Successful dentist James Fakler has been a client of Sterling, based in Glendale CA, for several years. When he started his practice, he did not realize that he was missing several key elements to running a successful dental practice.
"As a dentist, I did a very good job taking care of my patients’ health. What I wasn’t very good at was taking care of the health of the practice. I started a general family practice in an older blue-collar suburb of Milwaukee over 20 years ago. I thought that working as a dentist would be a lot easier than what it actually is. All I would have to do would be to provide excellent service and the patients and income would materialize.
"It was a nice dream, but far from the way things work in real life. Since I had no training in how to manage the practice, our production was only running about $60,000 per year. I was doing
marketing through a national program, but the clients I was getting were only interested in getting a free service, and they didn’t stick around for a full treatment program. The stress of running the place was physically affecting me and giving me headaches.
"That was when I first heard of Sterling. What they had to offer made a lot of sense, so I went to their offices to get the management training I had been missing. The program worked.
"Since that time, I have gone from $60,000 a year to over a million as a solo dentist. Sterling has helped me implement an effective marketing program which not only gives me a steady stream of new patients, but we retain over 95% of them. However, with all of those extra patients, it doesn’t mean I am over worked. Since I also learned how to hire the right staff, how to train them in their job functions and how to keep them motivated, I have a smooth running office that gets more done with less work. It is fun to work here, not just for me but for the staff. I am free to take time off when I want to without worrying about the practice or my income. But I enjoy working now. It is fun rather than stressful. It is more like a hobby for me. I never feel chained to the office.
"I have found that the Sterling program goes far beyond just improving the profitability of my business. It applies to my entire life. Since I am no longer stressed about my practice, I can give my family and the broader community the attention it deserves. The skills I have learned in communicating and making agreements with staff and patients apply throughout life. I have a great relationship with my children and am actively supporting my community.
"If you feel there is something missing in your life - not enough patients, too much stress, trouble with personnel, not enough income, no free time - give Sterling, Glendale a call at (800) 933-7538 for a free DVD and no charge consultation. They have the practical knowledge and guidance to help you achieve your dreams."
James M. Fakler, DDS