In the Chair with Industry Leaders: Episode 3 – Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty: What’s Changing?
In this episode of In the Chair with Industry Leaders, Matt Howard sits down once again with Thad Miller, founder of DDSmatch and DVMmatch, joined by special guest David Burch, Director of Specialty Banking and Administration at Huntington National Bank. Together, they explore the impact of tariffs, economic uncertainty, and shifting market dynamics on the dental and veterinary industries. These two professions are known for their resilience and stability, even in volatile economic times, so what can dentists and veterinarians control?
From the bank’s perspective, Burch shares that while the broader economy is navigating tariffs and a changing competitive landscape, healthcare lending – especially in dental and veterinary practice ownership – remains strong. Huntington Bank continues to grow its practice finance business, offering financing for acquisitions and supporting startups, with a focus on working with well-prepared, qualified buyers.
Key Concepts
- Resilience of Dental & Veterinary Practices – Barriers to entry, specialized skill sets, and loyal patient bases make these professions highly stable investments, even during economic shifts.
- Tariffs & Margins – While tariffs may increase certain supply costs, the impact is often minimal compared to the controllable factors owners can have an influence on daily.
- Control What You Can Control – Pricing strategies, case acceptance rates, staff management, and expanding clinical capabilities are all within an owner’s power to control and expand profitability.
- The Competitive Landscape – Corporate groups are more sophisticated than ever, with dedicated recruiting and operational teams. Private owners must be intentional about culture, staffing, and growth to stay competitive, also offering more control at the local level.
- Future Planning & Strategy – Whether you’re a buyer or seller, having a clear growth strategy, knowing your numbers, and surrounding yourself with trusted advisors, like lawyers, accountants, and bankers, is critical to success.
Contact Blue & Co.
At Blue & Co., our team brings deep industry expertise, working with over 400 healthcare clients annually—including many dental and veterinary practices. We provide a comprehensive suite of advisory and tax planning services designed to empower practitioners to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional clinical care.
Our proactive approach ensures practice owners are strategically positioned year-round to minimize tax liability, optimize cash flow, and confidently meet their financial obligations. Whether you’re navigating ownership transitions, planning for growth, or simply seeking peace of mind in your financial operations, our team is here to support you.
If you have questions about the podcast or want to learn more, reach out to our Valuation Expert, Matt Howard.
