
Episode #24
24 | Bert Hockenberry | Financing the Dream: What Every Veterinarian Needs to Know About Practice Ownership
Episode Description In this episode of Just Vetting , host Peter Tanella sits down with Bert Hockenberry , one of the most respected lenders in the veterinary industry and a trusted advisor who has spent more than 20 years helping veterinarians achieve practice ownership. Bert shares his perspective on the evolving veterinary marketplace, including the impact of corporate consolidation, rising startup activity, growth projects, acquisitions, and the increasing entrepreneurial mindset among today's veterinarians. Drawing on decades of experience financing veterinary practices, he offers valuable insight into what lenders look for, how veterinarians can prepare for ownership, and why opportunity often matters more than interest rates. The conversation explores common misconceptions surrounding practice financing, student loan debt, credit considerations, real estate ownership, SBA versus conventional lending, and the importance of building strong financial habits early in a veterinarian's career. Bert also discusses how mentorship, technology, and a trusted advisory team can help veterinarians navigate the ownership journey with greater confidence. Throughout the episode, Bert shares practical guidance on evaluating startup versus acquisition opportunities, creating long-term wealth through ownership, and positioning yourself for future growth. ✨ How Bert found his way into veterinary finance ✨ What lenders really look for in borrowers ✨ The truth about student debt and practice ownership ✨ Why ownership remains one of the best paths to wealth creation ✨ The impact of veterinary consolidation on financing opportunities ✨ Startup vs. acquisition: how to evaluate your options ✨ The role of practice and real estate ownership in long-term financial success ✨ SBA vs. conventional financing explained ✨ Building good financial habits early in your career ✨ Why mentorship and trusted advisors matter ✨ Technology's role in modern veterinary lending ✨ The future of veterinary practice ownership and entrepreneurship Whether you're a veterinary student, associate veterinarian, first-time buyer, startup founder, or established practice owner, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you better understand the financing side of veterinary ownership. Listen now and discover why the best ownership opportunities begin long before the loan application. #JustVetting #VeterinaryMedicine #PracticeOwnership #VeterinaryFinance #VeterinaryBusiness #PracticeManagement #VeterinaryLeadership #VeterinaryStartups #VeterinaryEntrepreneurship #PracticeGrowth

