Eric J Nuss
Eric J Nuss
Eric Nuss grew up in Omaha, where he spent the first part of his life before relocating with his family to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There, he completed high school, laying the groundwork for the academic and professional path that followed. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Education from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, with a focus on science and athletic coaching. Afterward, he advanced his education by earning an MBA from the University of Iowa. The combination of education and business gave him a unique perspective that would later influence his career in both teaching and consulting.
His academic journey provided not only knowledge but also discipline, equipping him with the tools to understand how people learn, how organizations function, and how leadership can shape outcomes. These insights would later become central to his approach in guiding individuals and organizations.
Eric began his professional career as a middle school teacher in Colorado Springs, where he worked closely with young students and learned the importance of building trust and structure. Teaching required patience and adaptability, skills that later proved valuable in business. Over time, he transitioned into sales and sales management, gaining practical experience in business operations and team leadership.
In addition to his work, he also coached youth baseball, where his philosophy was built on instilling values that players could carry off the field. His teams found success not only in results but in the culture of accountability, teamwork, and discipline. These lessons were vital because they laid the foundation for the leadership style he carried forward into consulting. The same principles of teamwork, structure, and responsibility became cornerstones in his approach to helping dental practices grow and succeed.
Over the course of more than twenty years, he dedicated his efforts to supporting dentists and practice owners through times of change and expansion. His work often came at critical points when organizations needed strategic planning, leadership development, and clear operational direction.
Eric provided guidance on practice acquisitions, team integration, and building scalable systems for finance, compliance, and human resources. His focus ensured that doctors could concentrate on their clinical work while the practices themselves became stronger and more sustainable. By creating systems that could be repeated and scaled, he gave organizations the structure to grow while preserving long-term value.
As an advisor, he helped practice owners manage growth strategies, refine their operations, and prepare for eventual transitions in ownership. His structured approach made the complexities of practice management more manageable, giving owners the clarity they needed to make informed decisions. Today, he continues this work in his role as Strategic Advisor at XpoDental, where he supports practices that seek to thrive in competitive markets.
Throughout his career, Eric Nuss addressed one of the most pressing challenges in dentistry: the lack of strong business leadership among doctors. While most dentists excel in clinical expertise, many do not receive training on building enterprise value within their practices. This gap has led to fewer than half of practices selling successfully, and many owners retiring without achieving their goals.
He worked to close this gap by guiding practice owners through business strategies that strengthen value and create more predictable outcomes. By helping design tax-efficient exit plans, creating systems that sustain cash flow, and establishing structures that keep employees engaged, he provided solutions to challenges that often prevented long-term success.
He also emphasized the importance of acting quickly, taking ownership, and learning through mistakes. His message to "go fast and make mistakes" has encouraged leaders to adopt a mindset of experimentation and adaptability, preparing them for the realities of growth and change.
Eric's work was highlighted in Forbes magazine, where he was profiled for founding and scaling Henry Schein's Business Solutions Division, as well as for creating the Dental Business Institute (DBI). His introduction of MBA-level business education into dentistry was noted as a significant innovation in the industry. Dental Economics also recognized him for the development and rollout of DBI nationwide, highlighting how the program transformed the way doctors learn to manage, grow, and eventually transition their practices.
He has written four textbooks that make up the official DBI curriculum. Beyond that, he has authored numerous articles featured in respected publications, including Dental Economics, Dentistry Today, Inside Dentistry, and Dental Tribune. These writings cover practice growth, mergers and acquisitions, and strategies for scaling practices led by doctors.
His influence has also extended into speaking roles. He has delivered keynote addresses and participated in panels at significant industry events, including the Dykema DSO Conference and other leadership summits. His research and publications are regularly presented at these gatherings, providing practical knowledge to audiences nationwide. He has also shared his insights in webinars and other professional events, focusing on practice growth and the changing landscape of dentistry. As Founding Director of Henry Schein Business Solutions and the Dental Business Institute, he was recognized internally for creating programs that continue to impact dental practices nationwide, helping hundreds of professionals advance their careers and businesses.
His leadership extended beyond business and into athletics. He spent nearly four years as a coach at STiKS Baseball Academy, where he worked on player development, team management, and building strong fundamentals. His focus on discipline and teamwork helped shape players in competitive environments.
Eric also coached boys' basketball at Southeast Christian School for nearly two years. His teaching emphasized communication, fundamentals, and values, guiding athletes to grow as leaders while excelling on the court. These coaching roles reflected his consistent focus on building character, discipline, and accountability, whether in sports or in professional life.
A significant moment in his education came during his college years, when he studied abroad in Tanzania. The experience reshaped his perspective on faith, frugality, and materialism, while also deepening his respect for diverse cultures. It became a formative experience that influenced his personal values and professional approach.
Another defining influence has been his blended family. The challenges and lessons that come from raising a large family taught him empathy, flexibility, and the ability to approach challenges with understanding and compassion. These qualities shaped how he responds to both personal and professional situations, providing a broader perspective on leadership and responsibility.
He lives in Parker, Colorado, with his wife and their six children. Their family life is filled with energy, featuring activities that range from school events and sports to family travel. The time spent together remains at the center of his priorities. Whether attending games, sitting down for dinner, or exploring new places, he values the moments that remind him of the importance of building businesses that provide time and freedom.
With a career marked by teaching, consulting, and leadership, Eric Nuss continues to dedicate his work toward helping others succeed. His focus on growth, adaptability, and building value reflects not only his professional goals but also his personal commitment to creating lasting opportunities for those he serves.