You’ve decided to build your own practice from the ground up. That’s not a small thing. It takes vision, intention, and the courage to bet on yourself — and it’s one of the most significant decisions a veterinarian can make.
Now the questions start coming — fast. What kind of space do I need? How much does this actually cost? Who do I bring in first, and in what order? What does my money actually get me?
Here’s what the veterinarians who build extraordinary practices know: the startup journey isn’t something you figure out as you go. It’s something you navigate with purpose, with a realistic picture of what’s ahead and the right community of expertise around you.
This 90-minute panel brings together experts in financing, architecture, construction, real estate, and equipment to walk aspiring owners through the startup journey from financing to first day open — with the straight talk, real-world expertise, and practical guidance they need to move forward with confidence.
About this Webinar:
Meet The Webinar Panel
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Christine Gifford is an equipment specialist with 15 years of experience supporting veterinary practices. She partners with practice owners and project teams on hospital builds and remodels, ensuring equipment, space planning, and clinic workflow align with the owner's vision for patient care and long-term practice success.
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Chelsea Rodgers, the principal of Obsidian Design, LLC, has over 17 years in the industry. She has a degree in Interior Design from The Art Institute of Portland and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Oregon. After working for several local Portland firms, Chelsea started Obsidian Design in 2016. Obsidian Design’s strategy is building strong relationships through effective communication, creative and experienced problem-solving, and creating beautiful, functional spaces for clients.
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With over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Ateah Wright brings a unique perspective to healthcare practice and real estate transactions. Her experience allows her to understand and relate to both her clients’ clinical and real estate needs. Ateah provides expert guidance to healthcare professionals throughout all stages of their real estate journey, including practice start-ups, lease renewals, expansions, relocations, additional offices, real estate purchases, and practice transitions. Her commitment to putting her clients’ best interests first, combined with her integrity, professionalism, and dedication to exceptional service, sets her apart.
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Rubicon Construction LLC is a Kenmore, WA-based commercial construction firm specializing in tenant improvement and ground-up projects across the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on healthcare and veterinary buildouts. Their work includes business development, estimating, preconstruction including lease negotiations, budgeting and space planning, project management, and project closeout. The company has 30+ employees across the greater Seattle area down to southern Washington.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
What a startup loan covers — and what your money actually gets you in space, equipment, and working capital
How location and square footage decisions affect your budget and your vision
The team you need to build and when to bring each person in
What the key decision points are and what order they come in
How having the right support around you makes the difference between chaos and clarity
Watch the Webinar Recording
Thinking about practice ownership but unsure where to begin?
Watch the full webinar to learn how to evaluate your readiness, understand the financing process, and create a practical roadmap toward ownership. Dr. Kelly Cooper and Dave Kinney from Bank of America discuss what future practice owners should know before taking the next step.
Looking for more resources to help you on your ownership journey?
The Veterinary Practice Readiness Roadmap is a free guide to help you gain clarity on the key areas of practice ownership.
MEET YOUR GUIDES:
Bank of America Practice Solutions specialist helping veterinarians understand financing, financial readiness, and ownership planning.
Dr. Kelly Cooper
Leadership, culture, operations, and ownership readiness expert helping veterinary professionals build extraordinary practices and teams.
Dave Kinney