Business manager

[NicelyMKV]

Hey guys,

I'm a small three man operation. I work pretty much in a constant state of panic lol. Never know when I'll be working nights, weekends who knows... I've thought a lot about bringing in a business manager for some "controlled" growth. Wondering how some of you have gone about it? I don't know of a dental lab business management degree and I'm sure some of you will disagree with me, but I think our business is a little different from most? Am I off? Just like to know how you found the right individual for the job.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[amadent]

Hey guys,

I'm a small three man operation. I work pretty much in a constant state of panic lol. Never know when I'll be working nights, weekends who knows... I've thought a lot about bringing in a business manager for some "controlled" growth. Wondering how some of you have gone about it? I don't know of a dental lab business management degree and I'm sure some of you will disagree with me, but I think our business is a little different from most? Am I off? Just like to know how you found the right individual for the job.

Thanks,
Jason

same here Jason

 

[Mark Jackson]

Hey guys,

I'm a small three man operation. I work pretty much in a constant state of panic lol. Never know when I'll be working nights, weekends who knows... I've thought a lot about bringing in a business manager for some "controlled" growth. Wondering how some of you have gone about it? I don't know of a dental lab business management degree and I'm sure some of you will disagree with me, but I think our business is a little different from most? Am I off? Just like to know how you found the right individual for the job.

Thanks,
Jason

Jason, I would look for anybody with experience in manufacturing. This way they will be used to the accrual accounting system, familiar with inventory turns, understand the importance of cash flow, and as a potential bonus, may have experience with ISO, Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing.

I have ALWAYS said that the NBC should have a CDT credential for lab manager. It would involve taking the comprehensive written exam, showing a knowledge of the dental industry, terminology etc, and then have a seperate practical exam covering all of the things I just mentioned.

I would think that anybody with that kind of credential would be able to go to NADX, DTI or any big production lab and make $200k to start.

 

[NicelyMKV]

Thats a really good idea Mark. After 16 years in the business I am finally starting the process to get my CDT's. I've used the ole" doctors don't care" excuse long enough. Just trying to start the road towards an actual profession

 

[Mark Jackson]

Thats a really good idea Mark. After 16 years in the business I am finally starting the process to get my CDT's. I've used the ole" doctors don't care" excuse long enough. Just trying to start the road towards an actual profession

Congratulations. Start now before you get too far off the bench to handle the practical within the time constraints.

Let us know what you decide to do about a lab/business manager position. It was probably the most important thing we did, way back when. I'm not saying we have anything special going on here, but as I've said before, you might find a visit "interesting" if not fruitful.

 

[NicelyMKV]

Mark, I'll be attending LMT Lab day west in May. Is that anywhere close to your facility?

 

[Mark Jackson]

Mark, I'll be attending LMT Lab day west in May. Is that anywhere close to your facility?

Yes, I'm 30 minutes from there at the most.

 

[smile4me]

We plan on attending LMT Lab day west would love to hook up with you guys!!! I have learned so much from you all and would like to treat you guys to a round of drinks! :grouphug: Nicely~my husband was the lab manager / owner and just like you was running the lab with his head cut off lol
I seriously did not know how he was doing it these past few years without a book keeper / manager. I recently joined his team about 6 mos ago had no clue about the lab business and dove right in. The first thing I did was implement a lab management software then spent hours on end til 3 or 4 am searching the internet and various forums and it was then I found out our business model was not much of a business model and we were loosing way too much money each month ! I restructured the business immediately laid off most of the staff which have been replaced with my scanner and mill and hired 2 MDTS one from Germany who is my implant specialist and 1 from Switzerland. We are running way more efficient, way more profitable as I continue to research and read everything on the forums and study groups. There is always something new and innovative in the works and I try to stay on top of it so we have new products to offer to the Drs. I also was able to cut my payroll by 75% improve the quality of the product we produce n have gotten more demand, I just have to find good techs to keep up with our demand which I am having a hard time finding. I would say definitely hire someone not just as a business manager but someone who will stay up to date on all the new things that are coming out to keep you competitive. Hope this all makes sense and I'm just not rambling off its getting late and I'm a little tired lol.

 

[Mike2]

You should be able to get them a lot cheaper than 200K$ if not, call me! At the large production lab I worked at, mgr's were typically college grads that had already gotten their feet wet. The CO. sent them to the training(lean/six sigma etc) I don't think these people made even close to 80,000$ especially in this economy. One thing to look at is maybe setting it up for growth and future sale to the business manager? My 2 cents

 

[Tom Moore]

I had dinner with a new lab account and his business/manager business/coach before Christmas. He also works with the lab owners wife that has a business not related to the lab industry. The lab owner said it was one of the best business decisions he and his wife ever made. He said the focus he now has is much better and they work toward a set goal for their business that fits into their life as apposed to them fitting their life into the business. If I was not such a short timer I would do it myself.

 

[NicelyMKV]

That's what I'm thinking Tom. It can get pretty overwhelming when your trying to be 100% focused on improving esthetics, 100% focused on training employees, 100% focused on meeting turn around time demands, 100% focused on researching new and future products and techniques, 100% focused on office management and so on and so on. If you notice, the percentages obviously don't match up. Can really be frustrating.