A healthy outlook: Don Zurbay
Founded in 1877, Patterson Companies has had a long history of providing quality products and services to the dental and animal health industries. Now, under CEO Don Zurbay’s leadership, it is embracing technology and seeking success in the decades to come.
More than 140 years ago, Patterson Companies (Patterson) had its humble beginnings in the city of Milwaukee. Founders John and MF Patterson could not have imagined that their drugstore selling dental and surgical supplies, medicines and toiletries would one day grow into the Fortune 500-listed company it is today.
With locations across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, and having branched out further into the animal health industry, the company now boasts diversified pillars in technology, customer support and dental software.
"I was familiar with Patterson’s reputation as a quality company serving great markets with a dedicated, hard-working employee base."
The business’ success, however, is no surprise to current President and CEO Don Zurbay. He spent 12 years as CFO with medical device manufacturer St. Jude Medical before taking on the CFO role with Patterson in 2018.
"Having grown up and spent my entire career in the Twin Cities, I was familiar with Patterson’s reputation as a quality company serving great markets with a dedicated, hardworking employee base," he says. "That’s what drew me to the company."
A people-first approach
Essential to the long-running success of the company are Patterson’s people, Zurbay emphasizes. Maintaining a respectful work culture means embracing accountability, and as a result, employee retention is high in the company.
"The values we instilled at Patterson in 2019 include being focused, passionate, people-first and always advancing," Zurbay explains.
"I am proud that we lead with our people-first value in much of our decision-making and foster relationships as we lean in on driving business objectives."
"Patterson’s purpose is to strengthen the people who keep us and our animals healthy."
This focus on people naturally extends to the customers Patterson serves.
"Patterson’s purpose is to strengthen the people who keep us and our animals healthy. We exist to support our dental and animal health providers so they can ensure their patients are healthy," he adds.
"We’re interested in having a relationship with our customer that goes well beyond simply a transaction and helps them manage a much more efficient and effective practice."
Giving back to community
It’s not just the focus on people and client relationships that offers a point of difference, however.
In 2000, to further build connection with its employees, as well as the industries and communities of which Patterson Companies is a part, the Patterson Foundation was established by former Patterson Companies Chairman and CEO Peter L Frechette and other company executives.
"Peter Frechette felt passionate about creating a foundation that could make an impact anywhere there is a Patterson office," Zurbay explains.
"Patterson has a rich history, and I am excited for its future."
The Foundation gives grants and scholarships to individuals and groups with the goal of making a significant difference to the local community. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated more than US$20 million, directing funds toward oral health clinics and programs; providing service animals to veterans, first responders and individuals with disabilities; school scholarships and agriculture education.
The Foundation also runs a ‘Dollars for Doers’ program, a matching gift for employee volunteerism. Giving employees the time to volunteer boosts both this program as well as a further connection to the community.
"Employees can take advantage of eight hours of volunteer time off each year, and a large number of employees make a commitment to spend their time in the community," Zurbay adds. "That level of engagement is among the top of other Twin Cities large companies."
Future connections
Fostering future connections relies not only on community but also on agility, which has been the hallmark of Patterson’s longevity. In recent times, this has included the adoption of AI.
"We’re at a little bit of an inflection point in terms of technology, in terms of AI, the things that are going to potentially transform all three of our industries," Zurbay says.
"I see an opportunity for the role technology is going to play in the dental industry and in our animal health industries."
"I think what makes our partnership successful is we have alignment."
He also pays tribute to strong partnerships that continue to grow the business. One such relationship is with dental healthcare company PDS Health.
"We kind of chose each other, if you will, to have a partnership," Zurbay recalls. "I think what makes our partnership successful is we have alignment. Somebody that their practitioners and dental offices can call anytime with any problem. We’re in a position to efficiently and effectively fulfill that."
As the company looks forward to the opportunities and challenges in the next decades, Zurbay’s enthusiasm for its important role in healthcare remains unabated.
"Patterson has a rich history, and I am excited for its future," he enthuses. "The role is just as attractive today as it was in 2018."