20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry

Welcome to this episode rewind of 20/20 Money! In keeping with tradition of years past, I'm bringing back this episode yet again. If you are a long-time listener of the show, I still think it's worth listening to these episodes and other repeat episodes, whether it's on my podcast or other podcasts, for two reasons. Number one, the host of the show valued the episode and thought it to be worthy enough for a repeat listen. Second, you are not the same person that you are when you first listen to the episode. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from the philosopher Heraclitus, who said "No person stands in the same stream twice, for they are not the same person and the stream is not the same." The same thing can be said for podcast episodes, books that we read or listen to, coaching programs that we're involved in, or any other content we're consuming with the goal of personal and/or professional improvement. If it was valuable at some point in the past, there's a good chance that it will be valuable in the future. Listening to things again at a different place in your life can allow you to pick up different pearls of knowledge from the same lesson. Given the time of year, this is usually when we are thinking about goal setting, and everyone's schedule is anything but normal around this time. I wanted to bring back the conversation that I had with my friend, business collaborator, and advisor coach Stephanie Bogan from early 2022. I'll share some info about Steph here shortly in the intro and then close out this introduction with some personal thoughts and reflections. While Stephanie has built and sold a number of businesses in her career, most recently she is the founder of Limitless Adviser, a coaching program where she empowers financial advisors to create and build wildly successful practices and a life that they love. This was a special conversation for me when I originally had it as I've been privileged to be involved in that program in a couple of different ways—first as an advisor that was being coached by Stephanie (from 2018-2020) and then serving as an advisor coach, where I help coach and empower other advisors to work intentionally on their practices by applying the mindset and methods that Stephanie teaches in the curriculum and that I've learned over the years as well. I exited that coaching business at the end of 2024 and I'd be lying if there was a part of me that doesn't miss what I was doing in that program, but my other businesses were asking a bit more of me and it was time to pass the torch to another group of advisors. In this conversation we talk about something that tends to be popular around this time of year: goal setting. However, we talk about it from a bit of a different angle, which is first spending time focusing on your purpose and intention for building what you're building and how money plays a role in that plan. We talk about it from two angles: the first being the practice owner that's at the tail end of their career and facing an inevitable transition from their practice and also from the lens of a younger practice owner that has many years in front of them. Now hundreds of episodes into 20/20 Money, this show has continued to grow and develop into something bigger than I thought it would have and I'm eternally grateful for everyone that's been involved in the show. To all my guests that have given their time to come on the show and share their perspective, experience, and expertise—thank you. To my producer Kyle— yet another thank you for all your help with the show. From getting it initially set up in 2018 to handling everything with the show after I've finished recording an episode…I appreciate all that you do for the show. And lastly, to you, the listener of the show. Whether this is your first episode, or you've listened to dozens (or even hundreds!) of them, I'm sincerely grateful for the intimate, albeit asynchronous relationship that we've been able to have. My goal is to have positive impact at scale in the optometric community and help practice owners make educated and informed decisions in their business and with their money and this podcast has allowed me to have a platform to share not only my knowledge and experience but also the experience of the guests that I've had on the show. I have always tried to keep the show as objective and unbiased as possible. I've never taking a dollar of sponsorship money, no guest has ever paid to be on the show, nor have I ever paid a guest to be on the show. This podcast is organic and authentic, and your continued support through listening and sharing the show is something that I'm both humbled and grateful for and I look forward to another great year. And with that introduction, I hope you enjoy this rewind episode of 20/20 Money: The business of optometry. Here's to your continued success. Links Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

In this reflective episode, we'll explore the most impactful books I've read in 2025. From exploring personal growth and professional evolution to sharing insights on leadership and success, I'll share the themes that shaped my year. I'll discusses the challenges and triumphs of balancing identity and ambition, hopefully offering valuable takeaways for optometry professionals and beyond. Book List: Driven: Understanding and Harnessing the Genetic Gifts Shared by Entrepreneurs, Navy SEALs, Pro Athletes, and Maybe YOU – Doug Brackmann ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/Driven-Understanding-Harnessing-Entrepreneurs-Athletes/dp/1619616939 Amazon From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life – Arthur C. Brooks ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/Strength-Finding-Success-Happiness-Purpose/dp/059319148X Amazon Wanting What You Want – Dan Sullivan ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/Wanting-What-You-Want-Sullivan/dp/1897239394 Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It – Chris Voss (with Tahl Raz) ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805 Perennial books I've revisited: Turning the Flywheel: A Monograph to Accompany Good to Great – Jim Collins ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/Turning-Flywheel-Monograph-Accompany-Good/dp/006291268X Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones – James Clear ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 Wikipedia Be Your Future Self Now: The Science of Intentional Transformation – Benjamin Hardy ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/Be-Your-Future-Self-Now/dp/1401967571 To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others – Daniel H. Pink ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/To-Sell-Is-Human-Surprising/dp/1594631905 Fun Books: Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/Project-Hail-Mary-Andy-Weir/dp/0593135202 The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America – Erik Larson ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/Devil-White-City-Madness-Changed/dp/0375725601 Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike – Phil Knight ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-Nike/dp/1501135910 Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

Almost every business owner knows they need to spend time working ON and not just IN their business. But what does it mean to take that concept to a whole new level by traveling and spending time outdoors with colleagues and strategic partners? Whether you choose to take time out of your business to work on your business and do it across town or across the country, this conversation with Drs. Julie Helmus, OD and Paul Mormon, OD talk about what it takes and means to truly invest in yourself by finding your tribe and community. This is also a perfect time to remind you, the listener, that in addition to sharing what Paul has created with GRT, the concepts and benefits we're discussing in today's episode are what we are striving to accomplish with OD Masterminds (link in the show notes). The important NBS for you: find your tribe and structure that fits you best—and helps you make progress. Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form GRT Summit PERC IDOC ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

Why failure can be your friend with Dr. Chris Wolfe, ODHow can failure be your friend, and why should you embrace failure? On this episode—which is actually me guest-hosting Dr. Chris Wolfe's podcast EyeCode Media—we discuss a journey Chris has been on for awhile, how he failed, and why he considers the failure a positive influence in his life. I share my perspective of the situation and the lessons practice owners should take away from Chris's experience. Links to grab: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Eyecode media Eyecode education Dunning-Kruger Effect ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

ODs tend to be a pretty risk-averse group, which means failure and risk can be avoided or almost taboo topics. But risk is required for any type of return in life. So how should practice/business owners think about risk? If you're embarking on a new growth goals for your practice—like adding an associate doctor—how do you prepare for that investment into the practice and how long do you continue down that path if it's not working? How do you pivot and what are the financial decisions you can make to hedge the risk as best as possible? Resources: Book a Triage call with Adam Download the Practice Owner's Financial Toolkit 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Books & Benchmarks ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

So much of business ownership is about your mindset. So what happens when you take the cognizant approach to shift your mindset from a practice owner to a CEO? What are the necessary strategies you must incorporate into your life if you want accomplish more but yet do it in the same (or less time)? And how does this work when you try and build a tech company on top of it all? Dr. Brianna Rhue, OD—co-founder of DrContactLens.com and owner of West Broward Eyecare Associates in Tamarac, FL—joins us back on the show to give us a peek behind what has worked for her as she has grown not only her private practice but also scaled her tech platform DrContactLens.com. Resources: Dr. Contact Lens website West Broward Eyecare Associates 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

In this episode, Dr. Steve Vargo returns to talk about a topic many ODs quietly struggle with: the role of sales in patient care and practice performance. Inspired by a recent post he shared on LinkedIn, we explore why certain KPIs feel frustrating to improve and how a simple shift in perspective can change the way doctors think about influencing patient outcomes. Steve and I discuss the stories we tell ourselves about what "selling" means, why the word carries so much baggage in healthcare, and how a reframed definition can open the door to clearer communication and better patient experiences. We also look at how asking better questions—rather than doing more talking—can transform the way patients make decisions in the exam room. If you've ever felt conflicted about the idea of sales in your practice, or if you're looking for more effective ways to guide patients toward the care they need, this conversation offers a refreshing and practical lens on a topic that's often misunderstood. With that introduction, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Steve Vargo, OD. Resources: 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

Why has the profession of optometry had such a complicated relationship with VCPs (vision care plans) over the years? Some practice owners love them. Others despise them. Some practices are on all the panels. Some have intentionally jettisoned themselves from every plan and gone out of network entirely. On this episode, which in a way serves as a follow-up discussion to my conversation with Dr. Chris Smiley, OD (link in the show notes), Dr. Pete Kehoe and I have an engaging and well-rounded discussion about VCPs and the role they can play in running a successful practice—and why it doesn't have to be a choice of embracing VCPs or running a profitable practice. Before we get into today's episode, I want to make something explicitly clear about this conversation: This episode was not sponsored by EyeMed, Pete, or any other entity. I have never—nor will I ever—take a dollar of sponsorship or "pay to play" from a guest. I realize that the profession continues to be divided on this topic, and my singular goal with this episode—and with this show in totality—is to bring the best proven practices, methods, and strategies to help you, the practice owner, run your business as best you can and use the profits from providing value to your patients to ultimately build wealth and achieve financial independence. With that introduction, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Pete Kehoe, OD. Resources: 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Power Hour Episode: Managing Managed Care, Capture Rates and the Missing Middle for Practice Growth with Todd Lossone EyeMed 20/20 Money Episode: Embracing vision plans to profitably grow your practice w/ Dr. Chris Smiley Ted Lasso "Be curious, not judgemental" YouTube clip ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

On this episode, we explore the unique intersection of financial planning and personal growth, discussing the importance of thinking on our thinking, the paradigm shift from accumulating to decumulating assets, and the role of community in achieving financial confidence. Roger shares insights from his Rock Retirement Club, emphasizing the value of optionality and the art of managing complex problems. Whether you're planning for retirement or simply curious about financial wisdom, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. As a reminder, you can get all the information discussed in today's conversation by visiting our website at integratedpwm.com and clicking on the Learning Center. While there, be sure to subscribe to our monthly "planning life on purpose" newsletter that's filled with tips and ideas to help you plan your best life, on purpose. You can also set up a Triage conversation to learn a little bit more about how we serve in the capacity of a personal and professional CFO: helping OD practice owners around the country reduce their tax bill, proactively manage cash flow, and make prudent investment decisions both in and out of their practice to ultimately help them live their best life on purpose. If you're interested in learning more about the 20/20 Money Financial Success Masterclass, a course & platform that we created to help ODs become "brilliant at the financial basics," or are interested in learning more about how OD Masterminds creates space for real conversations, real accountability, and real growth, please check out the link in the show notes of this episode to learn more. Resources: 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Rock Retirement Club ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

There are few episodes where I tell you to rewind and listen again to something that a guest has says. This is one of those episodes. From the importance of using the patient's name to offering appointment options without directly asking if they want to schedule, this conversation with Tim is a great example of why words matter in all aspects of the patient experience. As a reminder, you can get all the information discussed in today's conversation by visiting our website at integratedpwm.com and clicking on the Learning Center. While there, be sure to subscribe to our monthly "planning life on purpose" newsletter that's filled with tips and ideas to help you plan your best life, on purpose. You can also set up a Triage conversation to learn a little bit more about how we serve in the capacity of a personal and professional CFO: helping OD practice owners around the country reduce their tax bill, proactively manage cash flow, and make prudent investment decisions both in and out of their practice to ultimately help them live their best life on purpose. If you're interested in learning more about the 20/20 Money Financial Success Masterclass, a course & platform that we created to help ODs become "brilliant at the financial basics," or are interested in learning more about how OD Masterminds creates space for real conversations, real accountability, and real growth, please check out the link in the show notes of this episode to learn more. And with that introduction, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Tim Merrigan. Resources: https://acquios.com/ 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!