2551: Paying Yourself & The Influence You Have Pt. 1

2558: How to Find Opportunity in an Uncertain Real Estate Market

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Jacob Vanderslice, co-founder of VanWest Partners, to explore the opportunities, risks, and realities of self-storage investing. Jacob shares how he went from single-family rentals and fix-and-flips to overseeing a portfolio of 42 self-storage properties, why his team targets underperforming facilities, and how operational improvements can increase net operating income and property value. They also discuss due diligence, market supply, closed-ended funds, projected returns, tax advantages, liquidity risks, and the role private real estate can play in a diversified investment portfolio. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES * https://www.vanwestpartners.com [https://www.vanwestpartners.com] * https://www.truedentalsuccess.com [https://www.truedentalsuccess.com/] * Dental Success Network [https://www.dentalsuccessnetwork.com/] * Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dentalpreneur-podcast-become/id983666208?mt=2&ls=1]

2557: The Unfair Advantage - Fireside Chat With Gino Wickman

On today's episode, recorded live at the Dental Success Summit 2026, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Gino Wickman, creator of the Entrepreneurial Operating System and author of Traction, Rocket Fuel, and Shine. Gino shares the lessons behind building EOS, the six essential traits of an entrepreneur, and why the right visionary-integrator partnership can transform a growing business. They discuss how to find and evaluate an integrator, the five rules that keep the relationship strong, the most overlooked components of EOS, and the foundational tools dental leaders can begin implementing immediately. Gino also opens up about the deeper message behind Shine and why lasting success requires more than achievement alone. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES * https://www.truedentalsuccess.com [https://www.truedentalsuccess.com/] * Dental Success Network [https://www.dentalsuccessnetwork.com/] * Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dentalpreneur-podcast-become/id983666208?mt=2&ls=1]

2556: The Capacity Trap That Holds Practices Back

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes answers listener questions in this Ask Me Anything special, covering ownership strategy, practice growth, scaling decisions, and the team of advisors every dental owner should build. Mark shares what he would do differently if he were starting over as a new grad, including avoiding practices that are too small to scale, being cautious with overly rural locations, and focusing on demographics, capacity, and long-term exit options. He also discusses when it makes sense to add another doctor, what metrics to watch beyond revenue, and why owners should stabilize their flagship practice before pursuing additional locations. The episode also dives into building a personal board of directors, including a CPA, bookkeeper, attorney, tax strategist, financial advisor, banker, and performance coach, before wrapping with advice on making faster, less fearful business decisions without abandoning thoughtful analysis. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast EPISODE RESOURCES * https://www.truedentalsuccess.com [https://www.truedentalsuccess.com/] * Dental Success Network [https://www.dentalsuccessnetwork.com/] * Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dentalpreneur-podcast-become/id983666208?mt=2&ls=1]

2555: Fired Up but Going Nowhere- Turn Today into the Day Everything Actually Changes

On today's episode, Dr. Summer Kassmel takes the stage at the Dental Success Summit to help dentists and their teams turn inspiration into real, lasting change. She shares why so many practice owners get caught in the "someday trap," waiting for the right associate, production number, or season of life before building the practice and lifestyle they truly want. Dr. Kassmel breaks down the three keys to fighting the pull of status quo: getting clear on what you want and why it matters, understanding the short-term price of meaningful change, and leading first as the doctor or practice leader. She also offers a practical communication framework for holding standards with grace, creating alignment, and choosing one focused "Monday move" that can help transform your practice for good. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES * https://www.truedentalsuccess.com [https://www.truedentalsuccess.com/] * Dental Success Network [https://www.dentalsuccessnetwork.com/] * Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dentalpreneur-podcast-become/id983666208?mt=2&ls=1]

2554: Evolve - Thriving in Dentistry's New Reality

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes delivers his main stage presentation during the 13th Annual Dental Success Summit, using the story of Jerry the lobster as a powerful metaphor for growth, vulnerability, and the need to shed old ways of operating. Mark reflects on his own journey through academic challenges, practice ownership, burnout, and reinvention, then connects those lessons to the current state of dentistry. He breaks down the major headwinds facing the profession, including staffing shortages, rising wages, flat PPO reimbursements, declining practice ownership, margin compression, burnout, and the growing divide between elite independent practices and those stuck in the middle. Mark also introduces the frameworks DSI uses to help dentists build stronger systems, better leadership, healthier lives, and more scalable practices, reminding owners that what got them here will not get them where they want to go next. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES * https://www.truedentalsuccess.com [https://www.truedentalsuccess.com/] * Dental Success Network [https://www.dentalsuccessnetwork.com/] * Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dentalpreneur-podcast-become/id983666208?mt=2&ls=1]