Rhonda Ross, DVM knew she had to change something in her practice, so she reached out to Sterling in Glendale, CA. That was the point where things began to improve.

"I became a veterinarian because I love animals and I love medicine. Three years after earning my DVM degree, I bought a practice from another doctor and went out on my own. Even though I was doing what I loved, I wasn’t completely satisfied. I worked 60 to 70 hours a week to grow the practice, but I wasn’t making the progress I expected.

"I thought I was doing all the right things. I worked long hours, added services and sent the staff to seminars. But no matter what I did, I couldn’t get to the next level and didn’t know why. I did see I had staff issues. Mine is a one-doctor practice and I require a strong support staff, but I wasn’t getting the backup I needed. The staff didn’t do their jobs fully, left tasks incomplete or didn’t clean properly and called in sick when they didn’t want to work. I didn’t know what they were actually doing.

"I had received advertising from Sterling about their management program. Physically and mentally exhausted, I knew I had to change something. I contacted Sterling, watched their DVD and had an introductory consultation. The consultation was an eye-opener; it floored me. I became a Sterling client and it changed my life.

"I began their program by working with my consultant and taking courses. Reenergized, and trained as an executive, I was ready to make changes in the practice. Sterling had the staff take personnel tests which revealed their true colors. After reviewing the tests with my consultant, I met with each employee and told them what needed to change. In coordination with me, Sterling also reorganized the practice and trained the staff on how to work as a team and do their jobs. On my consultant’s recommendation, I also began to play staff games by setting a goal for the practice and giving the staff prizes if they make the goal. They get excited and they all talk about the latest game.

"Sterling trained me how to track my practice numbers and use them to stay financially healthy. Since starting their program four years ago, my income—which used to increase by less than 1% per year—has gone up by nearly 50% and is still going up, even though I work fewer hours. Now the staff better understand that they are part of the practice, why it is here and the growth required, rather than just working for a paycheck to get by. And I’ve learned how to hire good people in the first place. We are all so much happier.

"Instead of my business running me, Sterling taught me how to run my business. They gave me my life back."

Rhonda Ross, DVM