Optometrists Building Empires | Fundamentals Matter More Than New Tech - Justin Coleman - Optometrists Building Empires

Fundamentals Matter More Than New Tech - Justin Coleman - Optometrists Building Empires - # 081

February 26, 2026 / 44:55/E81

How do you grow multiple practices without chasing shiny objects, burning out your staff, or losing sight of what actually works? In this episode of Optometrists Building Empires, host Ankit Patel sits down with Dr. Justin Coleman, owner of three private practices serving rural and suburban Kentucky. With a background in industrial engineering and a deep respect for fundamentals, Justin shares how consistency, disciplined decision-making, and investing in people have fueled sustainable growth. From staffing and incentives to practice acquisition and operational systems, this conversation is a masterclass in building an empire.

Takeaways:

Sustainable growth comes from mastering fundamentals, not chasing new technology or trends. Consistency in care, communication, and systems builds trust and long-term patient loyalty.
If your schedule is booking out more than three to five weeks, you’re leaving opportunity on the table. Capacity planning should be driven by data, not gut instinct alone.
Major purchases and equipment decisions should have a clear ROI timeline. If a piece of equipment can’t pay for itself within 12–18 months, it deserves a second look.
Staffing success in any market starts with respect and retention. It’s far cheaper to grow and develop good people than to constantly replace them.
Incentives don’t always need to be cash-based to be effective. Flexible rewards like PTO can create deeper loyalty and better performance than bonuses alone.
Not every growth opportunity is the right one. Saying no to a bad-fit acquisition is just as important as saying yes to the right deal.
Continuous improvement beats perfection every time. Small, consistent changes compound into meaningful progress for both the practice and the team.

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