A Family’s Journey to Owning and Running an Independent Veterinary Practice

Background

Dr. Nena Stebbins is a veterinarian with a big heart and a down-to-earth approach to life. Growing up in a small town in Tennessee, she always had a deep connection to animals and a love for the simple, close-knit community where everyone knew each other. Despite her early desire to escape the confines of small-town life, her journey took her full circle, leading her back to the kind of community she cherishes.

As a military spouse, Dr. Stebbins moved frequently, gaining experience in a variety of veterinary clinics across the country. This gave her a unique perspective on what works and what doesn’t in veterinary practice. 

“I’ve worked in a lot of different places, having been military with my husband, and I’ve seen how staff are treated and how they feel they’re treated.”

This experience fueled her desire to create a clinic environment where everyone felt valued and respected, from staff to clients.

Despite her extensive experience, Dr. Stebbins never imagined owning her own veterinary clinic. “I did not want to own, had no interest in owning,” she admits, reflecting on how her husband, with his MBA, had always encouraged her to consider ownership. But the stress and responsibility associated with it were deterrents—until life had other plans. Dr. Stebbins started to reconsider her stance when the corporate-owned clinic where she worked began changing in ways she couldn’t influence. What followed was an unexpected opportunity to purchase a local practice—a chance that ultimately led her to create a thriving family-owned business.

The Opportunity

The transition from working at a corporately owned clinic to owning an independent one was far from Dr. Stebbins’ original plan. However, a series of events nudged her toward ownership. While attending her daughter’s horseback riding lessons, she learned that the local veterinarian was looking to retire and sell his clinic. Initially, Dr. Stebbins resisted the idea, but her husband, who had always been interested in owning a practice, encouraged her to at least explore the opportunity.

The turning point came when she visited the clinic for the first time.

“We drove up, and I fell in love with the barn, It reminded me of home.”

What started as a reluctant visit quickly turned into the start of a new chapter. “I told myself, if it’s meant to happen, it will. If it’s not, then it won’t.” With this mindset, she and her husband navigated the negotiations easily, ready to walk away if needed. But the pieces fell into place, and before they knew it, they signed the papers to become the new owners.

Challenges and Triumphs

Dr. Stebbins said the first three months of ownership were “hectic, very hectic.” Taking over a practice managed by Dr. John for nearly 40 years was no small task. Dr. Stebbins knew she had big shoes to fill and a community to win over. “I really thought clients would give me more pushback just because I’m not John, and I don’t do things the way John did,” she admits. However, the transition was smoother than expected, with many clients appreciating her approach.

A key part of Dr. Stebbins’ philosophy is creating a supportive and family-like environment in the clinic. “I spend more time here than with my own family, so I wanted to build a culture where people know I care about them, and they care about me,” she explains. This approach, combined with her commitment to listening to pet owners and working within their means, quickly gained the trust of her clients. “I’m not here to tell people how to treat their animal,” she says. “It’s my job to educate them so they can do what’s best for their animal within their means.”

Despite the inevitable challenges, such as dealing with outdated computer systems and technical glitches, the reception from the community was overwhelmingly positive. “In the beginning, you could tell people were hesitant to meet me, but once they realized I’m not going to do every test under the sun and spend all their money, it’s been really good,” she says.

One of the unique aspects of Dr. Stebbins’ approach is her preference to be addressed simply as Nena. “I actually hate being called ‘Doctor’ outside the exam room,” she shares. “That’s what I do, not who I am. Outside of that, I’m just Nena.”

A True Family Business

The genuine family involvement in the day-to-day operations of Dr. Stebbins’ practice sets it apart from many others. Her husband, Dave, plays a crucial role in the business, leveraging his MBA to manage the operational and financial aspects. “I told him when this whole thing started, if we’re doing this, you’re doing it with me. There’s no way I’m doing it alone,” Dr. Stebbins says. This partnership allows her to focus on what she loves most: the medicine. “I’m soft-hearted,” she admits. “If it were up to me, I’d probably give everything away for free, but that’s where Dave is my rock.”

Family doesn’t stop there. Dr. Stebbins’ mother, who moved in with the family after the passing of her stepfather, is another vital part of the clinic. She works as the clinic’s receptionist two days a week, providing a warm, familiar face for clients. “This is a truly family-owned business,” Dr. Stebbins notes with pride. Her mother’s presence at the clinic adds to the close-knit atmosphere that Dr. Stebbins works hard to cultivate.

Cassie, the previous owner’s daughter, was instrumental in facilitating the ownership transition and remains a vital part of the team, ensuring continuity and stability during the handover. “Cassie was the reason the deal went through,” Dr. Stebbins says. “ She was on top of everything, pushing it through.”

The family dynamic extends beyond the clinic walls. The Stebbins family has fully embraced the community, with Dr. Stebbins often being found chatting with clients about their families, sharing stories, and ensuring that the clinic feels like an extension of home. Even their children are part of the clinic’s extended family, often helping out when they can or just being present, adding to the family-friendly environment.

Looking Ahead

As the clinic approaches its first anniversary under new ownership, Dr. Stebbins envisions a future that maintains the small-town feel that drew her to the practice in the first place. “I want to keep it small. I like knowing the clients when they walk in, asking how their kids are, and just maintaining that personal touch,” she explains. Growth is on the horizon, but it will be carefully managed to ensure the clinic remains true to its roots.

Dr. Stebbins’ journey from reluctant practice owner to the heart of a thriving family business is a testament to the power of community, family, and a commitment to compassionate care. Her story is a compelling example for any veterinarian considering the leap into practice ownership—showing that with the right support, it’s possible to create a fulfilling, family-centered career that makes a lasting impact on the community.

With Vetcelerator managing the clinic’s website and digital presence, Dr. Stebbins can focus on what she loves most—caring for her patients and building lasting relationships with their owners. “I’m just about the medicine,” she says.

“Vetcelerator takes care of the rest, and that peace of mind lets me stay fully committed to my practice and my community.”