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Episode 42: Beyond the Plateau: Modernising and Reigniting Your Practice for Growth with Erich Mattei - Part 2



Every practice reaches that moment when growth feels …stuck, and you can sense there's more potential, but you're not quite sure where to find it. The good news? There is a way to go beyond the plateau.


In continuation of Michael's conversation with Erich Mattei of Akrinos, they discuss how eye care professionals can modernise, expand, and grow in their practice, whether they're just starting or have been running an established business for decades. Erich breaks down what it takes to launch a cold start practice, how to identify growth opportunities in an established one, and the importance of financial, operational, and human strategies in building a thriving, future-ready business.


From workflow optimisation to team accountability, to mentorship, to succession planning. This conversation covers the full life cycle of a practice, including practical steps, mindset shifts, and real-world advice for eyecare business owners ready to move beyond the plateau and take their business to the next level.


About the Guest:


Erich Mattei is the President and Chief Vision Officer of Akrinos, a practice management consultancy that provides business solutions & advisory services to eye care professionals starting, growing & transitioning their private practices in the U.S. He holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation from Loyola University New Orleans. Erich is also a partner of the American Optometric Association Center for Independent Practice and a member of the American Academy of Optometry Foundation President's Circle. Erich lives in New Orleans with his wife and two kids. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, hiking, family road trips, and playing guitar.


All the other links and resources mentioned in this episode can be found at


Key Topics with Timestamps:

0:52 - First phase of cold start: Planning

2:39 - Second phase of cold start: Develop

7:06 - Third phase of cold start: Launch

8:31 - Why community still matters

10:35 - For established practice: breaking through the plateau

14:06 - Review the PNL

18:33 - The 3-step growth framework: Analysis, Strategy, & Implementation

22:42 - Consistent follow-up with the team

25:39 - Workflows review and team optimisation

34:10 - The power of mentorship and accountability

38:32 - Tips on finding a mentor

41:36 - Succession planning: Start early

49:38 - Opportunities with legacy practice

54:38 - Selling to private equity vs. Independent transition

59:35 - Final Advice for aspiring owners


Mentioned Resources:

 

Episode Suggestions:

 

Connect with Michael Nasser:

 

Connect with Erich Mattei:



Learn More About Us:




Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Focused View Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a 5-Star rating, and leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify to help us reach even more eye care professionals and build a community of innovation and see new opportunities within the optical industry. Talk with you next time!

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