What really happens when a veterinarian decides to rewrite the rules of practice ownership?

In this episode of Just Vetting, we sit down with Dr. Ashley Staycheff, owner of Copley Fairlawn Veterinary Clinic, whose path to ownership was anything but ordinary. From declaring at age three that she wanted to be a vet, to adamantly swearing she’d never run her own clinic, Ashley’s journey is a testament to resilience, mindset shifts, and the power of building the right team.

Your Host Peter Tanella, Chair to the National Veterinary Law Group, and Ashley dive deep into the behind-the-scenes story of her unconventional acquisition—complete with operational hiccups, legal headaches, and a seller who wanted to disappear without a trace. But what emerged on the other side is a thriving, independently owned practice built on heart, hard-earned wisdom, and a vision to change the narrative of veterinary medicine.

Whether you’re an associate vet, a current owner, or someone exploring the leap into ownership, this conversation is a must-listen. Ashley’s honesty, grit, and clarity about the emotional and administrative challenges of owning a practice will inspire you to think differently about leadership, risk, and what it takes to truly own your future.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why Ashley swore off ownership—and what changed her mind
• The behind-the-scenes chaos of buying from an unrepresented seller
• How to lead through fear and uncertainty with the right support
• Why a strong practice manager can make or break your business
• Lessons from navigating a high-stakes deal with little seller transparency
• How Ashley is rewriting the veterinary ownership story, one decision at a time

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