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Episode 1 - Grit, Entrepreneurship, and Navigating an FBI Investigation with Dr. Pako Major
05/01/2025
Episode 1 - Grit, Entrepreneurship, and Navigating an FBI Investigation with Dr. Pako Major
Welcome to the very first episode of The Wonderful Dentist Podcast! Hosts Laura Maly and Michael Anderson, co-founders of Wonderist Agency, kick things off with an inspiring and incredibly candid conversation with their very first client, Dr. Pako Major from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Major shares his remarkable, multi-chapter journey in dentistry – from opening a practice right out of school, scaling to multiple locations, selling to a DSO (Heartland Dental), and then rebuilding again. He doesn't shy away from the tough times, recounting his personal "hardest day" as an entrepreneur and offering profound insights into the power of grit and simply showing up. The conversation takes a dramatic turn as Dr. Major details the shocking story of acquiring a practice (Jackson Family Dentistry) only to uncover massive insurance fraud, leading to an FBI investigation and national media attention. He discusses the immense personal and professional challenges of navigating this breach of trust, managing team morale, patient communication, and the unexpected complexities that arose. Throughout the episode, Dr. Major emphasizes the importance of fundamental business practices ("blocking and tackling"), building trust through vulnerability, the shift from clinical focus to entrepreneurial leadership, and the power of mentorship. Prepare to be inspired by a story of resilience, integrity, and finding strength in the face of overwhelming adversity. Guest: Dr. Pako Major: Dentist and practice owner in the Milwaukee, WI area. Key Topics Discussed: [00:05:31] Dr. Major's journey into dentistry and early practice ownership. [00:08:54] The "three chapters" of his career: Startup, scaling/selling to a DSO, and rebuilding. [00:13:02] The importance of non-clinical skills: processes, team management, and "blocking and tackling." [00:15:06] Gaining confidence by focusing on helping patients, not just pleasing them (and overcoming the fear of "sales"). [00:18:12] The evolution from clinical dentist to entrepreneur dentist. [00:20:51] The meaning behind his office mantras: Grind, Grit, Success. [00:22:09] Dr. Major's biggest accomplishments and proudest moments. [00:27:47] The value of mentorship and lessons from Patrick Lencioni (Pyramid of Dysfunction, trust). [00:29:04] Dr. Major shares his hardest day in dentistry and the power of grit. [00:40:25] The Jackson Family Dentistry Story: Acquiring a practice embroiled in significant insurance fraud, the FBI investigation, national media coverage (Daily Mail), and navigating the aftermath. [00:49:42] The personal impact and challenges of the fraud investigation fallout. [00:54:02] The importance of vulnerability and building trust within the team, especially during crises. [00:57:32] Dr. Major's next big uncomfortable goal: Completing an Ironman. Memorable Quotes: "You can't fake your way out of... crying on the floor last night." "The minute I stopped caring [what other people thought of me] is the minute I started to thrive." "It's amazing what you can do when you don't have a choice." "Vulnerability is just a superpower..." "Just showing up is... show up on time. Like, if you can do that, you can do anything..." "If I had more time, I would have written you a shorter email." (Referencing effective communication) Resources Mentioned: Patrick Lencioni (Author, Speaker - known for The Five Dysfunctions of a Team) Heartland Dental Daily Mail Ironman Triathlon Connect with the Podcast: Hosts: Laura Maly & Michael Anderson, Wonderist Agency Producer: Chris Dumas Email: Website: Subscribe: [Link to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.]
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