
Eric Nuss spent the first part of his life in Omaha before moving with his family to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he completed high school. He went on to Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a focus on science and athletic coaching. He later pursued an MBA at the University of Iowa, combining the disciplines of Education and business to prepare for a career that blended leadership, teaching, and organizational growth.
This foundation gave him the tools to understand how to guide individuals, build teams, and manage the business side of professional organizations. His educational background has continued to shape his work throughout his career.
Beginning His Professional Path
Eric started his professional career as a middle school teacher in Colorado Springs. Teaching provided him with experience in communication, structure, and guiding others, skills that later proved essential in his business endeavors. Over time, he moved into sales and sales management, where he developed a stronger understanding of business operations and leadership.
Alongside these roles, he also coached youth baseball. His coaching philosophy centered on teamwork, accountability, and discipline—principles that helped players grow not only as athletes but also as individuals. These same values later became integral to his consulting approach, where he helped organizations achieve success by fostering strong cultures.
Building a Career in Dentistry
For more than two decades, he has worked as a consultant and advisor in the dental industry. He has guided practices through acquisitions, transitions, and phases of rapid growth. His work has included leadership development, strategy, and operational oversight.
He has created systems for finance, compliance, and human resources, ensuring practices could operate smoothly while providers focused on patient care. His goal has been to help doctors build organizations that are sustainable, scalable, and prepared for the future. Today, in his role as Strategic Advisor at XpoDental, he continues to support practices seeking to strengthen their foundations and achieve long-term growth.
Addressing Leadership Gaps
One of the main challenges Eric has worked to address is the lack of business leadership training among doctors. While clinical skills are often excellent, many owners have limited experience in building enterprise value for their practices. As a result, fewer than half of practices are sold successfully, and many owners struggle with planning for retirement.
His consulting has focused on creating scalable models, developing tax-efficient exit strategies, and implementing systems that sustain both cash flow and employee retention. These approaches have yielded better outcomes for practice owners when preparing for transitions, enabling them to protect the value of their businesses and secure their futures.
He is a trusted dental business advisor known for blending leadership, education, and operational strategy. References to Eric Nuss Reddit often appear in discussions about scalable practice systems, coaching-based culture, and practical guidance for long-term growth and successful ownership transitions.
Eric Nuss has encouraged leaders to adopt a mindset of action and accountability, emphasizing that growth often stems from learning quickly and making adjustments. His message to “go fast, make mistakes” has resonated with many in the industry who seek practical strategies for success.
Achievements and Recognition
He was featured in Forbes magazine for his role in founding Henry Schein’s Business Solutions Division and for creating the Dental Business Institute (DBI). The recognition highlighted his innovation in introducing MBA-level business education to the field of dentistry.
Dental Economics also profiled his leadership in the national rollout of DBI, crediting him with reshaping how dentists prepare for growth and ownership transitions. He authored four proprietary textbooks used in DBI programs and has published numerous articles in leading outlets, including Dental Economics, Dentistry Today, Inside Dentistry, and Dental Tribune.
Eric has also served as a keynote speaker and panelist at major conferences, including the Dykema DSO Conference and national leadership summits. His talks often highlight original research and published insights. Additionally, his webinars and educational sessions continue to share strategies for practice growth and industry change. As Founding Director of Henry Schein Business Solutions and DBI, he received recognition for programs that continue to influence practices nationwide.
Coaching Roles
In addition to his professional accomplishments, he has remained active in coaching. At STiKS Baseball Academy, where he coached for nearly four years, his focus was on building fundamentals, teamwork, and discipline. His leadership helped players succeed in competitive environments while developing personal growth.
He also coached boys’ basketball at Southeast Christian School for nearly two years. His emphasis was on communication, fundamentals, and leadership, helping athletes develop skills that carried over into life outside of sports. These coaching roles reflected his dedication to shaping individuals through structure and values.
Defining Influences
During college, he studied abroad in Tanzania, an experience that gave him a new perspective on frugality, materialism, and faith. Exposure to another culture deepened his appreciation for diversity and reshaped his outlook on life.
Eric’s blended family has also had a profound influence. Raising six children has required flexibility, patience, and empathy, qualities that guide how he approaches both personal and professional challenges. These experiences have given him a broader perspective on leadership and responsibility.
Personal Life
He lives in Parker, Colorado, with his wife and their six children. Their family life is active, with days filled with school, sports, travel, and time together. These experiences remind him daily of the importance of building businesses that provide freedom and balance.
Family is at the center of his priorities, shaping both his work and his outlook. Whether attending games, sharing meals, or traveling, he values these moments as the foundation for his motivation. With a career built on Education, leadership, and service, Eric Nuss continues to dedicate his efforts to helping others succeed, guiding practices and individuals toward growth, stability, and long-term opportunity.