​JJ Littrell is the COO and Co-founder of Tuatara, a strategic finance agency dedicated to serving single-location dental practices. With a diverse background spanning Fortune 500 companies, top 50 accounting firms, and international startups, she has led teams of varying sizes, showcasing her versatility in the financial sector. JJ is passionate about connecting with practice owners, aiming to amplify their impact through ownership and purpose-driven partnerships. Beyond her professional endeavors, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Hospitality House of Charlotte, reflecting her commitment to community service. ​

Hiring the right associate, creating a brand that attracts ideal patients, and avoiding marketing mistakes that burn your budget are just a few of the challenges facing private dental practices today. So, how do you position your practice for long-term growth and freedom without sacrificing quality of life or profitability?

JJ Littrell, a dental growth strategist, shares how practice owners can regain control by shifting their focus from cost-cutting to people-powered growth. She outlines ways to define your ideal patient using creative frameworks, set realistic marketing budgets, and evaluate readiness for bringing on an associate dentist. JJ explains how aligning your brand, space, and operations to match your desired patient experience can create more effective marketing and lead to sustainable growth.

In this episode of The Marketing 32 Show, Brett Allen interviews JJ Littrell, COO and Co-founder at Tuatara, about building a thriving dental practice through smart strategy and team development. JJ discusses ways to attract ideal patients, develop future partners instead of employees, and prepare your practice financially and operationally for growth. She also touches on pricing alignment, marketing benchmarks, and how to create a compelling associate opportunity.

​Laura Nelson is the Founder of Front Office Rocks, a virtual training platform dedicated to enhancing dental office management and customer service. Drawing from her experience as a front office manager, she identified significant training gaps in the dental industry and committed herself to empowering dental teams. Laura has authored books such as Step Away from the Drill and Hiring Without Hesitation, offering valuable insights into practice management and effective hiring strategies. Beyond her contributions to dentistry, she co-founded Sober Life Rocks, advocating for sober inclusivity at professional events.

The dental industry is on the brink of a major transformation, one driven by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and a renewed focus on leadership. As daily tasks become more automated and practices look for new ways to increase efficiency, teams are left wondering: how can they stay relevant and thrive in this evolving landscape?

According to Laura Nelson, a nationally recognized educator and innovator in dental team training, the key is embracing AI not as a threat but as a tool to eliminate inefficiencies. She highlights that dental teams must shift their mindset, using AI to offload repetitive tasks and free up time for patient care and relationship-building. This shift creates opportunities for team members to grow into more strategic roles. Laura also emphasizes that leadership, not just technology, will be the deciding factor in which practices rise to the top, especially as office managers are increasingly expected to lead teams — not just manage tasks.

In this episode of The Marketing 32 Show, host Brett Allen sits down with Laura Nelson, Founder of Front Office Rocks, to discuss how dental teams can future-proof themselves through technology and leadership. They explore why AI should be viewed as an opportunity, how to vet the right tools, and the importance of upskilling team members for long-term success. Laura also shares tips on building stronger leaders within your practice.

​Laura Brenner is the Founder of Lolabees Career Coaching, a service dedicated to helping dental professionals design fulfilling and balanced careers. After practicing dentistry for ten years, she transitioned to coaching. Laura is also a dynamic speaker, sharing insights on topics like burnout and career transitions in dentistry.

Burnout doesn’t always come from overwork. It can come from misalignment, stagnation, or even success in the wrong career. In dentistry, where the pressure to achieve is high and the path feels predetermined, that burnout can feel especially isolating. So how do you know when it's time to pivot and what does that even look like?

According to Laura Brenner, a former dentist turned career coach, burnout often signals a deeper disconnect between your work and your identity. She highlights that many dental professionals confuse burnout with failure, when in reality, it may be a clue that the career no longer fits who they’ve become. The pressure to conform to a traditional definition of success can deepen this disconnection. For Laura, escaping burnout meant giving herself permission to redefine success on her own terms, and now she helps others do the same by guiding them through self-discovery, small low-risk experiments, and building supportive communities around change.

In this episode of The Marketing 32 Show, host Brett Allen sits down with Laura Brenner, Founder of Lolabees Career Coaching, to talk about escaping burnout in dentistry. They discuss how to recognize the signs of misalignment, why taking a break doesn’t always solve the problem, and how to start exploring new paths without blowing up your life. Laura also shares her unique “career dating” method to make change feel safe and empowering.

Lani Grass is the Founder of Wave of Women, an organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of female leaders in their professional and personal lives. As a certified life coach and speaker, she focuses on helping clients identify their unique traits, embrace authenticity, and build paths to self-actualization. Lani's diverse background includes experience in retail, nonprofits, start-ups, healthcare, and corporate, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on personal and professional development.

Many women dentists find themselves excelling through dental school but feeling lost when faced with the realities of practice ownership and leadership. How can they regain clarity, build confidence, and step into their roles as strong, authentic leaders?

According to Lani Grass, a life and leadership coach specializing in woman-led dentistry, the key is self-awareness and alignment. She highlights that many women in dentistry follow a structured path through school but struggle with confidence once they’re in practice. Confidence, Lani explains, isn’t something you chase — it’s a byproduct of knowing who you are and making decisions that align with your true self. When dentists step into their personal power, they not only feel more in control but also create a thriving practice culture.

In this episode of The Marketing 32 Show, Brett Allen sits down with Lani Grass, Founder of Wave of Women, to discuss how women dentists can build confidence and leadership skills. Lani shares how mindset shifts can transform the way dentists lead their teams, why personal branding is key to patient trust, and how to overcome the overwhelm that often comes with practice ownership. She also gives advice on setting boundaries and staying true to your values for long-term success.

​Ryan Vet is a globally recognized entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and USA TODAY best-selling author whose career spans consulting, leadership roles, and multiple successful startups. Known for his dynamic stage presence and actionable insights, Ryan has inspired audiences on four continents and worked with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. With a passion for empowering leaders and driving meaningful change, Ryan's work has been featured in Forbes, ABC, NBC, and more.

Leadership in the dental industry is evolving, and with new generations entering the workforce, practice owners must adapt to changing expectations. How can dentists effectively lead their teams while navigating shifting marketing trends and generational differences?

According to Ryan Vet, a best-selling author and international keynote speaker, the key to success lies in embracing generational shifts rather than resisting them. He highlights that Gen Z, now a growing part of the workforce, brings a tech-savvy, efficiency-driven mindset that can be both an asset and a challenge for dental leaders. Understanding generational biases, refining leadership strategies, and adapting marketing efforts to align with audience behavior can set a practice apart. Ryan emphasizes that effective leadership isn’t just about managing a team; it’s about setting the right example and creating a culture of engagement and growth.

In this episode of The Marketing 32 Show, host Brett Allen sits down with Ryan Vet to discuss leadership, marketing strategies, and generational shifts in the dental industry. They explore how to manage a multigenerational workforce, the role of customer experience in business growth, and why leading by example is critical for success. Ryan also shares practical insights on defining purpose, priorities, and principles to make better leadership decisions.

Dr. Spencer Greer is the Founder of Big Time Dental Producers, a mentorship program dedicated to helping dentists enhance their production and achieve financial success. His journey in dentistry began in 2009, driven by a strong calling to work in the sciences. After acquiring two dental practices in 2017 and 2019, he solidified his presence in the industry, showcasing an entrepreneurial mindset. Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Greer is passionate about teaching, family, and maintaining a commitment to excellence.

Many dentists struggle with maximizing their production while keeping overhead in check, often feeling stuck in a cycle of long hours and stagnant growth. But what if small, strategic shifts could double or even triple production without increasing work hours?

According to Dr. Spencer Greer, a highly successful practice owner and mentor, the key to exponential growth starts with mindset. He emphasizes that dentists must stop seeing expenses as costs and start viewing them as investments — whether in people, marketing, or systems. He highlights that by making intentional hiring decisions, optimizing case acceptance, and strategically structuring finances, dentists can unlock new levels of profitability. His own journey from an associate producing $60K per month to scaling two practices beyond $300K+ showcases the power of these principles in action.

In this episode of The Marketing 32 Show, Brett Allen and Dr. Spencer Greer, Founder of Big Time Dental Producers, talk about the mindset and strategies behind a high-performing dental practice. They explore why investing in the right people is the foundation of sustainable growth, how to maximize profitability while keeping overhead low, and the crucial role of case acceptance in boosting production. Dr. Greer also gives advice on balancing rapid practice expansion with personal and family priorities.

Sandy Pardue is the Director of Consulting at Classic Practice Resources, a dental consulting company that provides high-level services to practicing dental professionals. With over 25 years of experience, she is an internationally recognized lecturer, author, and consultant specializing in team training, organizational systems, and practice expansion. Sandy has been named a "Leader in Consulting" by Dentistry Today magazine for 12 consecutive years.

Running a successful dental practice requires more than just excellent clinical skills — it demands organization, streamlined processes, and a team that works efficiently. Many practices struggle with inconsistent systems, leading to stress, lost revenue, and frustrated staff. So, what’s the key to creating a well-structured, profitable dental practice?

According to Sandy Pardue, a leading dental consultant and industry expert, the key lies in implementing clear, repeatable systems that ensure consistency in daily operations. She highlights how most dental offices unknowingly allow inefficiencies to creep in, with team members handling tasks in their own ways rather than following proven processes. Without structure, practices experience scheduling chaos, declining case acceptance rates, and financial leaks. Sandy emphasizes that when systems are in place, stress is reduced, teams work more efficiently, and profitability soars.

In this episode of The Marketing 32 Show, Brett Allen sits down with Sandy Pardue, Director of Consulting at Classic Practice Resources, to discuss how dental practices can improve systems and increase profitability. They explore the most common inefficiencies in dental offices, how structured systems boost revenue, and why proper team training is essential for long-term success. Sandy also shares strategies for improving case acceptance and handling patient objections effectively.

Dr. Walter Kostrzewski is the Owner of The Center for Complete Health Dentistry Wilton, a practice dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered dental care with a focus on cosmetic and sedation dentistry. Commonly known as Dr. K, he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1992 and completed a General Practice Residency at University Hospital in Stony Brook, New York. A Fellow of the International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics, he has served as a clinical instructor in cosmetic dentistry and full mouth rehabilitation. Beyond his practice, Dr. K is the Founder of The Winning Dentist, a consultancy focused on helping dental teams develop passion, leadership, and effective business systems.

Many dentists struggle with scaling their business while maintaining high-quality patient care. So, what are the key factors that separate thriving dental practices from those that stagnate?

According to Dr. Walter Kostrzewski, a seasoned dental professional and industry mentor, sustainable growth starts with mentorship and smart business decisions. He highlights the importance of learning from experienced coaches and leveraging creative financing strategies to expand without unnecessary financial risk. By focusing on exceptional customer service and building a strong team, dentists can create a culture that attracts and retains loyal patients. Aside from clinical skills, Dr. K emphasizes that success in dentistry is about leadership, adaptability, and making informed business moves.

In this episode of The Marketing 32 Show, Brett Allen sits down with Dr. Walter Kostrzewski, Owner of The Center for Complete Health Dentistry Wilton, to discuss how mentorship and strategic planning fuel practice growth. Dr. K shares how he rebounded from financial setbacks, the mindset shifts that helped him scale his business, and why exceptional customer service is a game-changer. He also gives advice on finding and mentoring the right team to support long-term success.