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Show Notes

Make sure you visit Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025 (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday). Ivoclar will be in their usual spot at Grand Ballroom A&B in the East Tower, on the Gold Level. Right across from the registration desk. Register today! (https://lmtmag.com/ivoclar) Make sure you come see VOICES FROM THE BENCH recording from the Ballroom all weekend! Attend the 99th Annual Cal-Lab Meeting (https://cal-lab.org/) Feb 20 & 21 at the Swissôtel in Chicago. (Connected to the Hyatt and Lab Day) Elvis & Barb will be *recording there Thursday night during the “Cocktail Hour” from 4:00 to 6:30 * Register today: https://cal-lab.org/annual-meeting This week we had the pleasure of speaking with Jim Thacker, the owner of Utah Valley Dental Lab (https://www.utahvalleydentallab.com/), who shared his inspiring journey from finance to dental lab ownership. Jim began his career in finance, working at Wells Fargo before marrying into a family that owned a dental lab. Initially brought in to handle the business side of things, Jim quickly became immersed in the world of dental aesthetics. Over the years, he has transformed Utah Valley Dental Lab from a small local lab into a thriving business with 123 employees, 40 of whom are also owners. This unique employee ownership model fosters a strong sense of collaboration and commitment among the staff, ensuring that everyone has a vested interest in the lab’s success. One of the most fascinating aspects of Jim’s approach is his focus on high-end aesthetics and the importance of peer referrals in growing the business. He emphasizes that there’s nothing more effective than word-of-mouth marketing in the dental industry. By building strong relationships with their clients, Jim and his team have established Utah Valley Dental Lab as a go-to resource for aesthetic and implant dentistry. He believes in the importance of kindness and fostering a culture where employees feel valued and invested in their work. Jim Thacker’s insights into running a successful dental lab highlight the significance of employee ownership, relationship building, and a focus on aesthetics in the dental industry. You are invited to Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us)’s IPS e.max Panel Discussion Friday, February 22nd stating at 3:00 at LMT Lab Day in Chicago. Our very own Barb Warner will be on stage with Jessica Birrell, Stephenie Goddard, Mike Roberts, Jed Archibald and Dr. Ken Malament as they dive into the world of e.max. After the panel discussion, Ivoclar will host a Happy Hour to commemorate this 20-year milestone. So, please join us by registering at Labday.com/Ivoclar. Make sure you visit Aidite (https://www.aidite.com/) at Booth E-26 during your visit at LMT Lab Day Chicago (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday)! They will be there showcasing their exciting new products and cutting-edge solutions in digital dentistry. Attendees can explore hands-on demonstrations of Biomic stain & glaze (https://www.aidite.com/detail/materials/Biomic_Stain_Glaze_130_2.html) techniques and some of their other innovative technologies. Aidite will also host engaging lectures in Grand Suite 2, East Tower, covering topics such as EZneer (https://www.aidite.com/detail/materials/EZneer_113_2.html), 3D Pro-Zir, (https://www.aidite.com/detail/materials/3D_Pro_Zir_111_2.html) Digital Dentures, and their Aidite Cloud design service (https://www.aiditecloud.com/). Even before you go, you can stay updated by following @AiditeNorthAmerica (https://www.instagram.com/aiditenorthamerica/) on all social media platforms. Don’t miss the opportunity to see how Aidite is shaping the future of dental labs! Special Guest: Jim Thacker.