2 min read

From Grit to Growth: Dr. Grant Severs on the Real Startup Story

Jill Allen : Thu, Aug 07, 2025 @ 09:45 AM

orthodontic offices sucessful orthodontic offices branding marketing Increase New Patient Starts Orthodontic Starts orthodontists Orthodontic Start-ups

3:45

Starting a practice isn’t always a straight line, and no one knows that better than Dr. Grant Severs. On this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill sits down with Dr. Severs to talk about what really happens when your perfect plan falls apart, and why that might be the best thing that ever happens to you. From a deal that crumbled to a practice that’s now thriving, Dr. Severs shares the gritty truth behind startup success: resilience, resourcefulness, and showing up as your most authentic self.

Whether you’re knee-deep in the startup process or still weighing your options, this one’s full of insight, encouragement, and the kind of hard-earned wisdom you don’t get from textbooks.

The Deal That Didn’t, and the Pivot That Did
Fresh out of residency and ready to roll, Dr. Severs thought he had it all mapped out. But when a promising acquisition deal fell through, he found himself at square one. Instead of throwing in the towel, he stayed grounded, literally and figuratively, choosing to plant roots near his hometown in central Illinois.

The result? A fast-track lesson in adaptability.

“I thought I had this perfect plan,” he says. “But when it unraveled, I had to move fast and make something new work.”

Spoiler alert: he did.

A Startup Built on Strategy and Hustle
When Dr. Severs stumbled across a conversation with a local GP, it opened the door to a game-changing opportunity: an ideal practice location… which he eventually bought. That connection proved just how powerful networking can be—and how important it is to stay open to the right fit, even if it doesn’t come wrapped in a bow.

In the early days, he kept one foot in startup land and the other in an associate role—three hours away. The long drives and split focus weren’t glamorous, but they paid off. The extra income provided stability, and the juggling act sharpened his skills in time management and intentional growth.

Building the Right Team—Before You Think You Need One
One of the smartest moves Dr. Severs made early on? Hiring a treatment coordinator.

“Delegating is key,” he says. “You can’t do it all—and you shouldn’t.”

That decision allowed him to stay patient-focused while building a team culture rooted in trust and shared responsibility. It also helped him avoid the burnout trap that so many new owners face when they try to be everything, everywhere, all at once.

Authenticity Over Aesthetics
Forget mission statements that sound good but mean nothing. For Dr. Severs, authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the heartbeat of his practice. From how he shows up for patients to how he leads his team, he makes it a point to stay real.

“You have to be yourself. People can feel when you're faking it.”

That mindset has shaped not just his brand, but his entire community presence—and it’s a big reason why patients keep coming back.

The Severs Mantras: How He Stays Grounded
Dr. Severs lives by a few powerful mantras that keep him focused when things get chaotic:

Aggressive patience: Move with urgency, but play the long game.
Be a pro: Treat every day like it matters, because it does.
Win the day: Don’t just show up, show up with intention.

Simple, actionable, and highly effective. We love a good mindset moment.

Final Thoughts
Dr. Grant Severs' journey is proof that success rarely follows a script. From plans that didn’t pan out to a practice that’s now thriving, he’s built something remarkable—by staying scrappy, staying grounded, and staying himself.

If you’re in the thick of it right now, remember: You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need the grit to keep going, the vision to adjust your path, and the courage to do it your way.

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