Welcome to the MB2 Underground podcast, where we go beyond the dental practice walls and dive deep into inspiring stories from dentistry’s leading minds. Hosted by Joe Fox, VP of Business Development, and Sarah Keifer, VP of Owner Transitions, this podcast shares invaluable insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial strategies that every dentist can leverage to enhance their practices and reach their goals.
With Joe’s extensive background in corporate finance and business ownership, alongside Sarah’s expertise in marketing and practice integration, this dynamic duo brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Their diverse experiences enable them to pose thought-provoking questions and extract compelling stories from each guest.
We sat down with Joe and Sarah to discuss their journeys at MB2 Dental, the lessons they’ve learned throughout their careers, and what they love about hosting the MB2 Underground podcast. So, let’s get to know our hosts:
Tell us a bit about your background and why you chose to work at MB2 Dental.
Joe Fox: My career began in corporate finance as an investment banking analyst at Lehman Brothers in New York in 2000. After three years, I returned to Texas to work with a startup hedge fund focused on merger arbitrage. I later joined a family office before taking a leap into entrepreneurship, which provided invaluable hands-on experience in running a business.
In 2021, I discovered MB2 through a LinkedIn post for a business development role. I had mutual connections with Jake Berry and Justin Carroll. After learning more about MB2 Dental, I recognized it as an exceptional opportunity within a firm that maintains a startup culture.
Sarah Keifer: I graduated from Texas State University in 2014 with a degree in Public Relations. At first, breaking into marketing roles in Austin was challenging, so I spent two years in locum tenens staffing.
When my nephew was born in Dallas, I knew I wanted to be a part of his childhood. I started exploring career opportunities in DFW, and interviewed for a Marketing Coordinator role at MB2 Dental in 2016. There were only about 70 affiliated practices at the time. I got a job offer after a virtual interview, but I wanted to visit HQ before I said yes. After interviewing in real life and meeting the executive team, everyone seemed so laid back and I knew there was a place for me. I called my first boss at MB2 (shout out to Anna Chapman) and left her a voicemail accepting the job the minute I walked out the door. In this role, I learned the value of thorough communication and it helped rid me of some of the programming I had around competitive work environments.
Two years later, when I transitioned from marketing to integration, I had to put my ego aside and realize I can learn something from everyone (not just the people in “higher” roles than me). My organization strategies expanded, and I fell in love with relationship management. Putting doctors and their team members at ease during one of most uncertain times in their career, I knew I was making an impact.
Now, as VP of Owner Transitions, I’ve learned I can literally make up a title & a department and people will go with it. Just kidding… well, kinda. I joined the integration team when it was just Susan Huff & Linzee Page, so although I played a role in building it, I wasn’t in charge. Being responsible for adding a service to the MB2 organization has been stretching but continues to expand my perspective and capacity every day.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far in your career?
Joe Fox: The only two things I can control are my attitude and my effort. My time in New York at Lehman Brothers during 9/11 was pivotal in shaping this belief.
Sarah Keifer: The best opportunities I’ve had came from saying yes to something that scared me at first. Starting in marketing at MB2 without dental knowledge was daunting. Joining the integration team required me to adapt quickly to new skills like learning how to merge businesses. Creating the Owner Transitions Department has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, but has also led to a meaningful accomplishment in my career, and we’re just getting started!
What are some fun facts about you? What are your hobbies and interests outside of dentistry?
Joe Fox: As Miss Keifer often points out on the podcast, I have five very active kids (Tiago 13, Tycho 12, Tadeo 9, Tessa 7 & Tulah 5) that keep my incredible wife and I on our toes! Additionally, I’m a certified yoga instructor; yoga has significantly improved my life after dealing with chronic knee pain from multiple surgeries. Fun facts: I once performed mouth-to-mouth CPR on a duckling and have worked out with Eminem!
Sarah Keifer: Well, I can’t say I’ve ever brought a dead animal back to life with my mouth… but outside of dentistry, I love traveling and hiking new places. I’m an avid puzzler with an overflowing puzzle cabinet! Additionally, I enjoy podcasts and audiobooks, took up tennis lessons last year (not great yet!), and unwind with my dog after long days.
What do you enjoy most about being a host on the MB2 Underground Podcast?
Joe Fox: It’s been a blast to learn about the unique, serendipitous and funny stories that come along with successful entrepreneurship! The podcast has been a great way to draw out unique, unknown stories for the benefit of my own interest and hopefully our listeners.
Sarah Keifer: I admit I was a reluctant co-host in the beginning, but this journey is fun. I’ve had the pleasure of working with several doctor partners over the years but doing the podcast has allowed me to get to know them better, to meet new doctors and hear their unique stories. Joe does a lot of the prep work, so I get to sit back and be in shock when I hear the outlandish things that happen in the world of dentistry. It’s more like being a listener than a co-host.
What’s been your favorite moment on the podcast so far?
Joe Fox: I don’t know how we will ever top the “Snake Story” from Dr. Weaver! That was so incredible on many levels. The podcast was a great forum to tell that story to a broader audience.
Sarah Keifer: The crazy stories are always fun, but I love a podcast that teaches me something. Sitting down with financial advisors from JP Morgan was intimidating because I don’t have 149 years of finance experience, like Joe, but I loved learning from the experts about something out of my scope of knowledge.
Join Joe and Sarah as we uncover captivating stories and unique experiences of leaders in the dental landscape. Each episode offers valuable perspectives on leadership, entrepreneurship, and finance to use in the ever-evolving landscape of dentistry. Don’t miss out—subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.
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