Ep. 506 - Roy Jain - How Top CEOs Hack Culture to Skyrocket Growth and Crush

Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold

In this episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Roy Jain, the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Blue River Pet Care.

In this fascinating conversation, you'll learn about building an organization that thrives on culture, leadership, and long-term vision. Cameron and Roy explore the foundations of creating a business during challenging times, the importance of surrounding yourself with trusted partners, and the mindset required to navigate uncertainty while pursuing growth.

You'll discover the evolving role of leadership, and how true success comes not from doing everything yourself, but from developing others, fostering motivation, and carrying forward a culture that can outlast the original founders. The conversation investigates how structured training, core leadership skills, and intentional people development contribute to sustainable success and scalability.

Curious how AI is changing real-world industries like veterinary care? This episode reveals surprising applications every leader should pay attention to. Learn why developing people, not doing it all yourself, is the true key to building a business that lasts.

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Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The Blue River value proposition for owners selling their practices, emphasizing financial transactions and continuity of care.

• The operational efficiencies achieved through centralized back-office functions and the development of an operations team in 2019.

• The application of AI in veterinary care, including note-taking and administrative tasks, as well as the limitations of telemedicine in veterinary care.

• Blue River's marketing strategy for 210 independently branded hospitals, tailoring ads to specific products and promotions.

• The growth of the corporate team from four people to 150, with many senior leaders homegrown from within the organization.

• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Roy Jain is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Blue River Pet Care, where he oversees daily operations and ensures the company fulfills its mission to be the most user-friendly acquirer of animal hospitals in the country. Since co-founding Blue River in 2009, he has taken on nearly every role within the organization, from marketing and recruiting to shaping the strategic roadmap that drives its success. Roy brings a deep respect for veterinary practice owners, recognizing that selling a hospital is more than a financial transaction—it’s about finding a long-term home that honors each practice’s culture and community. Prior to Blue River, he worked in investment banking and private equity, earned an MBA from Kellogg, and continues to teach and mentor within the veterinary and academic communities.

Resources:

Connect with Roy: Website | LinkedIn

Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn

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