2024 Agenda
View our agenda and keep up to date with our presentations given by our speakers
Welcome Reception
Thursday, September 26th 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Millennium Foyer
Kick off your conference experience with our Welcome Reception! Join us for a delightful evening of hors d’oeuvres, happy hour drinks, and engaging conversations. Get to know your fellow attendees and speakers as we gather outside Millennium Hall on Floor 2. Registration opens tonight, so come early to grab your badge and start making connections!
Day 1
Breakfast will be from 7:15am – 8:15am
8:15 – 8:35 am
Welcome to
Insightful.vet 2024!
WELCOME CEREMONY
Gary Ackerman, DVM
Founder & CEO Emeritus
Ackerman Group
Rich Lester
CEO
Ackerman Group
8:35 – 9:35 am
Building a
Culture of Success
Panel Discussion
Roger Redman, DVM (Moderator)
Partner & VP of Business Development
Ackerman Group
Barak Benaryeh, DVM, DABVP
Owner
Spicewood Spring Animal Hospital
Mike Walker, DVM
Owner
Apollo Veterinary
Renee Rucinsky, DVM, Dipl., ABVP
Owner
Mid Atlantic Cat Hospital
9:35 – 10:25 am
Retaining Clients through an Excellent Reminder Process
Marketing
Win Lippincott
Senior Partner & COO
Ackerman Group
10:25 – 10:40 am
15-Minute Break
10:40 – 11:30 am
Easy Strategies
for Better Pricing
Pricing
Rich Lester
CEO
Ackerman Group
11:30 – 12:20 pm
Relationship Building with Pet Parents
Client Communication
Barak Benaryeh, DVM, DABVP
Owner
Spicewood Spring Animal Hospital
12:20 – 1:20 pm
Lunch
1:20 – 2:10 pm
Enhancing Efficiency: AI Tools for Doctors and Staff
Panel Discussion
Rich Lester (Moderator)
CEO
Ackerman Group
Sree Reddy, DVM
Founder & CEO
SaiberAssist & Seven Oaks Pet Hospital
Mike Walker, DVM
Owner
Apollo Veterinary
Shikher Singla, DVM
Co-Owner
Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital
2:10 – 3:00 pm
Lead the Way for Future Talent
RECRUITING
Kristin Moritz
COO
Western Veterinary Partners
Kate Boatright, DVM
Founder
KMB Veterinary Media LLC
3:00 – 3:20 pm
20-Minute Break
3:20 – 3:50 pm
Upgrading & Improving Your Building While in Operations
Practice Facility
Vicki J Pollard, AIA, AAA, NCARB, CVT
Principal
3:50 – 4:40 pm
Tracking the Metrics that Matter & Managing Your Costs
Cost Management
Rich Lester
CEO
Ackerman Group
Networking Dinner
Friday, September 27th 6:00 pm
Howe, Lescaze and The Terrace on the 33rd Floor
Join us for an Evening of Connection, Sponsored by Evervet. This exclusive dinner offers a unique opportunity for practice owners to come together in a refined setting, fostering valuable conversations and networking opportunities. The evening will begin at 6:00 pm with a cocktail hour featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner at 7:00 pm. Stay tuned for more details on this enriching event!
Day 2
Breakfast will be from 7:30am – 8:30am
8:30 – 8:40 am
Welcome to Day 2!
Win Lippincott
Senior Partner & COO
Ackerman Group
8:40 – 9:30 am
Better Ads to Drive More Doctor and Staff Candidates
Recruiting
Win Lippincott
Senior Partner & COO
Ackerman Group
9:30 – 10:00 am
Empowering Associates: Strategies for DVM Success
DVM Compensation
Rich Lester
CEO
Ackerman Group
10:00 – 10:30 am
Today’s World: Zoetis Unveils Veterinary Trends and Insights
Current Trends
Kim Balaski
Head of Marketing & Operations
Zoetis U.S.
10:30 – 10:45 am
15-Minute Break
10:45 – 11:15 am
Current Economic Environment and Its Impact on Veterinary Valuations
Economic Environment
Matt Salois
President
VMG
11:15 – 12:05 pm
Understanding and Maximizing the Value of Your Veterinary Real Estate
Dan Eisenstadt
Founder & CEO
Terravet Real Estate
Peter Kilkelly
Chief Veterinary Development Officer
Terravet Real Estate
12:05 – 1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00 – 1:30 pm
The Legal ‘Well Visit’: Keeping Your Practice in Top Shape
Frank Muggia
Partner
Rupp Pfalzgraf, LLC
The Sale Process: A Comprehensive Overview
Sale Process
Roger Redman, DVM
Partner & VP of Business Development
Ackerman Group
Veterinary Practice Valuation 101
Rich Lester
CEO
Ackerman Group
15-Minute Break
3:25 – 4:15 pm
Buyers are People, Too
Win Lippincott
(Moderator)
Senior Partner & COO
Ackerman Group
Len Podolsky
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
EverVet Partners
Ana Moeddel
Chief Growth Officer
Community Veterinary Partners
Kevin DeWitt
Chief Development Officer
Western Veterinary Partners
Preparing for Financial Planning: Post-Sale Strategies
James Yost
Wealth Advisor & Partner
SignatureFD
Thank you for attending #Insightfulvet2024!
Rich Lester
CEO
Ackerman Group
Information provided is subject to errors, omissions, and changes without prior notice. Please verify details independently, and contact Insightful.vet if you have any questions.
Welcome to Insightful.vet 2024!
Day 1: September 27, 2024
8:15 – 8:35 am
Gary Ackerman, DVM
Founder and CEO Emeritus of Ackerman Group
University of Georgia
Dr. Gary Ackerman, a University of Georgia veterinary graduate and Founder/CEO Emeritus of Ackerman Group, is a leading figure in veterinary practice transitions and corporate consolidation sales. With over 20 years at the helm, he has directed billions in transactions, offering expertise in practice ownership, management, profitability, real estate, and tax planning. Before creating his firm, he managed a multi-location practice in Virginia for two decades. A licensed real estate agent and investment advisor, Gary specializes in practice sales, real estate transactions, mergers, and tax strategies. He is a recognized speaker, educator in the veterinary field, and author on practice transitions and real estate for healthcare professionals.
Rich Lester
Chief Executive Officer of Ackerman Group
Building a Culture of Success
Day 1: September 27, 2024
8:35 – 9:35 am
Join a dynamic panel of successful independent practice owners as they share their insights on creating a thriving work environment. Learn how to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth within your practice. Bring your pressing questions for an interactive, strategy-rich exchange.
Roger Redman, DVM
Partner & VP of Business Development of Ackerman Group
Roger S. Redman, DVM, serves as VP of Business Development at Ackerman Group, with significant leadership roles including past presidencies at the American Association of Veterinary State Boards and the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board. He owns Cloverleaf Animal Hospital in Ohio and co-owns ModernVet in Georgia. His recognitions include service awards from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine (1989, 1990), a Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International (2010), and the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Distinguished Service Award (2015). Redman has been deeply involved in community service, including as a 4-H Advisor, a member of the Grace Brethren Church, and on the boards of the YMCA and Wayne County Humane Society. He’s contributed to veterinary governance and education through various committee roles and as AAVSB President (2019-2021). Redman also writes a “Pet Health” column and is active in professional veterinary associations.
Barak Benaryeh, DVM, DABVP
Owner of Spicewood Spring Animal Hospital
UC Davis
Dr. Barak Benaryeh, DVM DABVP, owns a 7-doctor veterinary practice in Austin, Texas. He earned his veterinary degree from UC Davis, followed by training in Small Animal Medicine, Surgery, and Emergency at the University of Pennsylvania. With seven years at a Boston emergency hospital and board certification in canine and feline practice, Dr. Benaryeh has extensive experience. He mentors veterinary students, contributes to veterinary journals, and speaks at national conferences. When not working, he enjoys cold-water swimming and hiking with his family and 3 dogs in Austin. Dr. Benaryeh hosts “The Vet Off-Leash” podcast available on Spotify and Apple Podcast – make sure to check it out!
Mike Walker, DVM
Owner of Apollo Veterinary
Dr. Mike Walker is the owner of Apollo Veterinary in Wimberley, Texas. A graduate of Texas A&M, he is very active on Instagram, sharing the latest industry insights with his staff at Apollo. Check it out @dr.mikewalker.
Renee Rucinsky, DVM, Dipl., ABVP
Owner Mid Atlantic Cat Hospital
Dr. Renee Rucinsky is a graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners as a Feline Practice Specialist. She has written several book chapters on various feline diseases and conditions, and has been part of multiple AAFP and AAHA guidelines task forces, including hyperthyroidism, nursing care, diabetes management, and uncommon endocrinopathies. Dr. R is active in ABVP leadership, including being president from 2023-2024.
Dr. Rucinsky owns a feline specialty hospital in Maryland, and sees primary and referral feline patients, and she also co-owns and runs a radioactive iodine treatment center with her longtime registered technician.
In her abundant spare time, Dr. R can be found trail running, mountain biking, or camping with her plain brown dog, or sipping beer at her wife’s brewery, which is conveniently located across the parking lot from the cat hospital.
Roger Redman
Partner & CEO of Ackerman Group
Retaining Clients through an Excellent Reminder Process
Day 1: September 27, 2024
9:35 – 10:25 am
Win Lippincott
Senior Partner & Chief Operating Officer of Ackerman Group
Win Lippincott
Senior Partner & Chief Operating Officer of Ackerman Group
Easy Strategies
for Better Pricing
Day 1: September 27, 2024
10:40 – 11:30 am
Rich Lester
Chief Executive Officer of Ackerman Group
Relationship Building with Pet Parents
Day 1: September 27, 2024
11:30 – 12:20 pm
Barak Benaryeh, DVM, DABVP
Owner of Spicewood Spring Animal Hospital
UC Davis
Dr. Barak Benaryeh, DVM DABVP, owns a 7-doctor veterinary practice in Austin, Texas. He earned his veterinary degree from UC Davis, followed by training in Small Animal Medicine, Surgery, and Emergency at the University of Pennsylvania. With seven years at a Boston emergency hospital and board certification in canine and feline practice, Dr. Benaryeh has extensive experience. He mentors veterinary students, contributes to veterinary journals, and speaks at national conferences. When not working, he enjoys cold-water swimming and hiking with his family and 3 dogs in Austin. Dr. Benaryeh hosts “The Vet Off-Leash” podcast available on Spotify and Apple Podcast – make sure to check it out!
Barak Benaryeh, DVM, DABVP
Owner of Spicewood Spring Animal Hospital
UC Davis
Dr. Barak Benaryeh, DVM DABVP, owns a 7-doctor veterinary practice in Austin, Texas. He earned his veterinary degree from UC Davis, followed by training in Small Animal Medicine, Surgery, and Emergency at the University of Pennsylvania. With seven years at a Boston emergency hospital and board certification in canine and feline practice, Dr. Benaryeh has extensive experience. He mentors veterinary students, contributes to veterinary journals, and speaks at national conferences. When not working, he enjoys cold-water swimming and hiking with his family and 3 dogs in Austin. Dr. Benaryeh hosts “The Vet Off-Leash” podcast available on Spotify and Apple Podcast – make sure to check it out!
Enhancing Efficiency: AI Tools for Doctors and Staff
Day 1: September 27, 2024
1:20 – 2:10 pm
Rich Lester
Chief Executive Officer of Ackerman Group
Mike Walker, DVM
Owner of Apollo Veterinary
Dr. Mike Walker is the owner of Apollo Veterinary in Wimberley, Texas. A graduate of Texas A&M, he is very active on Instagram, sharing the latest industry insights with his staff at Apollo. Check it out @dr.mikewalker.
Sree Reddy, DVM
Founder and CEO of SaiberAssist and Seven Oaks Pet Hospital
He has trained many technicians who have become veterinarians and transformed Seven Oaks into an Advanced General Practice offering various specialized services. In October 2020, he created SaiberVet to support his staff with daily admin tasks, allowing more personal time.
In his free time, Dr. Reddy enjoys reading, music, golf, traveling to historical places, and spending time with his dog Zeus.
Dr. Shikher Singla
Co-Owner of Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital
Dr. Shikher Singla is a Veterinarian operating out of the Bay Area in California. He graduated from Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. He enjoys working with cats and dogs and making the office a fun and engaging environment for his technicians and doctors. Dr. Singla became a veterinarian to be able to help as many animals and pet owners as possible not only in California and the United States but in India as well. He has an awesome sense of humor and is an amazing DVM. He owns multiple hospitals in the Bay Area. Dr. Singla enjoys sports and being active during his free time
Lead the Way for Future Talent
Day 1: September 27, 2024
2:10 – 3:00 pm
Roundtable Discussion – a dynamic and intimate forum guided by a moderator, where participants will delve into meaningful dialogue on the featured topic.
Kristin Moritz
COO of Western Veterinary Partners
Kristin has over 15 years of experience working with private equity-backed businesses in the education, healthcare, and veterinary fields. Most recently, she led operations for the equine business line at National Veterinary Associates (NVA) and helped build the foundational support capabilities for equine practices and practitioners. She also worked with the specialty and emergency practices on the West Coast during her time at NVA. Prior to that, Kristin served as Director of Operations and Strategy for DaVita Medical Group (now Optum) and supported specialty and ancillary operations for a 100+ physician organization in Colorado. Kristin started her career as an Associate at Summit Partners, a global private equity firm. She received a B.S. in Management Science and Engineering and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration, both from Stanford University.
Kate Boatright, DVM
Associate Veterinarian of Penn-Ohio Veterinary Services and Founder of KMB Veterinary Media LLC
Passionate about mentorship, Dr. Boatright has been guiding early career veterinarians and students for over 5 years. She is active in the AVMA and local associations and is a founding committee member of VBMA Alumni.
Upgrading & Improving Your Building While in Operations
Day 1: September 27, 2024
3:20 – 3:50 pm
Remodeling – can you afford not to do it?
Learn about the potential your hospital could have to invite new clients, improve the quality of care you provide to animals, attract and retain a top-notch team, and increase the value of your practice through a renovation and/or expansion of your facility. From purely cosmetic improvements to scraping it all and starting fresh, we’ll look at how you can develop and achieve your goals for your practice with your hospital building.
Vicki J Pollard, AIA, AAA, NCARB, CVT
Principal of Animal Arts
As an Animal Arts partner, Vicki brings unique experience to animal care design as both an architect and a certified veterinary technician. These combined skills give Vicki the perspective to design interior spaces that work on every level from complex veterinary hospital function to specific equipment layout. Vicki focuses on designing spaces that support the welfare and well-being of both the hospital team and the animals in their care. She has designed hospitals for clients across the U.S. and Canada including flagship facilities for NVA – ARISE in Queen Creek, Arizona, and VCA – West Los Angeles Animal Hospital in California, along with dozens of hospitals for privately owned veterinary practices. Vicki is the co-author of Practical Guide to Veterinary Hospital Design published by AAHA Press.
Tracking the Metrics that Matter & Managing Your Costs
Day 1: September 27, 2024
3:50 – 4:40 pm
Rich Lester
Chief Executive Officer of Ackerman Group
Welcome to Day 2!
Day 2: September 28, 2024
8:30 – 8:40 am
Win Lippincott
Senior Partner & Chief Operating Officer of Ackerman Group
Better Ads to Drive More Doctor and Staff Candidates
Day 2: September 28, 2024
8:40 – 9:30 am
Win Lippincott
Senior Partner & Chief Operating Officer of Ackerman Group
Empowering Associates: Strategies for DVM Success
Day 2: September 28, 2024
9:30 – 10:00 am
Rich Lester
Chief Executive Officer of Ackerman Group
Today’s World: Zoetis Unveils Veterinary Trends and Insights
Day 2: September 28, 2024
10 – 10:30 am
Kim Balaski
Head of Marketing & Operations of Zoetis U.S.
Current Economic Environment and Its Impact on Veterinary Valuations
Day 2: September 28, 2024
10:45 – 11:00 am
Matt Salois
President of VMG
Matt Salois
President of VMG
Kim Balaski
Head of Marketing & Operations of Zoetis U.S.
The Legal ‘Well Visit’: Keeping Your Practice in Top Shape
Day 2: September 28, 2024
1:00 – 1:30 pm
Frank Muggia
Partner of Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC
The Sale Process: A Comprehensive Overview
Day 2: September 28, 2024
1:30 – 2:20 pm
Embark on a journey through the entire sa process, from initial discussions to final closing. Understand the key steps involved, the roles of different parties, and the considerations at each stage.
Roger Redman, DVM
Partner & VP of Business Development of Ackerman Group
Roger S. Redman, DVM, serves as VP of Business Development at Ackerman Group, with significant leadership roles including past presidencies at the American Association of Veterinary State Boards and the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board. He owns Cloverleaf Animal Hospital in Ohio and co-owns ModernVet in Georgia. His recognitions include service awards from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine (1989, 1990), a Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International (2010), and the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Distinguished Service Award (2015). Redman has been deeply involved in community service, including as a 4-H Advisor, a member of the Grace Brethren Church, and on the boards of the YMCA and Wayne County Humane Society. He’s contributed to veterinary governance and education through various committee roles and as AAVSB President (2019-2021). Redman also writes a “Pet Health” column and is active in professional veterinary associations.
Veterinary Practice Valuation 101
Day 2: September 28, 2024
2:20 – 3:10 pm
Rich Lester
Chief Executive Officer of Ackerman Group
Buyers are People, Too
Day 2: September 28, 2024
3:25 – 4:15 pm
Panelists to be announced.
Win Lippincott
Senior Partner & Chief Operating Officer of Ackerman Group
Len Podolsky
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of EverVet Partners
Over the course of his career, Len has thoughtfully guided many practice owners through the once-in-a-lifetime journey of selecting the partner that best serves their needs and goals. As a former operations leader, he brings an operator’s perspective to the development and acquisition process, creating an experience that is both transparent and seamless. With a commitment to making a positive impact on the veterinary profession, Len ensures that EverVet offers practice owners a rewarding partner relationship — one that represents an ideal personal and professional synergy, provides their practice with a home, and nurtures its growth for years to come.
Len holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA in Finance and Healthcare Management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
In his free time, he enjoys cycling and hiking the great Philadelphia area parks with his wife and daughter.
Ana Moeddel
Chief Growth Officer of Community Veterinary Partners
Ana is passionate about creating meaningful connections with veterinary practice owners who are considering the next step in their journey. She combines her wealth of expertise in strategy consulting and business operations with a proven track record of driving growth in both established and emerging organizations. Her extensive experience includes leading successful business acquisitions, seamlessly integrating new practices, and implementing innovative top-line and bottom-line growth strategies. Ana is also an expert in de novo strategy, guiding businesses from the ground up with a focus on sustainable expansion. At CVP, Ana leads the charge in Business Development, DeNovo initiatives, and overall strategic growth, ensuring continued success across the network.
Ana holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and has built a reputation as a dynamic leader in the veterinary space. Outside of her professional endeavors, Ana is an avid traveler and enjoys quality time with her husband, their three children, and their furry companion, Preston.
Kevin DeWitt
Chief Development Officer of Western Veterinary Partners
Preparing for Financial Planning: Post-Sale Strategies
Day 2: September 28, 2024
4:15 – 5:05 pm
James Yost
Wealth Advisor and Partner of SignatureFD
Understanding and Maximizing the Value of Your Veterinary Real Estate
Day 2: September 28, 2024
11:15 – 12:05 pm
Dan Eisenstadt
Founder and CEO of Terravet Real Estate
Daniel Eisenstadt is the Founder and CEO of Terravet Real Estate Solutions and previously co-founded Community Veterinary Partners, serving as its president and chairman. He has also held positions as managing director at CMS Companies, founding executive director of the Auschwitz Jewish Center, and a corporate lawyer at Fulbright and Jaworski, L.L.P. He holds an MBA from Harvard, a JD from the University of Virginia, and a bachelor’s from Clark University, and was a Wallenberg Scholar at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Daniel is actively involved in various leadership roles, including being a trustee of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a board member of the Perelman Jewish Day School. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Sharon, and their three daughters.
Peter Kilkelly
Chief Veterinary Development Officer of Terravet Real Estate