Well, it’s been one crazy year. A little over one year ago, I bought the Tustin Ave Veterinary Hospital. The team there was doing everything they could, especially Ali, Eduardo, Gabby, Sonia, Liz, Sarah, Danielle, Matt, and Anthony. But they were struggling against constant doctor turnover and an absentee corporate ownership.
When I took over in July, in order to distance from those difficult times, I changed the name, direction, and philosophy. Thus the OC Veterinary Medical Center was born. Not only was the level of medicine improved, but the technology was brought forward about 15 years (in some cases 40 years). We have worked hard on building from what was a fairly non-existent preventative medicine program into doing everything possible to keep your pets healthy, instead of waiting until they were sick.
But my vision was not just to make small improvements. When I bought the hospital, it was with the goal of creating the most progressive hospital in the area, designed for maximal comfort for humans and pets alike. Built with the ability to grow, for it is my goal for our hospital to remain in the leading edge of veterinary medicine in the decades to come.
In February we moved, and we’ve made major improvements, with new computer system and software, in-house labs, digital radiography, laser therapy, rehabilitation therapy, grooming, professional training, and improved patient care. And now we have a new and improved boarding facility, with many measures to increase comfort of pets left in our care.
We also have many new faces: Dr. Murphy, Joann (groomer), Margo (trainer), Veronica, Wendy, Carlos, Kali, Lorraine, Michelle, and Ashley (our new technician who will start in a week or so)
My plan was audacious, and it was successful for some very important reasons.
1. I really lucked out with the team. I could not have done this without them. They have embraced an astronomical amount of changes with not only good grace, but good ideas. They have really worked hard to allow for a very successful transition. And I am glad that I kept the entire technical and reception staff thorough the transition. Unfortunately, recently, we lost Danielle, who has pursued training in a high paced speciality referral hospital, and Gabby is leaving us to pursue her goals of world travel and conservation biology. We wish them loads of luck in their endeavours and know that they will be missed.
2. The existing clients from Tustin Avenue stuck through a lot, and have been very happy to have new ownership and new direction. They were very worried to see a new doctor, but talking to the staff and watching the progress of the new hospital really helped them appreciate the change. I am so happy that they presevered.
3. My older clients who followed me from my previous employment had to look hard to find me. I felt bad that I left with no notice or warning, but legal and ethical obligations prevented me from directly contacting them. But many followed me and I am glad, because I have grown very attached to them over time. Thank goodness for Facebook, Linked In, Twitter, and Google, which allowed them to find me. And they told their friends too! I hope that over the next year, I can continue to be reunited with old friends.
4. I owe a huge debt to Michael, the manager/owner of MDH Project Management. They got the hospital built, under budget, on time, and they way that I wanted it. They have been working on our boarding facility in the previous location, which will be a work in progress for some time to come. Michael now has an office in our boarding facility while overseeing construction and because it is a good central location for his other projects. If you have any need for a home or commercial project, you should leave a note or take his card at our boarding facility or look him up on the web/facebook. You can’t ask for a better project manager who balances integrity and quality.
5. Lastly, but not least, to my wife Rachel, and my daughter. They have put up with a lot of extra work at home, a little stress, and my extra time away from home. I could not have done this without the support of my family.
And now…a present. For those of you who read my sometimes lengthy blogs and stayed with us all year, I will give you all a present. Just mention Happy Birthday anytime this month, and we will take off $10.00 off of the bill for the boarding of your pet. It can be combined with any other discount…since it’s a present.
Thank you for entrusting the care of your pet to us!