Partners in life and work, Drs Jippy and Lloyd Buck met in their first year of primary school. A few more years, a couple of university degrees, and three children later saw these former classmates transition to life partners, and then to joint practice owners.
‘It's many clinicians’ ultimate dream to have their own practice,’ says Dr Lloyd.
Unsure whether they’d purchase an existing practice or start something of their own, the couple began looking at every option. ‘We were just exploring different avenues, different options until something presented itself and it just kind of gathered momentum,’ he says.
When they found the location that would become theirs, it was love at first sight. ‘It looked dated, but we could see potential in it, and we thought, “This is it; this is the one we’ve been waiting for!”,’ says Dr Jippy.
A shared vision takes shape
Although they’d gone to the same primary school, Jippy and Lloyd didn’t meet again untilattending the University of Western Australia. They were both studying engineering at the time, with dreams of pursuing a career in dentistry. ‘I’ve always wanted to be an orthodontist,’ says Dr Jippy. ‘But we both also liked engineering, and we were always fascinated with how things worked.’
The pair started off studying mechatronics, and while it was fun, it wasn’t their true passion. ‘We both knew that we wanted to do dentistry, but what we learnt in engineering carried over and was very useful,’ says Dr Lloyd.
They started working as associates in multiple orthodontic practices across town. But as their family grew to a family of 5, they realised it was getting harder to balance family and work commitments. ‘We thought, why don't we find something that's closer to home, and closer to the children to be able to spend more time with them,’ says Dr Jippy.
Building something of their own, in a closer location would mean simpler logistical planning for their kids’ drop offs, pickups, and after-school commitments, and a happier family unit overall.
‘That was a big driver. It probably helped to guide some of the decisions and build something of our own for the future that we could carry forward, which would be for them long term,’ says Dr Lloyd.
Turning a dream into a plan
The first step in Jippy and Lloyd’s plan was to map out available areas that weren't already covered by other practices, then wait for the right kind of property to present itself.
‘We were keen to purchase a premises because we knew we’d be investing a lot in the equipment and the fit-out and everything that goes with building your own reputation,’ says Dr Lloyd.
‘We didn't want to be tenants and have all the vulnerabilities that come along with that.’
They also sought out guidance and advice from friends who had started their own practices. ‘Most of them said it's been very difficult, but they're all glad that they did it,’ Dr Lloyd says.
‘At that early stage, when you're faced with all those huge potential financial obligations and risks, it seems so daunting. That was the extra nudge along to just keep us travelling down the path and not give up.’
One thing that gave them confidence was their relationship with BOQ Specialist’s Josh van Bruchem. ‘We've been dealing with BOQ Specialist for a number of years now,’ Dr Lloyd says. ‘We've had a few loans and facilities through them, and it's always been very, very simple and fast.’
‘And with a personalised service,’ Dr Jippy adds. ‘We've been very happy.’
The property that changed everything
Finally, the perfect property presented itself in the suburb of Doubleview, in northwest Perth. Located on a busy intersection, the pair are happy to have plenty of passing traffic, exposure to the road, and nearby public transport.
While it may be an old house that needs some work in the future, Drs Jippy and Lloyd knew it was the right place as soon as they saw it.
‘We saw a lot of potential in the natural light, and it had many windows that were looking out to the gardens. We really felt that it could be something special as a clinic rather than how a very traditional, dark, enclosed commercial building normally is,’ says Dr Lloyd.
Unfortunately, they weren’t the only ones that saw the charm of this location. With plenty of competition for the site, they had to move quickly.
‘We scrambled to get a lot of things together,’ says Dr Lloyd. ‘And Josh really helped to make sure that was processed very rapidly so we could act and get everything moving and kept it all moving from that point until it was finished’.
With a fit-out style already in mind, they knew what they wanted for the space based on previous practices they had worked in. ‘We were lucky that we could see the potential in the layout of the existing building, so we didn't have to do very much,’ says Dr Lloyd.
Bringing Smile Arc to life
Since opening the new practice, Smile Arc Specialist Orthodontics, the feedback from patients has been positive so far, with the pair hoping to continue building their reputation within the community.
‘Hopefully patients see the detail and the thought that's gone into setting up a fun, fresh clinic that's got state-of-the-art equipment,’ adds Dr Jippy. ‘We have put so much thought into providing an environment that's not only enjoyable for staff to work in, but also for patients to experience. They'll see that we also pride ourselves on the detail that we put into our work.’
Support every step of the way
‘Lloyd and Jippy had been existing residential clients of ours and had always received really good service from their banker, Alicia Sher,’ says Josh van Bruchem. ‘When it came time for them to get into private practice, it only made sense that they would come back to BOQ Specialist where they'd been presented good service historically.’
Josh discussed options with the pair, including buying into an existing practice, or starting their own.
‘We talked about business planning, cashflow forecasting, location, fit-out, design, all the exciting elements. It must have been 18 months after our initial catch-up that they decided, “We're not going to buy the existing practice. We're going to launch our own”. And that's when it got really exciting.’
BOQ Specialist helped fund the property, equipment, and fit-out, and made it quite quick and seamless for them. ‘It was very much relationship banking. We worked alongside them, looking at different options considering everything until they were happy.’
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