Name: Shelby Esry | Business/Profession: Downtown Dental
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what motivated you to join the AAPI Achieve mentorship program?
One of my friends from UCA mentioned to me an opportunity to learn more about being a small business owner and recommended talking to Josh Nguyen about the program. I’m a dentist in Rogers, Arkansas and have been looking at ways to refine the operational facets of my practice, which I assumed ownership in June 2022. Despite extensive technical training in dentistry, the business management aspect remains largely unaddressed. Having the opportunity to connect with the APPI Achieve program has already been helpful in navigating the small business ownership journey.
What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how do you hope this mentorship program will help you achieve them?
My immediate professional objective involves modernizing the dental practice through the integration of contemporary techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, thereby fostering the expansion of the practice. This strategic initiative aligns with my overarching career aspiration of delivering unparalleled dental care to the community of downtown Rogers within an atmosphere of tranquility and reassurance. I anticipate that participation in the mentorship program will significantly contribute to the realization of these objectives by facilitating network expansion and fostering an environment conducive to the exchange of innovative ideas.
What are some challenges you’ve faced in your professional journey, and how do you think AAPI Achieve can assist you in overcoming them?
Navigating the technical intricacies inherent in small business ownership has proven to be a formidable task. My expertise in pivotal domains such as marketing, accounting, and management is somewhat limited. AAPI Achieve offers a valuable resource, fostering an environment conducive to the exchange of ideas and information, thereby facilitating the resolution of these challenges.
How has your cultural background shaped your professional journey?
As a Japanese American, I have been instilled with values of diligence, precision, and respect. These values profoundly influence my approach to patient care and practice management. They have notably contributed to the cultivation of strong patient relationships, fostering trust and rapport, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes and overall patient satisfaction.
What specific skills or knowledge do you hope to gain from your mentor through this program?
I aspire to acquire knowledge gleaned from Arthur Orduña’s wealth of experience, with the aim of minimizing errors typically associated with the learning curve. Leveraging his extensive expertise stands poised to offer valuable insights, particularly in the realm of small business ownership. Such guidance holds the potential to equip me with the acumen necessary to navigate challenges adeptly and foster sustainable growth within my enterprise.