Lunch 'n' Learn

This session explores the pet obesity epidemic and its impact on the health and longevity of pets. We will discuss helpful tips for communicating weight loss with clients. Attendees will also learn how to score Body Fat Index (BFI) and determine ideal body weight using the BFI chart, and then use these tools to create nutritional weight loss plans for their patients.

Dr. Abby Soderberg earned her BS in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and her DVM from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Soderberg worked in small animal private practice for five years in Zimmerman, MN, before transitioning to her current role as a Professional Consulting Veterinarian for the Upper Midwest with Hill's Pet Nutrition. She is eager to apply her private practice experience to the Hill's mission of transforming pet lives through nutrition. Outside of work, Dr. Soderberg enjoys traveling, reading, and trying new craft beers.

Click Here to Register

Tuesday, November 10-Are Your Benefits Keeping Pace? How Veterinary Practices Can Benchmark Smarter, Not Harder
Adam Yanik, Benefits Advisor, Dyste Williams/Gallagher

Rising healthcare costs and tight margins make employee benefits decisions harder than ever—especially for veterinary practices. Are you offering competitive benefits that attract and retain staff, or are you overpaying without realizing it? In this MVMA Lunch and Learn, we’ll break down how benchmarking your group health plan against similar veterinary clinics can provide clarity and confidence in your benefits strategy. Using real market data—not guesswork—we’ll show how practices can evaluate plan costs, design, and employer contributions to make informed, cost‑effective decisions.

You’ll learn how to:

• Compare your health plan to peer veterinary practices in your market
• Understand trends in plan design and employer contributions
• Use benchmarking insights to support retention and recruiting goals
• Confidently navigate benefits decisions amid rising healthcare costs

Adam Yanik is a Benefits Advisor at Dyste Williams/Gallagher, with over three years of experience in the employee benefits industry serving small and mid‑sized employers. He is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas, where he earned a degree in Finance, and he brings a strong analytical and consultative approach to benefits strategy. Adam is a new member of the Dyste Williams/Gallagher family and focuses on helping employers design competitive, cost‑effective benefits that support both their business goals and their employees.

Click Here to Register

Tuesday, December 8-Taming the Financial Animal: Ideas for Retirement, Exit and Estate Planning
Jon Marquet, JD, CEPA, Retirement Plan Consultant, Trust Point, Inc.
Allyson Krause, CRPP, Managing Director for Retirement Plan Services, Trust Point, Inc.

An overview of relevant financial topics and strategies. We will provide actionable information allowing veterinarians and members of the veterinary community to identify and understand financial issues as they arise in their life and work, including information concerning retirement, exit, and estate planning. The presentation will engage the audience in part through the examination of relevant case studies in a variety of veterinary financial scenarios.This presentation will be accessible and provide helpful information for all members of the veterinary community, regardless of financial experience or knowledge. Certain portions of the presentation will be particularly meaningful for practice owners, future practice owners, or veterinarians approaching retirement.

Jon Marquet is a lawyer (JD), certified exit planning advisor (CEPA®), and the retirement plan consultant at Trust Point Inc. He counsels clients and prospective clients concerning a variety of personal and business wealth management issues, including personal wealth management issues before, through, and after the sale of a business. Jon advocates for Trust Point’s full suite of wealth management services and develops meaningful relationships with business owners, other trusted advisors, and community members. He believes that proper financial planning, estate planning, and wealth management can help to simplify and secure your wealth.

Allyson Krause, CRPP; Allyson Krause is a certified retirement plan professional (CRPP™) and the managing director for retirement plan services at Trust Point Inc. She oversees Trust Point’s employer-based retirement plan services department, including issues concerning 401(k) education, technology, and investment options. Allyson takes great pride in providing businesses retirement plan solutions that enhance owners’ and employees’ financial well-being and help prepare them for their financial future.

Click Here To Register

Tuesday, January 12-Uncovering Obstacles and Opportunities to Exiting/Entering a Practice
Bret Halishak, Total Practice Solutions Group

As an operator, you know what you know about your business, but do you know what to look for to ensure you are ready to exit efficiently? As an incoming operator, do you know what to look for to make sure you are not walking into a situation where you are in over your head? While their are similarities between the two topics, an exiting operator is focusing on certain items, while and incoming operator is looking at a different set of items. Join us to discuss what barriers and opportunities exiting owners and potential new owners should be looking for.

Supporting the Great Lakes Region, Bret brings a wealth of experience, with over seventeen years in the veterinary industry. Given his extensive background in change and practice management, Bret has the knowledge to help practice owners increase profitability while preparing to sell their practice within their preferred timeframe. Many factors and moving parts go into a practice sale; Bret has a firm understanding of the current marketplace, the detailed planning necessary, and more ways to assist you through this unique but important transition and transaction. Since 2023, TPSG Great Lakes has brokered and achieved $75mm+ for our highly valued clients. 

Click Here to Register

Tuesday, February 9
No Lunch 'n Learn this month-See you at the 2027 Annual Conference!

Tuesday, March 9-Clinic Real Estate - Avoiding Pitfalls and Maximizing Profitability
Jon Helle, Senior Advisor, Ryzo Commercial Realty

Tuesday, April 13
TBA

Tuesday, May 11-Mental Health
Restorative Path Counseling & Wellbeing

Tuesday, June 8
TBA

Tuesday, July 13
TBA