Building a Practice That Runs Without You Featuring Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, EP 189

Thriving Practice with Tracy Cherpeski

When Dr. Ruth Mannschreck faced a life-changing situation that forced her to compress five full days of dentistry into just two and a half days, she discovered something remarkable: the systems that gave her life back were the exact same ones that made her practice incredibly valuable to potential buyers. In this episode, Ruth shares her five-step framework for transforming from a "cave dweller" practice owner who's involved in everything to a leader who's built a self-propelling business. We dive deep into creating intentional culture, the art of delegation beyond clinical tasks, and why the best time to start planning your exit is right now – whether you plan to sell in two years or twenty.

Episode Highlights

• The "handpiece rule"that transformed Ruth's delegation approach: If you don't need your license or specialized tools to do it, you shouldn't be doing it
• Culture as competitive advantage: How to turn vague core values into specific, observable behaviors your team can demonstrate and celebrate
• The "showtime" principlefor creating consistent patient experiences, even when team members are having personal challenges
• Why "harmony" beats "balance": Understanding work-life integration as a dynamic dance rather than a static state
• Systems thinking for small practices: How to create communication flows that eliminate silos and keep everyone informed
• The psychology of millennial and Gen Z team management: Moving from "I know, so I'll tell you" leadership to outcome-focused delegation
• Exit planning as daily practice: Why building a sellable business improves your current quality of life and protects your team's future
• Differentiation beyond revenue: The multiple factors that make practices attractive to buyers, regardless of size

Memorable Quotes

"If you don't need a handpiece and you don't need your dental license to do it, you're not allowed to do it."

"I call them cave dwellers where we're off on our own and we cling to each other when we go to conventions every year, because we need to speak with someone, an adult, another person who's in the leadership role."

"No one wants to buy your job. If you are part of everything in running your business, you're selling them a job and that's not what they're looking for."

"Balance means you're static and I don't want people to be static. Harmony is one way, and then two measures later, it's in a whole different key, but it's still balanced."

"Pick one thing that makes your heart sing, that you are amazing at, that people come to you for, stick to that one thing that you do, and then surround yourself with experts to do all the other things."

"Start like today. Today's a good day to get your business ready to sell. Tomorrow, in 10 years, whatever it is, because you'll be a happier business owner when you're not doing everything yourself."

Resources Mentioned

• Free Resource: Visit workfewerhours.com for Ruth's checklist on building systems that give you your life back

Whether you're drowning in daily operations or already thinking about your exit strategy, this conversation offers a roadmap for building a practice that serves you instead of consuming you. The best part? Every step toward freedom is also a step toward creating something truly valuable – for you, your team, and your future buyers.

Bio:

Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, DDS is a business strategist who helps small business owners transform their practices into businesses they can step away from – and eventually sell. Drawing from her experience on both sides of buying and selling businesses, Ruth specializes in systems design, team building, and creating client experiences that work without the owner's constant involvement. She guides business owners from "business as usual" to "business designed for YOU," focusing on fewer working hours, stronger teams, and exit-ready operations. Ruth hosts the Team Led Business Success Podcast and has successfully built and sold her own dental practice using the systematic approach she now teaches.

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