Saam Zarrabi on Building a Branded Dental Experience

In this episode of The Dental Economist Show, host CRO Mike Huffaker of Planet DDS sits down with Saam Zarrabi, co-founder of Rodeo Dental, to talk about building a branded dental experience and more. 

Join them as they discuss: 

• The journey and growth of Rodeo Dental
• The importance of culture and values
• The impact of COVID-19
• Exciting opportunities for innovation in the dental business
• The use of AI and robots in dentistry 
• Advice for young innovators

About the Guest

Saam Zarrabi is the co-founder of Rodeo Dental, a multidisciplinary large group practice known for its pediatric-friendly approach and significant expansion. Under his guidance, Rodeo Dental has successfully launched over forty large group dental practice locations. Saam is actively involved in multiple professional organizations, including the CAMBRA Coalition, Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and the Crown Council, which recently inducted him into their inaugural class in the Dental Hall of Fame. He was named an Entrepreneur of Excellence WINNER in 2019 by Fort Worth Inc. magazine. 

Episode Highlights

Rodeo Dental’s unique branding and experience

When discussing the inception of Rodeo Dental, Saam reflects on how the design and branded experience became a central theme. Inspired by his love for immersive experiences like Disneyland’s Frontierland, Saam carried this vision into his practices by incorporating a fun, family-centered environment. This approach to a branded dental experience set Rodeo apart from traditional practices, eventually expanding to multiple locations, all adhering to the same values and aesthetic.

The role of culture in scaling the business

As Rodeo Dental grew, Saam recognized that maintaining a positive and consistent culture was crucial to their success. He defines a good culture as one built on three key pillars: setting clear values, repetition (ongoing training and reinforcement), and celebration (recognizing achievements in fun, meaningful ways). He believes that celebrating team members beyond financial rewards, like with Rodeo Dental’s symbolic belts, helps foster deep team loyalty and drive, enabling their significant growth across multiple states.

The benefits and challenges of scaling a business with a financial partner

Saam highlights the transformational role such partnerships play, particularly when scaling from 20 to 47 practices over five years. With the financial support from a partner like Bane, the business gained access to resources that professionalized various aspects, from financial systems to employee benefits. However, this partnership comes with the expectation of faster growth and the necessity of adapting to a new operational speed—Saam compares it to transitioning from a high school team to the NFL. Leaders must be prepared for this accelerated pace and the subsequent adjustments in decision-making and strategy.

Transitioning to a board-governed leadership model

Saam discusses how financial sponsorship affects autonomy within the company. While Bane granted significant autonomy, Saam points out that operating within a board setting is a critical new skill for leaders. The introduction of a board creates shared accountability and enhances the decision-making process, adding checks and balances that may slow down the pace but ultimately lead to more thoughtful growth strategies. Leaders must adjust to this model, balancing their instinct for quick decisions with the board’s more measured, data-driven approach. This new dynamic ensures more sustainable long-term growth and success.

About The Dental Economist Show

Don’t miss this insightful conversation on the latest trends and strategies in dental practice management. Tune in to the Planet DDS weekly podcast to learn how to optimize your practice’s value and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.