From Crisis to Clarity: How Dr. Sam King Rebuilt His Business and His Life with People + Practice

When Dr. Sam King reached out to People + Practice in July 2021, he was at a crossroads. His father and business partner had recently passed away, leaving him not only to grieve but to take on full leadership of King Orthodontics, a long-standing practice in Centerville, Ohio. The weight was heavy-managing an unsettled team, a business that felt stuck, and the personal responsibility of carrying forward his father’s legacy.

“I had just lost my dad,” said Dr. King. “I was trying to hold the practice together, but everything felt unstable. I didn’t know where to start.”

A practice in turmoil

For decades, King Orthodontics had been a trusted name in the community. Much of that reputation was built on Dr. King’s father, whose leadership and presence anchored the practice. Without him, cracks began to show.

The team was divided. Staff members clashed, morale plummeted, and performance suffered. Externally, the practice was nearly invisible. The website was dated and failed to tell Dr. King’s story. Online reviews were sparse and mixed. There was no SEO strategy, and social media had been neglected. New patient flow slowed, adding to the stress. Dr. King knew the practice needed to change, but he was overwhelmed and uncertain where to begin.

The turning point

That’s when Dr. King connected with People + Practice. He was partnered with Lacie, a growth consultant who had worked in nearly every role within an orthodontic office. Lacie understood both the strategy and the human side of running a practice.

Watch a video below of Dr. King explaining how we helped his practice.

Together, they built a plan to stabilize operations and reintroduce King Orthodontics to the community. Initiatives included redesigning the website with modern storytelling, launching targeted digital ads, encouraging more positive reviews, improving SEO, and building a consistent social media presence. Just as importantly, Lacie provided strategic guidance on hiring, team rebuilding, and practice culture-areas that would prove critical to long-term success.

A new era begins

Within months, the changes began to take hold. Advertising performance improved, website engagement increased, and prospective patients started to take notice again. Reviews became more frequent and more positive, signaling a shift in patient experience.

Internally, Dr. King made difficult but necessary decisions. With Lacie’s support, he let go of team members who weren’t aligned with the practice’s vision and rebuilt around values like accountability, compassion, and collaboration.

“The difference between then and now is night and day,” said Dr. King. “I actually enjoy going to work again. I have a team I trust, and we’re all aligned.”

Reclaiming joy and balance

As the practice grew stronger, Dr. King felt a personal transformation as well. The systems were in place, the team was aligned, and the marketing engine was running efficiently. For the first time in years, he no longer felt like the entire burden was on his shoulders.

Most importantly, he could leave work at work and be fully present with his family, including his two young children.

“My work life balance is immaculate now,” Dr. King said. “I’m a better leader, and I’m a better dad. I love my life.”

Still growing, still a partner

Today, Dr. King continues to work with People + Practice as his practice expands. He remains an advocate for the partnership, often referring to colleagues who are facing similar struggles.

“Partnering with People + Practice didn’t just change my business. It changed my life,” said Dr. King.