Buying a group practice with owner financing can be a practical option for clinicians seeking impact without burnout. In this conversation, Dan King speaks with Michelle Zadrozny, owner and clinical director of Plumeria Counseling in Austin, Texas, about taking over an established practice, structuring a fair deal, and creating a values-driven, lifestyle-focused business.
Michelle shares how she and her husband chose Plumeria as a perfect fit, then used a broker, conducted due diligence on tax returns, and employed a hybrid cash and owner-financed structure to close quickly while keeping the seller engaged for a smooth transition. She explains what owner financing is in plain language and why she prefers it over performance-based earn-outs for small practices.
Post-COVID, Michelle redefined her business around sustainability: delegating operations to a practice manager, developing SOPs and templates, and safeguarding her clinical work to prevent burnout. She’s open about prioritizing freedom over relentless growth, redefining success as a mix of secure income, dedicated client care, and time for life outside work.
You’ll discover how creative deal structures can unlock opportunities for acquisition, what it truly takes to transition from operator to delegator, and how advocacy bolsters independent practices. Michelle also talks about her work with NASW Texas, peer support for owners, and the push for better reimbursement and policies that safeguard clinician independence.
Takeaways:
• How owner financing works for practice acquisitions
• When a lifestyle business can beat “grow at all costs”
• SOPs, role design, and clinical protection to prevent burnout
• Why advocacy matters for independent practices
• Freedom vs. money: choosing the mix that fits your values
Transform Your Group Practice
Actionable insights for practice owners and clinicians who want to lead, grow, or exit with purpose. This is the podcast shaping a stronger mental health system — one practice at a time.
- Subscribe and listen to more episodes: https://yourgrouppractice.com/
- Want to be a guest? Reach out: info@yourgrouppractice.com
About the Host
Dan King is a lawyer turned private equity founder with a passion for fixing burnout in mental health. With a background in M&A, Shark Tank deals, and psychology, he now leads Fireside Strategic — investing in group practices that put people first.
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmking
- Website: firesidestrategic.com
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