Client Spotlight: Dr. Rachel Hart

Tell us a little about yourself and your journey to becoming an orthodontist.

I knew I wanted to become a dentist since I was a teenager. I loved the combination of artistry and science that dentistry offers, so I went into college with the goal of pursuing dental school. Orthodontics, specifically, really appealed to me because it's like putting together a puzzle. I enjoy watching the gradual transformation that happens over time, it takes patience, but it's incredibly rewarding to see the difference you can make in your patients' lives. 

What inspired you to become a practice owner?

I've always had the desire to add a little more creativity to my career. Owning my own practice gives me the opportunity to put my own personality into it, from branding and office design to creating the kind of patient experience I envision. Even something as simple as picking out new lobby chairs has been fun. It's exciting to have the ability to shape every aspect of the practice. 

You recently purchased two orthodontic practices. What made those opportunities the right fit for you?

I purchased practices in Albertville and Buffalo. I had been looking for the right ownership opportunity, and because I live in the northwest suburbs, these locations were a great fit for both my family and my long-term goals. When the opportunity to work with Dr. Resch came along, it just made sense. Having two nearby locations is convenient for patients, allows us to serve more families, and gives us room to continue growing. 

What were some of the biggest lessons you learned throughout the acquisition process?

There are so many aspects of buying a practice that you don't know until you're in the middle of it. Having people you trust to rely on for the details is incredibly important. There was definitely a learning curve, but I learned to take the process one step at a time and trust the team around me. 

Every practice has its own personality and culture. What excited you most about taking over these practices?

I'm excited to build on the strong foundation that was already in place while creating an environment that reflects my own vision. That includes everything from the patient experience to the team culture and the overall feel of the offices. It's rewarding to be able to make thoughtful changes while continuing to provide excellent care to the community. 

How did you first connect with Nokomis Legal?

John has been helping me since I graduated from my residency. He first assisted me with setting up my LLC, and over the years I've reached out to him with questions about different practice opportunities. When I was finally ready to purchase a practice, he was already someone I knew and trusted. 

What were you looking for in a legal partner as you navigated the purchase of two practices?

Trust was the biggest factor. John came highly recommended by colleagues, and it was important to work with someone who understood both the legal and real estate aspects of practice acquisitions. His experience with dental practices made him a great fit. 

How did working with John Saunders and the Nokomis Legal team help simplify what can be a very complex process?

John was incredibly responsive throughout the entire process. He guided me through the due diligence, connected me with financing resources, and maintained a great working relationship with the sellers. Everything went remarkably smoothly, and there were very few headaches along the way. 

What advice would you give to another dentist or orthodontist who is thinking about purchasing a practice?

Don't rush the process. It's easy to feel like you need to jump on every opportunity, but finding the right fit is much more important. Be patient, take your time, and wait for the opportunity that truly aligns with your goals. 

What are you most excited about for the future of your practices?

We'll be rolling out some rebranding this fall, which I'm really looking forward to. The practices have already been growing in a short amount of time, and I'm excited to see my vision continue to come to life. I'm especially excited about the team we're building and creating an exceptional experience for our patients that reflects who we are as a practice. 

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Spending time with my family is my favorite way to recharge. They keep me busy, and I love making the most of our time together. 

Is there anything else you'd like to share with someone who may be considering practice ownership or working with Nokomis Legal?

If you're looking for someone who's down-to-earth, easy to talk to, and genuinely has your best interests in mind, John is exactly that person. He made what could have been a stressful process feel manageable, and I always felt like I had someone in my corner.