Why I Started ASP: A Personal Vision for Excellence

Over a year ago, I had a vision to create a company that could redefine the standards of service in the dental M&A market. This vision was born from my deep-rooted belief that the existing services fell short in truly focusing on and executing the best outcomes for clients. Additionally, I noticed an increased need to provide diligence support for DSOs and healthcare PPM platforms that lack an in-house M&A team to execute on their growth plans. With this conviction, I founded Ascend Strategic Partners to fill that gap and provide a superior, client-centered experience.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working closely with business owners helping them through their corporate finance needs. This experience has reinforced my passion for unlocking value and facilitating growth. Having spent years on the buy-side of dental, I gained invaluable insights into what buyers are looking for and how to structure deals that meet these expectations. I also observed numerous instances where clients were led towards the highest value rather than the best outcome. This perspective allows me to better prepare my clients and ensure their practices are optimally positioned in the market to achieve their desired outcome. It’s this insider knowledge that sets Ascend apart and enables us to deliver exceptional service and results.

Selling their practice is often the most significant event in a dentist’s career. It’s a decision that typically happens only once, and its impact is profound. Recognizing the magnitude of this moment, I commit to providing unparalleled support and guidance to dentists throughout this journey. My focus is not just on the transaction itself, but on ensuring it aligns with the long-term goals and well-being of my clients. Understanding their unique goals, concerns, and aspirations is central to our strategy, ensuring we achieve the best possible outcome for each client.

A growing trend is the need for diligence support among DSOs and other healthcare PPMs, particularly those without an in-house M&A team. These organizations often face the challenge of effectively managing diligence while continuing to focus on their core operations. At Ascend Strategic Partners, we offer specialized diligence support to bridge this gap. By letting our experienced team handle the diligence process, your team can continue doing what they do best. Our services are designed to be effective for organizations running just a few deals a year, to those running dozens; ensuring thorough and efficient diligence without disrupting your ongoing operations.

The decision to start Ascend Strategic Partners was driven by a vision to offer a better, more client-focused service in the dental M&A market. By prioritizing our clients’ best outcomes and leveraging extensive buy-side experience, we aim to set a new standard of excellence in the industry. Additionally, our diligence services provide critical support for DSOs and healthcare PPMs, ensuring they can pursue M&A opportunities without compromising their core operations. I invite you to join us on this journey and discover how Ascend Strategic Partners can help you achieve your goals and ascend to new heights in your professional endeavors.

Austin Hunter

THE AUTHOR

Having spent 4 years on the buy-side at one of the largest DSOs, Austin brings his rich experience to every one of his client’s deals.