals—and what to do about it.Marissa introduces her game-changing “Heart Check” framework—a two-minute daily ritual that helps you assess your mental and emotional energy so you can lead with more clarity, alignment, and human connection. Whether you're an ortho practice owner, associate, or team leader, this episode will give you the tools to start checking in with yourself and your team in a way that actually improves performance and well-being. No fluff. Just tactical, compassionate, and transformative insight.Quotes“I was the queen of fine. But being the queen of fine is very isolating. We're humans—and it's complex.”— Marissa Campbell“Just ask your team how they're doing. If everyone says ‘fine,' there's something deeper going on.”— Marissa CampbellKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Marissa's high-achiever burnout story (00:33)“Fine” is a red flag, not a green light (01:37)The myth of joy through achievement (03:27)What is a Heart Check? (05:56)How to check your emotional battery in 2 minutes (07:22)Can everyone actually “check in” with themselves? (10:05)HEART framework explained: battery, emotion, alignment, relationships, tethers (11:41)Real examples of how to realign your day (13:39)When to check in (transition moments, post-meeting, before walking into your house) (15:05)The cost of burnout: $8.8 trillion/year in lost productivity (16:24)Red Flag Protocol: helping your team ask for help without fear (19:16)Additional ResourcesIf your go-to answer is always “fine,” or your team seems stuck in autopilot, it's time to start leading with heart. Marissa's simple daily check-in framework could be the missing link between burnout and balance—between hustle and human connection.

I saw something recently that really stuck with me—Brené Brown, during an interview with Bill Maher, dropped a deceptively simple phrase: “Just let them.” That idea hit me like a ton of bricks. Whether you're in traffic, dealing with a frustrated parent in your office, or reacting to something a team member said—it's so easy to get worked up. But what if you didn't?In this episode, I dive into why letting go of unnecessary conflict isn't just good for your mental health—it's good for your practice, your family, and your life. I share how adopting this “just let them” mindset has helped me avoid burnout, reduce stress, and stay aligned with the orthodontist—and person—I want to be. It's not about being passive. It's about being intentional with your energy.Quotes“So many people are going to do things that upset you—you can't control that. But you can control how you react.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“When you let someone who's really negative upset you, they win twice. I won't let that happen. And neither should you.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro: Why “Just Let Them” matters (00:00)The Brené Brown interview that inspired this episode (00:30)The cost of overreacting—to your peace and practice (01:10)Real-world orthodontic examples of staying calm (02:05)How this mindset affects your leadership and home life (03:40)Final thoughts and invite to OrthoPreneurs Vanguard (03:55)Additional ResourcesIf this episode hits home for you, practice “just letting them” today—whether that's in traffic, with a team member, or even your own inner critic. Then let me know how it goes.And don't forget:

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeff Skarela—a sports chiropractor, competitive triathlete, and my personal go-to guy for performance recovery and injury prevention. Whether you're a weekend warrior, high-level athlete, or the parent of a competitive teen, this one's packed with practical insight you can actually use.We talk about VO₂ max, lactate threshold, muscle scraping, BFR, peptides, exosomes, GLP-1s, cold plunges, saunas, and more. You'll hear how Jeff treats his patients like athletes—designing concierge, one-on-one recovery sessions that keep them training, moving, and competing. We also dive into how the science of recovery is changing: why ice may be outdated, why range of motion is king, and how the "Enhanced Olympics" are reshaping our views on optimization. This is a crash course in high-performance human care—without the fluff.Quotes"My ideal patient? Someone who's already healthy—and wants to stay that way. That's the real goal." — Dr. Jeff Skarela"VO₂ max is a proxy. You can't cheat it. You either put in the work—or you didn't." — Dr. Jeff SkarelaKey TakeawaysIntro: Who is Dr. Jeff Skarela? (00:00)Sports chiropractic vs. traditional chiro or PT (02:24)VO₂ max, lactate threshold, and what actually matters (09:38)How to train your VO₂ with max-effort intervals (13:04)Why muscle scraping and manual therapy matter (16:20)What is shockwave therapy and when to use it? (19:09)The truth about GLP-1 drugs and muscle loss (31:44)Building lean muscle after 40: resistance + protein (28:45)Why Dexa scans matter more than a scale (29:51)Ice vs. heat: why rest and compression may beat icing (57:57)Are statins causing your muscle issues? (34:10)The promise and limits of peptides and growth hormone (37:02)Blood flow restriction (BFR) training explained (45:00)Compression boots, cold plunges, and recovery hacks (23:01 & 49:17)What are exosomes and why they may matter next (54:45)The "Enhanced Olympics" and the future of performance (38:29)Additional ResourcesIf you're serious about staying active, feeling strong, and recovering faster—this episode is your roadmap. Whether you're 27 or 57, you can't afford to guess anymore when it comes to health and performance.

In this episode of 5 Minute Friday, I walk you through why pre-scheduling your year—especially the time off—is the single most powerful thing you can do to take back control of your life and your practice. If you've ever felt stuck, overworked, or like you're building your life around your office hours instead of the other way around, this episode is for you.I've been doing this a long time, and I can promise you: no one ever regrets the time they took off. But so many docs regret the time they didn't. Whether you want to work 3 days a week, take 10 weeks off a year, or scale your practice while feeling less burned out—yes, it's possible. But it starts by scheduling your life like it matters... because it does.Quotes"You will never regret the days you took off.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“You'll walk away with a 90-day plan, personalized by AI, based on everything you discussed—so you're not just inspired... you're activated.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysCold Open: Just plan the vacation (00:00)Why I'm obsessed with full-year scheduling (00:21)"I can't take time off" is a lie—here's how to fix it (01:12)How to reverse-engineer your ideal 2026 (01:40)Solvency accounts & setting practice boundaries (02:20)Sneak peek: the G.O.L.D. Coaching Program (03:00)Final challenge: go schedule your dream year (04:30)Additional ResourcesYou deserve a practice that supports your life—not a life that serves your practice.✅ Go block off your 2026 vacations.

2025 was a transformative year. It was the final Orthopreneurs Summit. It was the birth of Ortho Vanguard. And it was a year full of raw, powerful stories from orthodontists who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in our profession—and their lives.In this special Year in Review episode, I take you back through the most-watched, most talked-about moments from the podcast in 2025. From ranching cattle and printing aligners, to starting practices during COVID, building international clinics, and learning leadership from bees, these aren't just highlight reels—they're a reminder of why we do what we do.Whether you missed these episodes or want to hear them again with fresh ears, this recap is a perfect way to end your year—and fire you up for 2026.QUOTES"2025 wasn't about workflows or aligners or business strategies. 2025, in my opinion, was about people and their stories—the risks they took, the resilience, their creativity, and their drive to build things that go far beyond the walls of their practices."— Dr. Glenn Krieger"Just know that doing this podcast is such a labor of love. And I will never, ever, ever forget all the thanks that each and every one of you give me for telling me you listen to this podcast. So thank you from the bottom of my heart."— Dr. Glenn KriegerKey Takeaways- Intro & 2025 Recap (00:00)- 1

I don't make bold promises lightly. But after decades in orthodontics and thousands of conversations with docs like you, I know what we truly crave: real connection, no fluff, no sales pitches—just practical, honest, transformational growth. That's exactly what the OrthoVanguard meeting is designed to deliver. No lectures. No vendors. Just you, 99 other doctors, and conversations that will change how you practice, lead, and live.In this special episode, I walk you through why OrthoVanguard is the most powerful event I've ever put together. Whether you're a new grad or 40 years in, this is the meeting I wish I had earlier in my career. You'll sit at curated roundtables with doctors just like you—solving real problems, sharing tech hacks, dissecting KPIs, and walking away with an AI-generated personalized 90-day plan. Oh, and yes: it's all moderated by me and the brilliant Victor Antonio. This isn't hype. It's the future of orthodontic meetings.QUOTES“If it's not the most impactful meeting you've ever attended, I'll give you every penny back. That's my free limo guarantee—and nobody's taken me up on it yet.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“You'll walk away with a 90-day plan, personalized by AI, based on everything you discussed—so you're not just inspired... you're activated.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro & The Free Limo Guarantee (00:00)Why OrthoVanguard replaces Summit—and raises the bar (00:35)How this meeting is unlike anything you've attended (01:20)Curated, strategic roundtables—not lectures (02:22)How you'll be grouped and what we'll discuss (03:00)Treatment planning, hot seat coaching & tech hackathons (03:40)The power of real-time idea sharing and AI-driven takeaways (04:30)Marketing, KPI Rescue, dream teams, and more (05:10)The real value: connection, clarity, and next-level growth (06:00)Additional Resources

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Glynda McConville, an orthodontist from North Carolina who's built not just a well-balanced clinical life, but also a purposeful second business. We talk about her journey from New York to North Carolina, building a lifestyle-focused ortho practice across two locations, and how her love for CrossFit turned into a thriving side hustle that fuels her energy and sense of purpose.This is a down-to-earth, real-world conversation about how to design a practice around the life you want—and not the other way around. Glynda shares how she manages 70+ patients a day across three days a week, runs a team that travels between offices, and coaches at her own gym. We even get into the lessons she's learning about community, growth, and maybe… opening a pickleball facility next.Quotes:“I didn't set out to be a big business—I just saw an opportunity and said, ‘If I don't do this, someone else will.'”— Dr. Glynda McConville“CrossFit's been my reset. I needed something different that kept me grounded—and now it's become part of my future.”— Dr. Glynda McConvilleKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)From Glinda the Good Witch to ortho school: Glynda's early journey (00:31)Culture shock: from Westchester to Chapel Hill to NYC (02:00)Building a 2-location, lifestyle-friendly ortho practice (06:58)Managing a 3-day workweek and 70 patients/day (07:22)Working Fridays to stand out—and what she'd do differently (08:34)“Who Moved My Cheese?” and the psychology of patient routines (10:00)Why she opened a satellite near Fort Bragg (11:38)Sharing staff, equipment, and lessons from managing two offices (14:08)Her entrepreneurial leap: opening a CrossFit gym (15:38)Comparing ortho and gym startups: which is harder? (19:54)Finding and keeping the right team in both businesses (22:09)Member acquisition lessons from social media and referrals (24:04)What's next? Retirement planning, indoor pickleball, and life design (25:17)Additional ResourcesIf you've ever dreamed of launching a second business, scaling your practice without burning out, or building a schedule that works for you—this episode is your blueprint. Glynda proves you don't need to do it all at once… you just need to start smart, stay lean, and know your “why.”

Most practices obsess over lead gen, marketing, and branding. But if your TC isn't a natural closer—or if they have a limiting mindset around money—it won't matter how many patients walk through your door. In this episode, I share real, tactical insights from a weekend deep dive with my OrthoPreneurs RD group focused entirely on sales, psychology, and case acceptance.I'll walk you through what makes a TC a true closer (and how to tell if yours is or isn't), the emotional baggage some team members unknowingly bring to $6,000 treatment presentations, and the sales science behind why little mindset shifts can change everything. This is must-know material if you're aiming for an 85–90% case acceptance rate.QUOTES“If your TC sees $6,000 as life-changing money, they'll never confidently recommend that treatment to a patient.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“You can have the best sales funnel in the world, but without a closer, it all falls apart.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro & Parenthood Metaphor (00:00)Why the roller coaster matters more than the merry-go-round (02:00)How complacency sneaks into ortho practices (03:00)The reality of failure—and why I welcome it (04:30)You can't build your dream life in circles (05:30)A call to action for choosing growth, risk, and transformation (06:00)Why Vanguard LA 2026 will be unlike any ortho event you've ever attended (06:45)Additional ResourcesIf your gut is telling you something's off with your conversion rate, don't ignore it.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jeremiah Sturgill, a down-to-earth orthodontist from Johnson City, Tennessee, who's built one of the most impressively scaled, efficiently run, single-owner practices in the country. But what makes Jeremiah stand out isn't just the growth—it's the way he's done it: with humility, grit, and a relentless focus on investing in people and systems.We dive into how he transformed a modest, well-run legacy practice into a multi-location, multi-doctor machine—while still making time for real estate ventures, short-term rentals, and even a boutique marketing firm. You'll hear how he staffs a 15-chair main office with surgical efficiency, manages a rotating team across three locations, and still finds the time to build custom homes with a team of craftsmen who love what they do. If you're looking to scale, stabilize, and stop micromanaging, this is a masterclass.QUOTES“You will never get fired for making a mistake. You will get fired for not owning it and blaming someone else.” — Dr. Jeremiah Sturgill“You can't control everything. You can try your best, but when you strangle your business, you kill its potential.” — Dr. Jeremiah SturgillKey TakeawaysIntro: Wagon Wheel, small towns, and big growth (00:00)The 16-year-old decision that led to ortho (01:35)How he grew a standard practice into a national standout (03:41)Practice structure: 3 locations, 17–18 doctor days/week (05:03)The secret: efficiency, not just scale (06:02)His “open-hand/closed-hand” culture system (08:06)Toxicity vs. mistakes: the cultural line in his practice (09:26)Why age doesn't predict maturity—and why gratitude matters (10:58)Office “cultural anchorage” and scaling team values (13:51)Comparing small vs. large teams: impact, culture, and coverage (15:19)How humility and faith ground his leadership approach (17:27)Real estate beginnings: realtor at 18, flips in dental school (19:41)Short-term rentals, storage units & the road to REPS (21:45)Why doctors must partner with experts in real estate (23:11)His custom home design firm—and love of elite tradespeople (29:24)Boutique SEO wins: 30% increase in new patient exams (28:10)Launching GoUnicornStrategy.com for ortho marketing (30:51)Final thoughts: relationships over returns, every time (33:29)Additional ResourcesIf you've ever wondered how to grow a thriving ortho practice without burning out or losing your culture—Jeremiah's story proves it can be done. It's not luck. It's leadership, systems, and people-first thinking.

If you've ever felt that little itch in the back of your brain—the one that whispers, "I love being an orthodontist... but I can't imagine doing this full-time for another 30 years"—you're not alone. In fact, you're part of a generational shift. In this episode of 5 Minute Friday, I unpack why Orthodontic Support Organizations (OSOs) and DSOs are growing rapidly—and why that's not a bad thing.This isn't about promoting any particular group. It's about being honest with ourselves and understanding that how we want to work is changing. I've spoken to hundreds of orthodontists who feel exactly the way you do: deeply passionate about the profession but uninterested in grinding until age 80. Let's explore the real reason OSO/DSO interest is surging—and how generational mindset, lifestyle goals, and future planning are all connected.QUOTES"The first thought you had when I said 50 years as an orthodontist was probably dread. And that's okay. That instinct? It's normal." — Dr. Glenn Krieger"If you're between 37 and 42, you're not thinking of retiring next year—but you are thinking about what comes next. That's smart planning, not early exit." — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro & Why This Conversation Matters (00:00)What's fueling the rise of OSOs and DSOs (00:36)The generational mindset shift: Millennials don't want the 50-year grind (01:52)Understanding the evolution of social capital and work-life values (03:40)What orthodontists are really telling me in their 30s and 40s (06:20)Why now is a great time to evaluate your future options (07:00)Additional ResourcesIf anything I shared today struck a chord, don't keep it to yourself.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Blair Feldman, former Phoenix Suns team orthodontist and co-founder of Retainer Club, to talk about everything from 3D printing and recurring revenue, to product innovation and mindset. Blair practiced for over 21 years, ran multiple startups, taught at AT Still, and ultimately made the leap to full-time entrepreneur after building a retainer program so effective, it demanded all of his attention.We dive deep into how Blair transformed a frustrating problem—retainer replacements—into a venture-backed fulfillment platform that supports ortho practices across the country. We also talk about how he helps orthodontists with product ideas that actually bring them to life, what he's learned from Entrepreneur's Organization (EO), and how to tell whether your big idea is a real business—or just a fun hobby.Quotes“It's a dirty secret in orthodontics: if patients stop wearing their retainers, their teeth move. Retainer Club was built to make sure that didn't happen—without creating more work for the practice.”— Dr. Blair Feldman“A patent is not a business. It's a tool. If you don't know what to do after the patent, then you don't have a plan—you have a prototype and a dream.”— Dr. Blair FeldmanKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)From Penn to Detroit Mercy: why ortho won out over medicine (01:00)Blair's unusual journey into ortho—and architecture (01:35)Dental school culture at Penn and its impact on specialty training (02:27)21 years of experience: associate, buyer, builder, teacher, team ortho (17:10)The truth about being the “team orthodontist” for pro sports (17:58)How a casual idea about retainers turned into a funded business (20:30)Retainer Club: what it is, how it works, and who it's for (25:00)How recurring revenue + 3D printing changed the business model (22:40)Competitors vs. the real challenge: docs who think they're “fine” (26:43)Young orthodontists, hyper-efficiency, and outsourcing (28:25)Blair's passion for helping orthos bring product ideas to life (29:00)“Do you want a business, or just to see your idea in the real world?” (30:00)Advice on patents, investors, and entrepreneurial mindset (30:30)Additional ResourcesI've seen firsthand how a smart retainer program can transform your practice—financially and operationally. If you're tired of broken systems, endless remakes, or patients who stop coming back, Retainer Club might be exactly what you need.

I recently revisited one of my favorite metaphors from the classic film Parenthood, and it hit me hard again: Life is either a roller coaster or a merry-go-round. And far too many orthodontists—talented, capable, ambitious people—end up coasting in circles after hitting a certain level of success. I get it. It's comfortable. It's safe. But is it what you really want?In this episode, I break down the difference between choosing comfort vs. choosing growth—and why, in my own life and career, I've always chosen the ups and downs of the roller coaster. Yes, it comes with risk, fear, and the possibility of failure. But it also brings the kind of excitement, fulfillment, and impact that the merry-go-round could never offer. I'll challenge you to think deeply about which ride you're on—and what it would take to switch tracks.QUOTES"If you're going to end your career one day, make sure you rode the roller coaster." — Dr. Glenn Krieger"Complacency is just the merry-go-round in disguise." — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro & Parenthood Metaphor (00:00)Why the roller coaster matters more than the merry-go-round (02:00)How complacency sneaks into ortho practices (03:00)The reality of failure—and why I welcome it (04:30)You can't build your dream life in circles (05:30)A call to action for choosing growth, risk, and transformation (06:00)Why Vanguard LA 2026 will be unlike any ortho event you've ever attended (06:45)Additional Resourcesf this message stirred something in you—if you've been playing it safe but secretly want more—then it's time to choose the roller coaster. Push yourself. Reignite your practice. Take the ride.

In this episode, I sit down with one of the sharpest minds in ortho consulting, Cathy Jugovic. If you've never heard of her, trust me—you're about to want her in your corner. Cathy has spent decades inside orthodontic and general dental practices, and she knows exactly where to look when something's off. Whether it's overdue accounts, patients who've vanished without a next visit, or that quiet employee pocketing your cash—she's seen it all. And she's helped over 400 doctors fix it.We talk blind spots, accountability, culture, and why your front desk could be quietly costing you more than you think. Plus, we unpack the real role of the founder-doctor, how to sniff out embezzlement, and the key reports you should be reviewing daily—even if you're short-staffed. If you want to understand how high-performing practices actually operate under the hood, this one's a masterclass.QUOTES"If you're not asking questions about the reports, your team will assume you're not looking. And when they think you're not looking—they stop doing the work." — Cathy Jugovic"It's your practice. You better know what's going on. That's Business 101." — Cathy JugovicKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Cathy's background: 23 years in GP, then ortho, then consulting (02:00)Scaling from 200 to 9,000 patients—and what she learned (03:00)The 6 reports every practice should be running weekly (06:34)How to monitor AR, over-treatment, and no-future-appointment lists (06:50)Why most front desks don't work their reports—and how to fix that (08:00)The role of the founder-doctor in practice ops today (11:28)How to structure your team's accountability systems (12:25)Embezzlement red flags (17:56)The $70K case Cathy helped uncover—and how they caught her (20:29)What not to do if you suspect theft (24:26)Don't take cash—and why your team watches how you handle it (22:02)Missed starts: how doctors unintentionally kill case acceptance (29:26)New patient sales: why most practices have no system (32:38)Cathy's "Orthodontic Money Map" seminar with Prosperident (37:21)Why 8 out of 10 practices are being embezzled—whether they know it or not (38:00)Additional ResourcesIf you think your practice is doing fine because the money's hitting your account, think again. Reports don't lie—but people might. If you don't know your overdue AR, unscheduled actives, and adjustment patterns, you could be bleeding money (or worse).

When I tore my ACL, physical therapy taught me something unexpected—not just about rehab, but about orthodontics and practice growth. Most people at the clinic weren't athletes. They weren't conditioned to push through discomfort, and as soon as rehab got hard, they quit. Not because they couldn't heal—but because they couldn't handle the pain that came with progress.And that got me thinking about all the orthodontists who tell me, “Glenn, I want to grow, but I just can't seem to get there.” If that's you, here's the truth: you don't need more ideas—you need to embrace the effort. In this episode, I'm breaking down how pain (mental, physical, emotional) is often the real barrier to your next breakthrough. Whether you're trying to hit $3M in production, lower your overhead, or reclaim your time, this episode is about figuring out what you want—and being honest about what you're willing to work for.If you're ready to stop circling the runway and start scaling with purpose, let's talk about what it really takes.QUOTES”It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.”— Tom Hanks - A league of their Own“If you just handed your dental school keys and got into ortho without the grind—it wouldn't mean anywhere near as much.”— Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro – Tom Hanks said it best... (00:00)How physical therapy exposed a practice growth truth (00:47)Why so many orthodontists plateau—and how to push past it (02:30)The pain/growth tradeoff and why it's worth it (03:45)You don't need new ideas—you need to do the work (04:52)Behind the scenes of my one-on-one coaching coming in 2026 (05:48)It's supposed to be hard. That's what makes it great. (06:55)Additional Resources If you're serious about hitting new levels in 2026, I'm launching a one-on-one coaching program built to deliver 5–10x ROI. No fluff. No quick fixes. Just real systems, clear steps, and accountability. DM me and let's talk.Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com

In this episode of Your 5-Minute Friday, I break down a powerful mental framework that's changed how I lead, parent, and run my practice. It's simple, but transformative: the moment a problem comes your way, throw up the timeout sign and ask, Is this really my problem? That single pause can save your sanity, protect your leadership energy, and empower your team.Too often, we take on the emotional weight of problems that don't belong to us. And while I'll always be here for support, guidance, and solutions, I've learned that being a sounding board is not the same as being a sponge. I share real stories from my office, personal insights from therapy, and tips on how I've trained my team (and even my kids!) to take radical responsibility without burning out.Quotes“There are only two kinds of problems in the world: mine, and not mine.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“When someone brings you a problem, throw up the timeout sign and ask—do I really need to carry this, or can I coach them through it?”— Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro & challenge (00:00)Why identifying “my problem vs. not my problem” changes everything (00:48)The therapist analogy and emotional burnout (01:30)How I support without absorbing others' stress (02:40)Training your team to own their problems (and when to escalate) (04:00)The parenting lesson: how I want my kids to handle challenges (06:40)The final exercise: timeout, assess, empower (07:50)Additional ResourcesHere's your challenge: The next time a problem gets thrown at you, pause and ask, “Is this mine?”And if it's not, train, support, and empower the person who owns it. You'll see your leadership, your team, and your peace of mind all level up. Ready to implement this in your practice or family life? I'm here to help. Reach out to me anytime—we'll figure it out, together.Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/