I had the privilege of visiting a meeting of the Middletown practices yesterday. It brought a flood of memories to my mind. It reminded me of how precious each day is and how fast time passes. The past thirty-five years have been amazingly rewarding and fulfilling. It is hard to believe that in June of 1979 we began with two dental operatories and no paid employees. Sue worked the front desk and I did the dentistry (4 to 6 patients/day) for the first few months. Phyllis Hundley was our first employee.
The growth of our company is truly amazing. I believe the foundation of our success is based on two very fundamental principles: first, we love and respect each other as team members and second, we listen to our patients and give them our personal attention and care. I appreciate your willingness to embrace and live this culture.
Steve James and I were invited to speak to the senior dental school students at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Wes Coffman, the professor, told the students before we spoke that he wanted them to see that success comes from planning your life and future. He said, "If you don't visualize and plan your life, other people and circumstances will design a life for you." I know that planning and goal setting are vitally important to attaining what we want in life. I am so grateful to our leaders and every team member for embracing the goal setting process and then exhibiting the discipline of executing our vision.
I want every one of you to enjoy great success in your personal lives. Write down some of your long-term goals, re-visit them often. Where do you want to be in five years? What will your homes look like? Build a plan for each decade. What are your expectations for your forties and fifties? What about sixty and seventy? Trust me, fulfillment requires a plan. Achieving our personal, family, and professional goals is the reward of purposeful, planned life.
Thank you for your positive influence on the success of our company. Thank you for being an example to me... you are all very kind, considerate, charitable, and committed to our combined success. I know the next thirty-five years hold great promise and opportunity for each of you. Enjoy each day, plan for tomorrow and find joy and fulfillment in a life well lived. I love you all!!
