Podcast Episode #550: Every Dentist Must Master Leadership, Exit Strategies & Simplifying Success - John Meis
Episode #550: Dentist Freedom Blueprint Podcast
Every Dentist Must Master Leadership, Exit Strategies & Simplifying Success - John Meis
Dentistry is changing faster than ever—and if you’re not prepared, you’ll be left behind. In this week’s episode, I sit down with Dr. John Meis, CEO of The Team Training Institute, who has guided hundreds of practices through growth, mergers, and acquisitions. With over 100 dental M&A transactions under his belt, John has a unique vantage point on where dentistry is headed in the next 5–10 years—and how private equity, DSOs, and group practices are reshaping the profession.
What sets John apart is his ability to cut through complexity. In this conversation, we break down the biggest mistakes sellers make before a transition, why leadership—not clinical skill—is the true multiplier in today’s market, and how younger doctors can thrive despite heavy debt and limited reps coming out of school. If you’re a dentist who wants clarity about the future, and a blueprint for building freedom on your terms, this episode is a must-listen.
Minute Markers:
00:00 – Intro
01:23 – Meet Dr. John Meis
06:39 – Why younger dentists struggle with reps
10:11 – Why buyers want doctors to stay post-sale
14:59 – Acquisition red flags vs. green flags
16:55 – Why mid-career doctors sell—and the risks they overlook
18:05 – Core principles every dentist must master
19:10 – Technology and AI reshaping dentistry
23:45 – John’s first mentors and key influences
26:00 – Executive GPS: Mapping constraints and unlocking growth
27:05 – How to connect with John and The Team Training Institute
29:06 – David’s financial framework: Debt vs. investing at different life stages
42:49 – Couples, risk tolerance, and financial alignment
Featured on the Show:
Dr. John Meis Website | LinkedIn
Book: The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt
Freedom Founders Discovery Call
Digital Newsletter Signup
P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you’re closer than you think) :
In this episode, we finish up the second part of my interview with Rob Swanson and his eight rules of investing. (If you haven’t listened to part 1, be sure to go back and give that a listen before jumping into this one.) Today, we pick up where we left off, covering rules four through eight and talking about everything from decision-making to cash flow and risk reduction.
Listen in as Rob shares his incredible insight and experience in real estate and investing to give us a few rules that help make our decisions and investments more solid. You will hear about the importance of looking at margins before buying and what boxes need to be checked when it comes to predicting a solid income stream. Rob also discusses how to define and mitigate the different risks involved so that you can come out on top.
Alastair MacDonald is a private advisor to established entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners, as well as a TEDx speaker who lectures on economic, social, and financial forecasts. Join me today to hear part two of our conversation at the Freedom Founders Mastermind, where we dive into the concept of certainty, how to hedge against a volatile economy, and why the abdication model is no longer one that works.
Listen in to learn the reasons why Alastair is not worried about consumer price inflation (and what he’s really worried about instead) and why the 401(k) is not always the investment that it is made out to be. You’ll learn why he is most concerned about the issue of division and polarity in the Western world, why your business is your best asset in a volatile economy, and how you can maintain its viability to weather the most intense economic storm.
1. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard:
Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Go to www.FreedomFounders.com/Scorecard to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.
2. Attend A Workshop:
If you’re committed to Freedom, but still building a practice, paying down school debt, or growing investment capital, our hands-on Freedom Blueprint Workshops are your entrance ramp onto the fast track! Visit www.freedomfounders.com/workshop to claim your seat!
3. Apply To Visit The Mastermind:
If you’d like to join dozens of dentists, docs, and practice professionals on the fast track to Freedom (5-7 years max), visit www.freedomfounders.com/step-1 to apply for a seat.
4. Want to Work Directly with Me?
If you’d like to work directly with me and a small group of my closest investment colleagues, with direct access to the dealmakers and asset classes that I invest in, just send a message to my Executive Assistant (Lindsey@FreedomFounders.com), and put “Fast Access” in the subject line. Or, call (972) 203-6960 Ext 144 and leave a brief voicemail for Lindsey. Let her know you’re interested in the Fast Access program – we’ll set up a time with you to talk, find out about your goals, and see if there is a fit.