Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about Champagne Family Dentistry and the duties of the position.
Jason Champagne: Champagne Family Dentistry is a family dental practice that has been treating northern Nevada patients since 1975. It began as a solo practice under the direction of Sparks native, Dr. Larry Champagne. I joined the practice in 2001 and became the president and chief executive officer in 2004. In 2007, we moved to our new location and added my brother, Dr. Drew Champagne, and my wife, Dr. Cariann Champagne. My wife is a board-certified pediatric dentist, and with her joining our team we continued our mission of offering comprehensive family dental care.
As president/CEO, I am responsible for laying out our company's vision and by working very closely with my senior management team, ensuring that everything we do is in line with that vision.
NNBW: Why did you choose dentistry as a profession?
Champagne: The family business answer is the obvious one. My father has been very successful in his career. He was always around and seemed genuinely happy. Why wouldn't I want to follow in my dad's path? It wasn't until I began practicing that I realized how great a profession dentistry truly is. From a clinical perspective, the diagnosis and treatment planning is interesting and challenging. The methods in which we deliver the care are always evolving. It's so exciting to be a part of this profession with so many new technologies enhancing our care. However, my most exciting revelation was that I love the entrepreneurial opportunities that dentistry offers. I enjoy the process of growing Champagne Family Dentistry both clinically and in our community.
NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?
Champagne: None of this is possible without a great team.
NNBW: What do you like most about your job? What's your least-favorite part of being a dentist?
Champagne: Ironically, what I love most is also my least favorite part. It can be frustrating providing a service that very few people are excited about or even want. However, it is so rewarding when a patient tells us that they had a great experience or that "it wasn't that bad."
NNBW: What was your first job?
Champagne: I was a lifeguard at Wild Island.
NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren't you working it?
Champagne: It'll sound corny, but this is my dream job. Not many careers allow you to lead, manage, market and manufacture all in one day.
NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?
Champagne: Dentistry is a people business. It's tough to be happy in this profession on the dentistry alone. You have to truly enjoy getting to know your patients and your team.
NNBW: What's the most fun you have had on the job?
Champagne: I'm very lucky to work with a number of dentists and have a very large team. Having a lot of people and a lot of personalities always makes things interesting.
NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Champagne: In life and business, there are cardinal sins. The first is to act without thought, and the second is not to act at all.
NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?
Champagne: I enjoy playing golf, exercising and playing guitar. The best time spent, however, is with my family!
NNBW: What has been your biggest professional accomplishment?
Champagne: I've been very active in many of dentistry's organizations and associations over the years. I'd have to say that my biggest professional accomplishment thus far is my recent appointment to the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners.
NNBW: What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?
Champagne: Before high school, I figured I'd be playing professional baseball with all of the other kids in my class. I was fortunate, however, to have many great mentors (including my dad) that helped me see that dentistry would be a great path.
NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?
Champagne: Definitely no. I love accomplishing new goals. There are so many more things in the field of dentistry that I would like to achieve.
NNBW: What's the last concert or sporting event you attended?
Champagne: The Nevada/Wyoming football game.
NNBW: Where's your perfect vacation spot?
Champagne: A quiet beach or a boat on Lake Tahoe.
NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like most about working/living here?
Champagne: I'm one of the fortunate ones where northern Nevada chose me. I'm thankful for that everyday. The people are great, the surroundings are beautiful and the business networking opportunities are endless!
The basics:
Name/title: Jason Champagne/president and CEO of Champagne Family Dentistry
How long have you been in this job? 8 years
How long have you been in this profession? 11 years
Education: BS in Biology from Oregon State University; DDS from University of the Pacific
Last book read? "EntreLeadership" by Dave Ramsey
Favorite movie? Almost Famous
What's on your iPod? The Black Keys, Atlas Genius, Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers
Spouse, kids or pets? I'm married to Cariann Champagne. We have two daughters: Emily, 6; and Audrey, 3.
Know someone whose perspective you want to share with NNBW readers? Send contact information to: rsabo@nnbw.biz or call 775-850-2146.
