You can follow Voices from the Bench on Facebook and Instagram Elvis: Hi, Voices of the Bench community. Becky: I'm, Laura Prosser, the digital market manager here for iacclar North America, and I would like to invite you to start following us on Instagram. It's your chance to obtain exclusive updates on product announcements, industry news, upcoming educational events, and heartwarming stories about our local team and industry professionals. So let's get social together. Simply start following us, on Instagram. Iaclar Na. That's Instagram. Iaclar na. We'see you there. Elvis: Welcome to Voices from the Bench, a dental laboratory podcast. Send us an email@info voicesfrohebench.com and follow. Elvis: Us on Facebook and Instagram. Elvis: Greetings and welcome to episode 363, Voices from the Bench. My name is Elvis. Barbara: My name's Barbara. Elvis: What's happening, Bar? Elvis: How are you? Barbara: you know how I am. I'm $3,000 poorer because I'm an animal lover and my little kitty cat has, hyperthyroidism. so. Elvis: Oh, no. Barbara: Just picked her up from the vet. She's gonna be okay, but might have cost an arm and a leg. Elvis: Yeah, pets are very expensive. Y. I get it. Barbara: I know you do, because you've got 20. Elvis: I don't have 20. do you have to give the cat pills and medicine? Barbara: Yeah, I basically saved her life. She probably would have died if I taken her in, so it's. I'll pay it as long as I get a couple more years out of her. I want her to pass away. So all good. I got shove a pill down her throat every. Elvis: Good luck with that. Elvis: Forever. I. Barbara: And what about you? You're down with, that you called it the vid. Elvis: The vid. Yeah. Elvis: I can't believe. But I went five years without getting Covid. Yeah, and to note, I did not get this in Chicago. Elvis: I got it. Barbara: Ah, week. I wasnna say. Where do you think you picked it up at? Elvis: I have no idea. I'm in and out of offices all day long. I mean, seeing so many doctors, assistants, patience. Barbara: Who knows you picked it up somewhere. Elvis: Yeah, it's weird to finally get it, but it's fine. And like most people, it's just like having a cold, you know? Barbara: Yeah, he's down a little snu. Sniffly. Elvis: Still stuffed up. It's tired for a couple days. Just kind of hung low so I didn't spread it. Barbara: Yeah, well, it is good. I see that. You might as well get it now instead of when we're heading to Germany. Elvis: Hells to the yes. That's exactly what I was Thinking, I know. Barbara: Good. Get it out of the way. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: I leave in like a week and a half and you're probably out a little after that. Barbara: Yep. Elvis: Barb and I were re heading the big IDS show. Barbara: Thank you, Xocad. Elvis: Yeah, absolutely. I don't think anyone's going to ids, you know, specifically just to see Barb and I, but if you just already happened to be there, I mean, you might as well come by and see us at the Exocad booth again. Hall one. We're going to be there from March 25th to the 28th. You heard that, right? Four days. Barbara: I know. Elvis: Now, we just recently talked to Exocad and they have some pretty cool things planned for their booth. So we're more of like a sideshow to their main attraction. But on, still, if you're going to be an ids, please come by and see us. We'd love a chance to meet you and especially if you want to be on the podcast, we'd love to have you on. Barbara: Even if you don't speak it to English. Yeah, I'll still figure it out. Elvis: We'll figure it out. Bar discusses conversations he had during LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025 So this week we're starting to bring just a few of the many, many conversations I got while in the ivaclare Ballroom during LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025. Now. Barbara: I know, I know, I know, I know, I know. Yeah, I wasn't there. Elvis: Yes, Bar, you were unable to attend this year's fun, so we're not going to d drell on that for every episode, because it's just going to get old. Barbara: Okay. Elvis: So let's just say you were there in spirit. Barbara: I. Elvis: And I'm hoping that the conversations were just as good without you. Elvis: So I don't know, you know, they were. Elvis: This is for everyone to decide. Four past guests of the podcast give us an update on some exciting projects but this week we decided to put together four past guests of the podcast who came by to give us an update on some exciting things that they're working on. So first up is Vicki Thomas. So years ago she came on with her old lab, but now she's on her own doing some high end ceramics. But what's really cool is she created a group to help other small labs. Barbara: So amazing. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: So she got tired of seeing big labs get those big deals from vendors and said it was time to band together other small labs so they can all get that same deal. This was the creation of Savvy lab solutions. Barbara: I love it. Elvis: With a small monthly fee, you're able to get the deals that you're not being able to get just because of volume. And it's about time that you do get the deals, and savvy lab solutions can help you do that. Elvis talks to Becky Ty about her podcast Soundbite Barbara: Next up, Elvis gets to talk to Becky Ty. She's from the LMT team. Becky came on, a whole bunch of years ago, I think before our first recording at the LMT show. Becky, in the last year has launched LMT's own podcast called Soundbite. Becky talks about her background and radio, why they started the podcast, and why technicians should check it out. Elvis: It's a great conversation. And then we wrap up the episode with two technicians that are still fighting for the right for Denturis to open a practice in Illinois. Now, we talked to Katie Ronaldo and Mandy Aren last year. I know. I knew you were going to miss this one. Barbara: Yes. Elvis: And now they come back to update us on the bill, how they're already looking at other states to make a bigger impact and how you can help bring a better quality of care to indentulist patients. Man, I forgot how full these live recordings get with so many different people. So join us as we chat with Vicki Thomas, Becky Ty, Katie Ronaldo and Mandy Arena. Are you a dental lab in need more talent to improve your bottom line Mark: Are you a dental lab in need of more talent to improve your bottom line and keep production on schedule? Are you a dental tech with great skills but feel you're being limited at your current lab? Well, the answer is here. Hi, I'm Mark from Win Wingo. And this is precisely why Win Win Go was created. The dental lab and dental tech community needed a place where labs and technicians can meet, talk about their needs, and connect to ways that foster a Win Win outcome. as a tech, if you're ready to make a change, thinking about moving in the next year or just curious what's out there, sign up today. It's totally free. As a lab, you might be feeling the frustration of paying the big employment site so much and getting so few tech candidates. We understand they don't much care about our industry. WinWnGo.com is simply the best place for lab techs and lab owners to active engage in creating their ideal future. Winwinggo.coma how dental techs find Paradise. Elvis: Voices from the Bench the interview so excited. Elvis: I'm so excited. Elvis: Past podcast guests from how long ago? Four. Vicki Thomas: Four. Elvis: Four years. Elvis: Four, maybe five. Elvis: Five. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: It all blends together. Yeah. Vicki Thomas, welcome back. Elvis: Thank you. Elvis: Thanks for LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025. I have a Clair Ballroom. That's all out of the way. Vicki Thomas started her own signature line, Smiles by Vicki Vicki, what you been up to last time I talked to you? Oh, I gotta tell you this. I thought about this this morning. You and your old partner from she dental lab. Elvis: yeah, she designs. Elvis: She designs. Yeah. You're the only episode ever that I changed the logo pink. It was pink. I made the whole thing pink because that was the whole theme. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: To this day, I've never changed the logo for anybody else I love and I never will. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: What you been up to, Vicki? Elvis: Just, gosh, life. Life, work. Living the dream. Elvis: Okay, so she designs. You guys have split. Yes, it happens. Whatever. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: What do you end up doing? Elvis: Well, I started my signature line. Ye. So I sold her, she designs still studio. And then I started my signature line. So his signature Smiles by Vicki Thomas. Elvis: Oh, wow. Elvis: Yeah. So'do my own little boutique thing out of your house. Elvis: Did you open a lab or whatever? Elvis: No, I rent a place in one of my doctor's offices, actually. It's a surgical suite that he wasn't using, so I'm able to use his, model room and then that. And it's just perfect for. Elvis: Oh, wait, you're in an office? Elvis: I'm in an office. Elvis: Oh, a dental office. Is you doing that. Dennis's work? Elvis: Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. I'll continue to do his. Elvis: You're an office technician? Elvis: I'm really not. Okay, just kind of. I don. Elvis: Don't confuse me. Elvis: Why? Well, I physically am, but I don't, like, assist chairside and. Elvis: No, but do their work. Yes, but you pay them rent to use the space. And is it just you? Elvis: Is me and Allison that was here with me earlier. Yeah, just me and Allison. I have one person that helps me design remotely when I get overwhelmed. Elvis: She doesn't even work with you? Elvis: No, she just works remotely when she can or when I need her. But other than that, no, it's just us. And we just. We've got such a good routine and we're just like, kicking it out and it actually is really perfect. Like, it's half the size of where we were in Matthews, but yeah, it works great. Becky: I. Elvis: We just kind of manipulated the space and our workflows is perfect. How many doctors do you work for when you do all this work yourself Elvis: How many doctors do you work for when you do all this work by yourself? Elvis: Do probably about 20 doctors. Elvis: O my. I know that's a lot. Elvis: It is a lot. And you know, the fact that everybody's a lot of us, or go digital so we don't have somedy. The modern room is tiny. I mean, it's a doctor's office, moder room. Elvis: Everything's tiny. Right in the lab side. Elvis: Yeah, exactly. So the modern room is tiny, so luckily most of our doctors have gone digital. So it's, you know. Yeah, it kind of works out as pull the files and don't have to worry about doing the model work. So that does help. Elvis: Do you have a mill and all that? Elvis: No, that's one reason I don't is cause of space. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: But, and two, I mean, it just. I've got a really good friend that's within the states and he just meals it for me. Elvis: Oh, so you outsource the milling? Elvis: I outsource to a friend. It basically helps him out ca because he gets buy in bulk. So it helps his lab out, saves. Elvis: Money on pucks and everything comes back. And you make it beautiful. Elvis: Yeah, so I designed it, I sent it to him, I smoothed the marshes, checked my contacts contour. I did. And Allison stains and glazes it and we roll out. It's awesome. Yeah. Elvis: I love that you're doing this. Elvis: Yes. Yes. Elvis: But you're not only doing this. Elvis: No. Elvis: So what brought this on? Elvis: Well, I've been in the industry for 30 years and I'on my own. Elvis: Started when you were two. Elvis: Yes, absolutely. nobody canived almost three, but yes. Yeah. So I, own a lab for 16 years and then I realized, you know, this is. We're in a place where all these big corporate labs, these big labs are getting all the bul buyingeah group pricing. Elvis: More you buy, the more you say. Elvis: Exactly. And I get it, I get it. But at the same time, a small labs and medium sized labs need discounts too. And if you're in a lab and if you're on a small laboratory, you know, when you're at the bench, you don't have time to sit there on the phone call and negotiate doing pricing. You just, you know, you just need a discount. Elvis: Youly have time to place your order. Mandy Arena: Exactly. Elvis: Yeah, exactly. So what I've done is I've started savvy lab solutions. And my goal is to bridge that gap between the small to medium sized laboratories and the large labs. So I've gotten excellent vendors like everything you could possibly need to start a laboratory, down to credit card processing, website design, collections, everything. Unfortunately, you sometimes you need those. But every suppliers and everything. As far as getting your meals and everything you need for running a laboratory. Elvis: Were you trying to do this for yourself or just for friends that you just saw? I mean, how did the idea. I mean, I get why you did it, but what drove you to d actually put the work into it? Honestly, tired of, Just paying that much for stuff and you're like, I can do that. Elvis: Well, you know, yeah, that's always been a problem because, you know, when you see big corporate labs because they get these discounts, they're like charging minimal for crowns, you know, and as's boutique labs, you know, I'm at lower my price, but I would like, you know, the profit margin to be about the same. So I thought, well, you know, we need a discount. Elvis: Ye. Elvis: But to be honest, the reason I started thinking about this, my daughter, I was telling you earlier, got married in Jamaica in March, and her husband's in a coast guard, so he's in Bahrain right now. She's staying with me. Becky: Taking. Elvis: I have no idea where that is. Elvis: Middle East. Elvis: Okay. Elvis: Yep, yep. That's okay. I wouldn't have known either. And so she's stay on me to December, but then after that they're gonna go Hawaii or even California. And I'm in North Carolina. So I'm kind of like, I need to create something that's gonna help, you know, free me up some from the bench. Elvis: Yep. Elvis: To where I can. If she. They have babies, I can go and stay a month there in Hawaii. I mean, that sounds terrible, doesn't it? Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: And, so sad. And still make money and still have my lab. Of course. Elvis: Sure. Elvis: Because lab is my passioneah. Which is why I'm doing this, because it's a passion and I've got so many good friends in this industry and I just want to help. So who did d you approach first? Well, let's see. Whole podcast started with people we knew Elvis: So who did d you approach first? Elvis: Well, let's see. I spoke to Zonn first. Elvis: Just Z design. Elvis: Yeah, I was her kol. So I spoke to Z first. Brian Thacker, who I've been dating for five years, he is with Keninbach. So of course I went to them. and then he worked with Comet for years before that. So I just kind of went to all the ones that I had a. Elvis: Contact your connectionsso how it works. Elvis: Absolutely. Elvis: Whole podcast started with people we knew. Elvis: Exactly. That's all. Elvis: I mean. Elvis: Yes, exactly. And so that's what I did. I just kind of went around and then it was like, oh, I would have vendors like, this is an excellent idea. Like there is a need. Cause I mean, 78% of the market is small to medium sized laborator. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: 22% is the big. And you know, yeah, we may be less volume, but when you get a group of numbers, we're strong in numbers. So if we can get that group power up, we get our buying power up. And good. So but yeah that was where. That's what triggered me was thinking okay I just. I launched it on February 20 which happened to be my. Elvis: Wait a minute. Elvis: I can't even say you launched this two days ago. I launched was only two days ago. I wanted to launch it here which happened to be on my birthday. Elvis: Oh. Elvis: Which happened to be the big 5o. I can't even hard say that out loud. Elvis: So it was like don't worry, you don't look 50. Elvis: Don't worry about. Well thank you. You're too kind. But yeah. So I launched on my birthday and you know, see what we can do know. And I spoke at ladies in a meal. Elvis: Yep. Elvis: So I've got all those ladies in support. Yeah. Your goal is to bridge the gap between the small to medium labs Elvis: so what does a lab do? Like do you limit the size of the lab that can join? Elvis: No, there's really no limit. There's no qualifications. Elvis: 100 person lab wants to join your group, you're okay with that even though you're there to help the small lab? Elvis: I don't think that will happen because more likely they're already invested in a larger. Elvis: They'll get different discount. Elvis: They're gonn get better discounts so I doubt they're gonna do that. And like I said I'm really. My goal is just to bridge that gap between the small to medium. I mean I can't really control who signs up because it's. You literally go to my website, you sign up and there's no validation. I don't validate anything because just don't really need to cause my goal was just to help. So it really anybody can sign up. Could be work in your garage. One person, you can be a member or you can. You know it doesn't matter. The first month is free and then it's 97$ after that Elvis: So what is the cost for a lab to join? Elvis: It is of the first month is free. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: And then it's 97$ after that. Elvis: That's it a month. Elvis: Yes. Yes. I'm. I'm not doing it like I tell everybody else. I'm not trying to get rich off my friends. I'm honestly just trying to help the industry. I feel like there's basically. Elvis: You're sorry but basically you're going to these vendors and say I'mnna bring these group of people willing to buy from you give them the discount. Elvis: Does it fluctuate the discount they get by the amount of people that join? Like more people join bigger the discount. Elvis: Right now we've started out at whatever discount they would give. A lot of them are really excellent discount. Elvis: Really. Elvis: You're just like, wow, that's. That's huge. Elvis: You right, okay. Elvis: Like I don't have a member yet, but we're watching. But I think so many vendors saw that there's a need, you know, so there's an absolutely there's a need. So and then they knew me so there's a trust there. Elvis: So sure. Elvis: So yes, a lot of us are really great. Some are going in on a tier program to where well, as you grow the discount will get larger. But yes, both of are coming straight out of the gate. Elvis: Like that's great. Elvis: Excellent discounts and. And then some are like, hey, hit us up in a year when you've got your members. And I respect that. Yeah, I respect that. Elvis: I totally do come back stronger. Elvis: Exactly. Elvis: Know you'renna wish they did it a year ago. Elvis: Yes, yes. But I will say just so anybody when they do hear this. The rate, the intro price right now is $97, but we'll go up $30 to 127 which is still not a lot for you know, literally a concierge. It's done all your negotiattingion. Yeah, all top vendors. Elvis: And it sounds like you're working with vendors. Ah, that they're going to save that money right away. Elvis: So what I did, I did a beta testing before I started and it was literally through the ladies in the bel and all my friends that are in industry and I asked them, I said if I started buying group, what vendors would you like to have in this group? Yeah, how much custom abutments do you do? Do you send them to the Strawmans and all that or do you do a third party? Third party. So I did a lot of research going in Ye so I tried to pick the vendors that people were telling me they wanted or who they used. Elvis: Yeah, yeah. Elvis: And it's, you know, it's basically everybody that's here, like they're all downstairs. Yeah, yeah, they're here. So, And you know what I'm doing differently with my vendors too is I really want to promote my vendors because I feel like you help me, I help you, we all help each other. That s what it's about. It's just that, you know, it a community. I'm very open on my Instagram so you can see m who my vendors are. It doesn't have any pricing or anything like that. You have to kind of you have to sign up for that month free to see the pricing before you get. Elvis: So that's right away as soon as you sign up for free. You can go straight, have access to see what discounts you would get. Elvis: Yes. Elvis: And you can justify if that price is worth it. Elvis: Yes, exactly. And I really. For the price of the monthly cost. I don't know how it couldn't. Elvis: Ye. Elvis: Because it's such a minimal monthly cost and the discounts are phenomenal. Elvis: You working with like a shipping company. Elvis: That is one. That's. I have to get the volume up. That's one of those. That's one thing I regret not having. And actually had a vendor of mine say, hey, let me talk to my shipping company and see if they'll let your group partner with me and it'll help me and help. Elvis: Oh, there you go. Yeah. Elvis: And so we've been kind of working on that. It wasn't finalized before Chicago, but who knows? That might work out. Elvis: It's gonna happen. Elvis: It's gonna happen. Elvis: I don'wouldn't worry about it. Elvis: But yeah, it's gonna happen. Let's name drop some vendors people, see who do you got Elvis: So let's name drop some vendors people, see who do you got? Elvis: Okay, let me Elvis: Yeah, open it up. Let's see. So who you got? Elvis: Okay, so I've got, Exocad. Elvis: Shut up. Elvis: Yes, I do have X CA now, of course the distributors control the pricing of the license and stuff like that. But I have discounts on training. Like if you want to have them come to your site or come to, you know them, go to their facility in Boston. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: Then they get you get a discount on that. Yes. and also they've launched a new design service. So if you get overwhelmed, you get overflow was too much. Then you can send it to them and they can design for you at a minimal cost too it at a discount. Elvis: AI or is it. Elvis: You know, I. Humans don't know. I don't remember. I know that three Shape because I have them as well. Yeah, they have a A.I. Elvis: Yep. Elvis: And then they have the three shape. That's human. So, I'm not. I can't remember what Ex said on that. Elvis: A nice discount. Elvis: Yes. So I also have Panthera for sleep appliances and bars. Elvis: Okay. Bars. Yep. Gotta love a Panthera bar. Elvis: Oh yeah. Oh yeah. Elvis: Elite of the elite. Elvis: Exactly. And they gave an excellent discount as well. Oh yeah, they did. I got Nobel for implants. Elvis: Nice. Elvis: I do. And then, I said three shape earlier. I got AP's Kansas, which is who I use for my credit card processing. So it's just a minimal 2.99% surcharge. Elvis: It sounds good, but I'm not sure. Elvis: Don'T it Is it is actually pretty good. Cause someone's like. And. And it doesn't vary per card. Like, sometimes amex is higher. I've heard this is across the board. Elvis: We've had people on before and I just kind of fall asleep. But. Yeah, yeah, I get it. Yeah. No, that's important to people that run a business. Mandy Arena: Yes, it is. Elvis: A huge chunkes of money that just goes away. Elvis: Yes. Elvis: I mean, you can't control it. Elvis: Exactly. And I encourage. I didn't do it for the longest time. Like I've got it now to all my doctors are set up on. Every month. On the 5th, I just charge your car card. And I know you got some doctors, like get a little bit of kickback out. One that sends me a check. Just one that sends me a check always. But at the same time, you think about it. Dentist are using their credit cards for personal use for points. And you tell them, you know, that surchar is a tax deduction and you're getting more money for your family to go. I think it is. Yeah, I think it is. I think it. Don't quote. I mean, okay, I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure they're using. Elvis: Credit cards, points and everything. The business has to suffer for that reason. You might as well. Elvis: Yeah, exactly. Exactly. So I have implant direct. Elvis: Oh, nice. Elvis: Yes, I have, Tiger Plastics. Is. They're in California and they do custom little boxes. You put your crowns. Elvis: Oh, nice. Elvis: And when you deliver to your offices. Elvis: Nice. Elvis: Yeah, they're super great guys. I have B and D technology. Elvis: Yeah, they do some nice zirconia. Small lab is doing inventory. Zimbus does it for you Elvis: Yes. And I have dess. Elvis: No kid. Elvis: I love Darren. He's super great guy. Elvis: Is a good company. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: Great parts. Elvis: And have you ever heard of Zimbus? Elvis: Yes. Elvis: Yes. So they're a vendor as well. Love their system. Elvis: Small lab is doing inventory. Elvis: You know, that is funny you say that because a lot of their customers are like five or six technicians. Elvis: No kidding. Elvis: Yes, I know. I was kind of surprised on the. Elvis: Podcast because I look at those things, I'm like, you got to have a lot of inventory to justify. Elvis: Yeah. But you think about it's, you know, with that again. It's a time thing with small labs. So you've got. You're at the bench. You're at the bench working and you're like, if you forget to order your, analog or your lab for your digital. You know. But this cabinet actually reorders it. It reorders it for you inst. So the only person can get into that cabinet is the one in that department. So it does like, scans your finger and then you go in there and then you set your computer, say, hey, I need to keep this at 20. If it gets below 20 units, anything or whatever it may be, then it reorders for you. Elvis: You're gonna save money just by the, I need this next thing. Elvis: Yes, exactly. That's. That's what they. Elvis: My life. I've done that. Elvis: Yes, exactly. It's like you do, overnight shipping. Elvis: You pay the shipping costs more than the analog. Elvis: Exactly. And I know for, like, larger labs, you know, they said they go into their storage rooms. So they've got years of stuff that's never been order, never been used. So the lot numbers, everything. Everything dated andeah. So it does help much, Much. Definitely for large labs. But yeah, I was surprised to hear how many. Five, six, seven technician labs have me in multiple cabinets at that. Like for your pucks, for your implants, for all that. It's pretty impressive. Elvis: Pretty impressive. Elvis: It is very impressive. Elvis: Have them. Elvis: Yes, I do. I met them at, nadl when I went to Vegas. Elvis: Yeah, yeah. Very good. Elvis: And I have amg. They are creative. The website gu. So they did my website. So when y'all scan in and get to register, you'll see that you know their work there. So they did my website for me. Excellent. The customer service there is on point. Elvis: Yeah, he's like the guy that makes half the labs website. I mean, he knows the business. That's what I like. Elvis: Yes. Elvis: You can get a website developer that has no idea what you do. They don't care. They're just putting stock photos on there. This guy knows the business. Elvis: Yes, that'terry. Terry Finn. Elvis: Fine. Elvis: Fine. Is it fine or fin? Elvis: I think it's fine. Elvis: I guess it is. Goes E. Yeah. Elvis: All right. Terry, call in. Got that wrong. Elvis: He's not here. He wasn't able to make it. Elvis: Seriously, he s not here. Elvis: He didn't make it this year. Yeah, he didn't make it this year. and then I got annexed usa. Oh, sweet. Say yes. Elvis: My favorite company that unfortunately I don't buy anything from. Boes loves Tony's systems. I love Tony. I have used them for 16 years ###e I don't need it. Elvis: I don't use composite either. Elvis: Yeah, but I love her and her. Elvis: I love her branding. Elvis: Oh, it's on. Elvis: On m point. Even their boxes they ship out and it's just like o. Elvis: Everything right? Elvis: Everything right, Boes? I love it. Yeah, I love it. Then I have Comet usa. Elvis: Yep. Elvis: Huge discounts. Elvis: Yeah. Nice. Every needs burs. Elvis: Oh, yeah. I mean, Diamonds and you know, doorl light wheels are expensive. They are not with my discount. Then I have M Monorac. Have you ever used a monot track system as articulating system? Elvis: Yes. Elvis: Excellent. I have used them for 16 years. And it is literally a poor flip it over, pour the other side. If it's a quad ye and a triple tray. And you saw it out and it honestly because the way the tray when you pour it into it has like these little pegs that stick up. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: So when you saw it out, there's no pin system. Like you don't have to have a pin. Is literally pour, pour, saw, you're done. Cause the way they have the borders up to kind of help to hold the stone in when you peel that off. It's already done. Elvis: Done. Elvis: It's done. Elvis: Nice. Elvis: Love their systems. Elvis: Nice. Elvis: Yep. Totally encourage them. And then I have Kohr for the scrap metal. Elvis: Yep. Elvis: C. Yes. I love Tony. Elvis: I mean even without a buying group, everybody should be using Tony. See. Elvis: Exactly. Yep. So you'get extra like 5% off there if you're refining with them. Yeah, exactly. And then I have Kentenbach. Elvis: Oh yeah. Elvis: So for like our you know, bite material, like mostly like impression mater. Well, yeah, impression materials, but like denture, like full denture labs, you know, when they do their bites and I and all that temporaries. Their lab putty is the best lab putty ever use. And you don't leave that stickiness on your fingers. Yeah, it's amazing. And their bite material is excellent. The cement I use my screw retain. Elvis: Really? Elvis: Yes. Elvis: KE Boach made. Elvis: Oh yeah. Submit. Yeah. Elvis: They're good people. Elvis: They are good people. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: Yeah, they really are. so you got more. Oh yeah. Elvis: Holy. Elvis: It's still good. I'm telling. Just launched two days ago. I know I've been working and it's funny Elvis: Just launched two days ago. Elvis: I know I've been working and it's funny because I started this November, I think it was. I had the idea probably in September and then I went to the golf event with Noak. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: And I was like, Sean, so you have. No, I have Noack. Elvis: Of course. Elvis: Yes. I have Shaw Noak and he has been my go to day one. Amazing guy. Like he. He has actually brought on a lot of the vendors for me. Yeah, well, like the website design guy. They, you know, and. And also I'm getting to him M as Burton Associates, which is a collections agency. Elvis: That guy. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: Matteah. Elvis: Matt. Elvis: That guy's cool. Elvis: Yeah. So I went there for his golf event and I said, hey, I text emailed him before I said, if you get A chance. I would like to talk to you before so we can kind of talk again. You have a clue what I'm talking about. We didn't get a chance to do that. So he met me at the bar, we had a beer, and I said, hey, this is what I'm looking to do. And you would have thought he knew about it for six months. I mean, he was raling off these ideas, oh, we could do this. You could do this. You do this. And I was like, okay. And it was like, from their on, I've been on it and, you know, of course, running my lab too, and doing this. And so my goal was. Okay, well, the biggest lab day is in February, so only had a few months, so I've really been. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: Got a website done. I. Elvis: No. Burton Associates. They go after your account if they don't pay you. Elvis: Yes. Elvis: And they are good. Elvis: And they're very good. Elvis: Nothing but good things about them. Elvis: They're very good. And another thing that they offer the members is they will do a screening on your doctors. Like, if you get a call, say, hey, we got a case for you as a new account. He'll do us. They'll do a screening on that doctor because most of the time they've either done a collection on them or something already. Elvis: It's got history on. Elvis: Yeah. Because you know, they lab doctters like that will bounce lad y so they will do a free screening for you to see if there's any bad vibes about this office and say, m. You might want to stay clear. I've had her bad things or I've dealt with this. Elvis: I've had to call them six different times. Elvis: Y. Yes. Elvis: Know. Elvis: Yeah. So. Yeah, so I got them D Menion Smile Line usa. No, but I. Chris br. I do too love her. Dear friend of mine. Elvis: Sexiest brush in the industry. Elvis: It is it really. Elvis: I don't even use them. I just think they' cool. Elvis: Yeah. Again. And I love her branding and all that. I just. Just love Chris Bradley. Elvis: Yeah, she's good. Elvis: She's just, you know, her heart's in it. Elvis: I love it. Elvis: So, of course I use her because I got Pinkbrush handles, you know. You know, some things I can't get away from. Yeah, of course. How many people have signed up for Burton Associates so far I've come down to u no waack and then Burton Associates we already talked about, but awesome. Yeah. I've got a lot and I've got. Elvis: On second day of launch, like, day. So how many do you want to say how many people have joined her. Elvis: Already here, to be honest, I don't know yet. Oh, I don't know. I keep getting these notifications in my email, so I hear them, but I haven't had a chance to just chill out and just open up my website and just see who was activated. I have no idea. I'm not sure. I'm kind of scared to say, but hopefully I, really feel like maybe I've planted more seeds and actually have activated their account yet. Elvis: It'gonna catch on. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: I figure why wouldn't somebody for what does that be? $2 a day? Two doll 50 a day? Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: And if you could save a couple bucks here and a couple. That's gonna add up real fast. Elvis: Yes. It pays for itself. Dennis says he has four questions for prospective vendors about SavvyLab Solutions Elvis: That's so great to hear all this. So what's it called? Elvis: Against'savvy Lab Solutions. Elvis: And what's the website? Elvis: Yeah, so SavvyLab Solutions. Elvis: SavvyLabsolutions.com.com. Elvis: Yeah, so you can find me on there. And it's a very. I told him iself make it dummy proof. Like, we don't want to take time to fill out a bunch of stuff. Just put your name in there, your reoccurring credit card payment, and that's about it. That's very simple. I do have four questions. I ask, ask if you're digital, you're analog, you full service, what size your lab is. Just because my vendors kind of want to know, like, they want to know what products they should push to my. Is it 90 percentnna be analog, are gonna be all digital. Like, how do we need a discounteah? So do it mostly for them. Elvis: And are you ever gonna, like, reach out to the members and do like, questionnaires to kind of dial in and figure out who I am? Elvis: I think I'm gonna do things like that as we grow. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: Because I know the vendors. Yeah. They want to know they need some stats and also to get the vendors that have not signed up yet. They have so many questions that I can't answer because I don't have the member base yet. So, once I get everything set up, I will definitely, you know. Elvis: What'S gonna happen real soon. Elvis: What's that? Elvis: They're gonna. Vendors are kind ofnna come to you. Elvis: I've had several vendors this just this meeting say we want to be a part of it. And I'm like, well, I kind of want to keep the shortl list. Like, I want to have like, just kind of a short list right now. Just a little bit of everything, but not the same Thing of a lot. Does that make sense? Elvis: Yeah. What if a lab is already part of a buying group? Can they double dip? Is that a thing't? Elvis: It's not a problem with me. I mean, Denis do it all the time. Dennis can be a part of multiple buying groups. So I don't. Unless they've signed some sort of contract with another buying group. And I don't have anything like that. Min's no confidence yet. Elvis: I love your low key. Elvis: Just like, it's just like, hey, we're all in the same mess, right? Becky: Ye. Elvis: Yeah. We're all trying to struggle with. Elvis: We're just trying to survive. I'm not trying to, you know, know m. I'm not gonna try to. I'm not sharing their information with any vendors. or nothing like that. That part's private. But I just know I'm just trying to keep it low key. Don'help. My friends out. Help myself out. I Our industry. I mean, we are the bread and the butter of this industry. Elvis: Make we more of it than what people realize. Elvis: 78%. Elvis: A lot of our industry caters to the big labs. You know what I mean? Elvis: And they do. Elvis: It's good to have representation with those that are. Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: That don't have the voice. Elvis: It warms my heart that those same vendors will talk to me even though I'm not. I don't have that big bind power yet. But they see the need, everyone. I was like, oh, my gosh, this is brilliant. This is excellent. Like, this is a great idea. Elvis: There you go. Elvis: And I'm like, thanks. Do this. Let's do thanks. Elvis: Give me more discount. Y. Elvis: Yes. I was like, I will reevaluate in a year and that's what I will do. So once I get my numbers up in a year, I can go back to him and say, hey, you know, you gave me this discount out of trust. Vicki, congratulations on your 200Amembers podcast success Elvis: Yeah. Elvis: Now let's talk about. I've got 200Amembers. So let's. Now what you're gonna do, you know. Elvis: Well, I'm just gonna say this now that when this airs, if anyone wants to hit your website, I'm gonna put it in the show notes. Elvis: Okay. Elvis: So they're on their podcast. They're looking. They just scroll down, they'll hit the button, they'll get right link to it. So, Vicki, thank you so much. Congratulations. I love what you're doing. I love your passion about it. Elvis: Thank you. Elvis: Keep doing it. Elvis: Thank you. Love you. Thanks for having. Elvis: Thank you so much. Elvis: Bye. Becky: Oh, my God. Ty: Becky, welcome back to lab day. I asked you to come back because LMT launched a podcast Welcome to lab day. Elvis: Lab day 2025 here at the Ivaclar Ballroom. Thank you, Ivalar. Becky. Ty, welcome back. Becky: Hi. Welcome back. I'm a return customer. Elvis: I know how long that was. Like the 2019 probably. Becky: I think so. It was when you guys first started and you were down next to me in the exhibit hall. Elvis: Oh, was it that year? Yeah. you know, my thought was always have someone on from LMT to talk about Lab Day Chicago before every. Lab Day Chicago. Yeah, yeah, that didn't happen. I'm sorry. Becky: Yeah, you guys got too big. You don't have any time in your schedule. You're talking to everybody else. Elvis: Becky, thank you so much for sitting down. I asked you to come back because LMT launched. Becky: We launched a podcast. Elvis: Podcast. Yeah. Yeah. So let me just preace the proface. Preface, prefacef. Thanks. Let me preface this with saying that if Becky, your old episode talks about your journey, how you ended up at lmt. Becky: Oh, it does. I forgot all about it. Elvis: Ye. So we're not going to Dell on thatah. I want to see what exciting things you're doing now. So why did you all start a podcast? And I'm not upset. Becky: Well, we sort of started a podcast because all the cool kids were doing it. Elvis: Yeah, well, that's why we did it. Yeah. Becky: And it's just we know that a lot of the technicians are slamming all the time, and to sit down and have a minute and read through a magazine isn't always top priority. And so a, good way to get the news out into people's brains is to go through their ears. Elvis: Hey, it's such a great medium because I love it. Because you can do it no matter what else you're doing. Yeah, it's hard for me to watch a YouTube video, honestly, because I'm all like, well, I'm want to also do this at the same time. And I just. It just doesn't work. Driving, running, whateverah working. You can listen to it. Becky: Exactly. Yeah. Just pop in the earbuds and. And you're getting everything you need to know. Elvis: Well, as everyone can probably tell, you have the voice for it. Becky: You know, it all started back in high school when I was doing morning announcements. Elvis: You did morning announcements and high. You did radio for a while. Becky: I did do radio. Elvis: Was that your inspiration, like the whole time to be a radio? Becky: It wasn't. I kind of daytime dj, an on air personality. Elvis: Yeah, you go, boy. Do those kind of thing. Kind of radio show. Becky: Oh, yeah. No, it was never something that I thought I wasnna do. it was A backup internship that ended up, you know, snowballing into another opportunity. And I was working at a radio station in the office in the sales department. Elvis: Okay. Selling ad space and stuff. Becky: yeah. Help helping the salespeopleeah. And one of my friends who was on the production staff making commercials came running over and was like, hey, can you talk like you're sexy? Do you have a sexy voice? And I'm like, I don't know. And it turns out I could find it in me and. Elvis: Wait a minute. Okay. What did you have to say in a sexy voice? Becky: Well, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the time, you could do advertisements for strip clubs. Elvis: Yeah. Becky: On there you did a strip club. It was Vivid Gentleman's club. Elvis: Vivid Gentleman's viid. Do you remember the script? Can you do it again? A sexy voice. Becky: Oh God. On the spot. It was like. It's awkward even just to listen to it. I think it's just like really vivid, like, oh God. Elvis: Is that all you had to do? I just got of. Becky: It was. Your first commercial was pre recorded and you did it live It was a few more lines, but not much. I think there was a lunch buffet. Elvis: Oh, what A buffet? Becky: I think so. Elvis: There's nothing sexy. So that was your first experience? Becky: That was my. That was my first commercial. And then they started bringing me into do more commercials. Elvis: And that's great. Becky: Like, hey, we have this overnight spot. Do you want to fill in? Elvis: What did you do? Becky: It was all pre recorded. Elvis: So, did you news. Do you do. Becky: It's a lot of the filler. So I'd come in at the end of a song. You know that's highway to Hell by AC dc. Elvis: Yeah. Coming up next. Becky: But then it's a lot of promo stuff telling people what's coming up that weekend. Come out to this car dealership to see you go. And then I got to go to the car dealerships and hand out T shirts. Elvis: Oh no. Kid shoot a T shirt gun. Becky: They didn't let me have the gun. Elvis: Probably smart. Becky: Yeah. Elvis: Yeah. Becky: Saf that way. Elvis: But that was all pre recorded in those days. Becky: the overnight was because they didn't want to pay me to sit there overnight. Elvis: Sure, that makes sense. Becky: Yeah. During the day everything was live and. Elvis: You did it live. Becky: I've only done one show live and it was very nerve wracking. Elvis: I bet I won't do live. I know we're not live right now. Becky: But you have to like hit all the buttons and make sure the commercials are running. This way I could just record the. Elvis: Parts and I can't bleep it all Fast enough live. Becky: That's the best part. LMT Sound bites is a podcast that summarizes the magazine Elvis: So was the LMT soundbes? Is that what it's called? Becky: It is LMT sound bites. Elvis: Is that all your brain? I mean, did you come up with the idea? Did you approach the team about it or. Becky: well, because of my background, yeah. I've been able to help out the marketing team with a lot of videos and stuff. And whenever anybody has to say anything, they're like, quick, make Becky say it. Elvis: In a sexy voice. No, nothing sexier about dental technology. Becky: Ye right. Come on. And so it kind of just turned into that. We were like, you know, podcasts are starting to become a thing. Is there any way that we can work this into our line of things that we do? Elvis: Sure. Becky: And I was kind of the natural selection just because I know how to talk into a mic and I. I have a mic, so that helped. And I know the program. Like, I can edit pretty easily, so. Elvis: That'S half the battle. Getting a podcast out there. I mean, there's no secret. I mean, everybody can start one. It's not expensive. Becky: It's true. Elvis: So it's an easy way to get it out there and get. But why did you choose the format of just kind of summarizing the magazine? Becky: I don't want to say it was the easiest way to go about it, but it was kind of a good way to get our feet wet. Elvis: Yeah, I think it's a great idea. Becky: We wanted to make sure that people would want to listen. We knew it was content that they were looking for. Elvis: Yep. Becky: And, you know, it's a good way to throw in some extra promos and stuff like that. Elvis: Yeah. Becky: So, you know, it's still an evolution. We've only done 10 episodes'only. Elvis: Been 10. Becky: Yeah, it hasn't even been a year more. Elvis: Maybe not. Becky: yeah, we're still coming up on our one year anniversary for sound bites. Elvis: Yeah. Becky: so, yeah, we're still kind of trying to figure it out. We don't know necessarily which direction we'renna go with it, but it definitely could still grow. Elvis: Sure. Becky: you know, it depends what everybody wants to listen to. If, you know, I don't know, you guys have slowly grown, but very slowly. You know, you got to let us know what you want to hear. Elvis: Sure. Becky: If you're listening, let me know what you want to hear from LMG Sound bitite. We're always open to suggestions. Elvis: Just takes me back. People always tell me, oh, it's so weird to meet the voice I've been hearing for so long. But when you just said LMT soundbite. I was back in my car. See, it's so weird. Becky: Oh yeah. Elvis: How'the feedback been? I mean a lot of people reaching out, saying they're liking it, finding value in it or no feedback. That's that. Trust me, I know about no feedback. Becky: I have. We haven't really heard much back. Elvis: Yeah. Becky: One of the good things I have seen though is that even before we share that the new episode is out, because we include that in all of our newsletters. If you're a reader insider, you've seen that. Even before we send that out, we'll have a few dozen downloads and I'm like, o nice. So people are subscribed or they see it pop up and that's I think like that's the most exciting. Elvis: I don't know if it's true, but the first time the numbers get updated, I always think that's the subscriber number. Yeah. Because they automatically get it. I don't know if this is true. Becky: I like that. Elvis: And then it just kind of grows throughout the day, the week and the month and the year and it's out forever. Becky: Right. And we do get a lot of people coming back. I see those numbers even from older episodes kind of creeping up because they're all available on the site right now or on the. Through all the podcast platforms. Elvis: Good and scary thing about podcasts, every episode is available forever. Mandy Arena: Forever. Elvis: So if there's one you thought was, it was just okay. It's always out there. Becky: Hey, it's a sleeper hit. You never know it's going to make it big. Elvis: So you release what, the first of a month or when does it come out? Every month. Becky: we try to release it right around the time that the issue is release. Elvis: Oh, okay. Becky: So we try to line that up. So it's the beginning of the month usually. Elvis: Except issues go out. Yeah, yeah. Becky: It's usually the first week or two. Elvis: Yeah. How do you pick what you talk about on LMT? It's hard And how prepared in advance are you? Do you do them like right before it goes out or. Becky: It's pretty close. We want to make sure that everything is fresh and is edited and ready to go. And I'm saying what I'm supposed to be saying. Elvis: Do you write the script? Becky: I do. Elvis: Do you really? Becky: I do. I mean the bulk of it are the news releases and the articles. So it's a lot of our editors words that I'm using. Elvis: Ye sure. Becky: For the main articleeah. But yeah, all the in between stuff and the intro and the outro, I get to throw my own Little spin on it. Elvis: How long are these things? They're not too long. Becky: They aren't. They're usually between eight and ten minutes, so. Elvis: See, I'm a fan of those. Even though I do an hour long podcast. I like the little bits, you know what I mean? Becky: It's a good filler if you. It is running out to the store. You only have a 10 minute car ride. Toply. Elvis: Totally. And how do you pick what you talk about? Becky: it's a group decision. Yeah. I try to get all the input from the editors. They're really closer to a lot of the news that's going on, so I'll be sure to, you know, do I highlight this one instead of this? Elvis: Yeah. Becky: but I mean, all the articles are so good. That is kind of hard. We're like, which one do we go? Elvis: I was gonna say, how do you pick? I mean, so many good articles usually, and so many news and like, how do you favor one over the other'it's? Becky: Hard. Usually. I try not to do anything that has too many pictures because that doesn't always translate. Elvis: Tell me about it. Becky: You know, we'll try to, you know, see what sounds best. If we have anything, timely, anything that's coming up. If, you know, next month, this event'happening we'll really try to highlightah. Elvis: You got to get it out there soon, early and. Yeah. LMT sound bites. Becky: LMT sound bites. Elvis: Apple podcasts, Apple podcast, Spotify. Becky: Yep. Iear. Elvis: I heart all the big ones. Yeah, it's everyone out there. Becky: And all the little. The subcategories too, which I should get better at knowing the names of. Elvis: But I find a new platform, I'm like, I wonder if we're on it. Like, oh, we are. O yeah, look at us. Becky: Yeah, right? And we have them all on the website, too. It's l mag.com podcasts and they're all up there ready and waiting to go. Elvis: To a fellow podcaster signing off, it. Becky: Has been an honor. Elvis: Becky, thank you so much. Becky: Thanks for having us. Elvis: Just because you're the only one that's been on to LMT. Thank you. Oh, for Chicago, for everything. 40 years. Becky: Holy 40 show. I can't believe it. This show is flawless, no hiccups, not a sing Nut and Judy's still around here. Walking around. I Killing that. Elvis: Walking like she's in a race. I Where you going, Judy? Becky: She's moving and grooving. Yeah, all the time. Elvis: That's amazing. But I mean, this show, there's no hiccups, not a sing. I mean, it's just flawless that we see oh, that's. Maybe you guys are all panicking in the background. I don't know. Becky: No way. We've got. We've got the team down. We've got Jenny planning everything out. The editors are all over the place. And yeah, it really, it's a full team effort and it all comes together. Elvis: So seamlessly, but you all just kill it. And it's fun every year. Becky: I bet it's fun to see you guys. It's fun coming out here and seeing the whole industry, get together and, you know, everyone's just out there taking pictures of each other and o, Elvis: So many p pictures and I have the same face in every picture. Becky: I've realized I really'is it your blue steel? Elvis: I wish. No, it's like the opposite of blue steel. Becky: I've started just, like, making funny faces to just be like, it was on purpose it'face I like. Elvis: I always look goofy when I smile. So I'm just gonna go farther with the. Becky: You got toa lean into it. Vicki Thomas: Right. Elvis: I love it. Becky: well, thanks for having me. This was really a lot of fun. Elvis: Absolutely. We'll see you. You on, in the airwavesly. I don't know what to say. Becky: That sounds good. Elvis: Yeah. Does it? Becky: Yeah. Elvis: Yeah. Becky: When I was on the air, I always had a sign off. Elvis: What was it? Becky: Play safe and rock on. Elvis: Play safe and rock on. Will you do that on a sound bite? Becky: Sometimes I should. I should bring that back, right? I'm always at the end of it. I'm always like, bye now, or I'll go, I'll see you next time. I'm not gonna see you. Elvis: That's okay. Mine all'end with bye. You know what else to do? My wife's like, why are you send. You're not on a phone call. And I'm like, I know, but it's just what I do. Becky: I watched this one YouTuber, Simone, ych. She's amazing. But that's how she. That's just how she ends it. She always says bye by. And that's her signature. Elvis: It's just, bye now. You know, it's over, right? Becky: There you go. So, Elvis. Elvis: Yeah. Becky: Thanks for having me over. Elvis: Rock on. Becky: Play safe. Elvis: Play safe and rock on. On. I love it. See you, Becky. Becky: All right, thanks. Elvis: Thanks. Do do DO Illinois Denurist Association. Illinois Dent Denturist Association welcomes Mandy Areina back We are once again. Was it last year or two years ago? We talked year before last? Yes, year before last. Mandy Arena. Katie Ronaldo. Did I say it right? Mandy Arena: You sure did. Elvis: Shut up. Mandy Arena: Is Elvis Doahl Yeah. All right. Elvis: Welcome back. Welcome back. Mandy Areina. Katie Ronaldo. Illinois Den. No, wait. Vicki Thomas: In Illinois. Elvis: Illinois Dent Denturist Association. Association. How's it going? Vicki Thomas: It's going really well, actually. we've had some really great things happen recently. Elvis: Nice. I think last time we talked, there was a senator involved or something. Vicki Thomas: Well, I called him a senator, but he wasn't. Elvis: Okay. Vicki Thomas: You had to edit that out. It was legislator. Mandy Arena: Yes. State representative. Vicki Thomas: Our rep. Our rep. Elvis: I didn't do goodness government in high school, so I'm just gonna go. Okay. Mandy Arena: Yeah. I feel like I'm learning a lot from all over again. Elvis: So where we at? Vicki Thomas: That legislator did not me to say yes. Yeah. Okay, Go ahead. Mandy Arena: Okay. That representative. State representative. Decided not to run for his seat again. He finished out his term. Elvis: Oay. Mandy Arena: His assistant, Murray Briel, who was working with us, you know, and him. She ran for a seat in one. Elvis: Oh. Mandy Arena: So. Vicki Thomas: So it was a big deal because with. Elvis: If the assistant that kind of, cared probably a little bit more than the representative. Vicki Thomas: Yeah. She's really. She's really very supportive of us. Once. She's really working to make this happen. Elvis: Nice. Vicki Thomas: And she, Elvis: Y'all voted for her, I hope. Mandy Arena: Wasn't in my district. Elvis: Yeah. Mandy Arena: But I told my family in her district, ye. Go give her a vote. Elvis: Yeah. Y. Okay, so. Vicki Thomas: So she's been reelected, and we resubmitted our bill to legislation. When was it, like three weeks ago? Elvis: Oh, just recently. Vicki Thomas: Well, yeah, we resubmitted it. Elvis: Why do you have to resubmit it? Isn't it already in there? Vicki Thomas: Well, we submitted it the first time, and I don't remember if we talked about this. There was. They kicked it back. There was some language we had to change. So it just. It goes back and forth. Elvis: Ye. Vicki Thomas: And it's a lot harder to pass laws than I had thought it was gonna be. Yeah. You know, but still, no one has told us. No, not one person has told us. No, they kicked it back. And they said it was two things. It was, oral cancer screenings. There was nothing in our language about that. And it was X rays. X rays. Taking X rays. So we're trying to change, like, our approach now to make it where we would have to get a script from a dentist to work with them. Elvis: Okay. You know, so they can't come to you without going to a dentist first. Vicki Thomas: Think. We can get a ballot initiative, but it's gonna cost millions No, I don't know what. Elvis: There's a finger up. Vicki Thomas: I don't remember. Mandy Arena: I guess I didn't know how much we were gonna disclose because, like, these are just things we're talking about right now because the ISDS isn't really interested in talking to us, the Dental Society. So we've approached them with like, how can we change this for you guys to. To get on board with us? Elvis: Yeah. What do you want to see? Kind of thing. Vicki Thomas: Yeaheah. Mandy Arena: Yeah. What would make this favorable for you? Elvis: Yeah. Mandy Arena: but I think. I guess. I'm sorry, I got a. I just maybe in my head got taken back to something else. Like, was this like, just a private conversation? Vicki Thomas: O I. Yeah or no? Mandy Arena: Okay. Vicki Thomas: I don't know. I thought we. I thought we were telling everybody that. Mandy Arena: I didn't know that. Okay. Becky: Yeah. Mandy Arena: Cut us out if we're on the wrong page. Vicki Thomas: Yeah. I think we're gonna have, the greatest amount of success. Mandy Arena: Re. Right. Vicki Thomas: If we can partner with, them. Elvis: Don't have to. Vicki Thomas: Yeah, yeah. We mean. I mean, I really feel like it's our. It's our best way to move forward. Elvis: Yeah. Mandy Arena: You know what? And you're right. And with that, I think we were. We were also discussing, you know, even as far as a regulatory board. Vicki Thomas: Yeah. Mandy Arena: If and when we do pass this bill, will we be able to afford to regulate our own profession? And will we have to fall under the Dental board to help regulate us? You know, so we. We're kind of right now. Any. You're right, man. Vicki Thomas: Yeah. Mandy Arena: I'm m sorry. Any. Any way we can get that foot in the door and. And earn favor and trust with. With the Dental Society. Is. Is really the way we want to go about it that how other states. Elvis: Do it or is it all different? Vicki Thomas: It's different in different states. Mandy Arena: Most have been, like ballot initiatives. Vicki Thomas: Yeah. Mandy Arena: In past. Maine is the only one that had gone through the legislative process. Elvis: Okay. Mandy Arena: Yeah. Vicki Thomas: We researched in ballot initiative and it's gonna be $6.7 million. Elvis: Oh, wait a minute. I think I have a little bit. No, I don't have any of that. Mandy Arena: Can you spot us a 5 ye? Elvis: Just a little bit. Mandy Arena: Yeah. Elvis: Wow. Vicki Thomas: $6.7 million. The reason is so at first we thought we could just go and get signatures. You need like 53% of whatever the governor's total votes were for, his last. It's weird. Like, you need like. So if it's like 53% of whatever his vote in each county. So we thought, well, just take a couple weekends. We'll just go. We'll stand outside of Walmart and we'll get signatures. Right. We can make this happen. We can get a ballot initiative. Becky: You don't have to worry. Vicki Thomas: You need, you know, I don't know. Elvis: Are you talking hundreds of thousand? Mandy Arena: Oh, yes. Becky: Yeah. Mandy Arena: It was ridiculous. Like we would have to hire a company to do y. Vicki Thomas: So that's when we found out, like, we can't even get signatures ourselves because they'll kick it out. Like, they have to be like, licensed. The people that hold the. Elvis: The signature. We're starting an association in Missouri and Indiana to help make alcohol legal Vicki Thomas: Yeah. Elvis: Have to be like. Vicki Thomas: Yeah. And you. And that's why it's 6.7 million, because they make, you know, 15 bucks an hour. Elvis: Well, I wouldn'want that much money if you wanted me to get that many signatures. Vicki Thomas: I mean, be honest. Elvis: I'm not go goingna do it for a buck. Vicki Thomas: Right. Yeah. So now that's when. I mean, now we're going to. We're trying to work with the, isds. Vicki Thomas: And partner with them so we can make it legal. Elvis: How do you approach them? Mandy Arena: we've emailed DO to their board. Elvis: Do you go to their meeting? Meeting, maybe. You know what I would do? I'GET a table at their meeting because they always want vendors there. Vicki Thomas: Great. Elvis: Yeah. Have a state meeting. Vicki Thomas: They do. Elvis: They, they are dying for people to buy tables at these things because they're all kind of going downhill like every other Y other than lmt. But they're all going downhill. And you buy them a table, they'll take your money, and then you're in front of them. Vicki Thomas: Great idea. Elvis: Might not be very loved. I don't know. Mandy Arena: Did you say you were gonna join the board? Right. Vicki Thomas: You want to join? Mandy Arena: I mean, we need these, we need these great ideas. Vicki Thomas: Come to a meeting once in a while. Yeah, it's an hour a month. Like we mentioned briefly earlier, we're starting an association in Missouri and Indiana. Elvis: Yeah. Yeah, let's talk about Indiana. How's this happening? Why are you branching out before you finish one? What's the thought behind that? Vicki Thomas: Well, because we have a lot of people that are interested in other states, so we're gonna, we're combining it and we're gonna just help them make it happen too. Elvis: Collectively, I mean, you're in Missouri, right? Vicki Thomas: I'm in Missouri, yeah. Elvis: you're not even in Illinois. Vicki Thomas: Well, I'm very close to Illinois. I live in St. Louis. Elvis: I's like. Vicki Thomas: Yeah, very close. Elvis: Yeah. Vicki Thomas: You know, but so that's why we're just gonna, we're doing it. Elvis: So who in Indiana is doing. Do you want to say name? Who's the. Mandy Arena: Yeah. I hope he doesn't mind. I hope you don't Mind. Danny Beck just brought Danny back on. Elvis: I don't know who Danny bec Is. Vicki Thomas: He's a technician. Mandy Arena: He's a. Elvis: Okay. Mandy Arena: Marion. Ah, lab owner. Vicki Thomas: Yeah. Elvis: And Marion. M m h. Okay. I don't know him. Mandy Arena: I, think he's been in the industry for 20 years. Elvis: 20 some years to be a denturist. Mandy Arena: He's very interested in it, but, you. Vicki Thomas: Know, he's willing to help us and. And do it with us, so that's big deal. Mandy Arena: Yep. And he knows some people, too, and, yeah, he's been very supportive all along. So we finally just, you know, we said, hey, Danny, you're joining. Elvis: Yeah, come, on. Indiana got stupid laws. Like, it was probably five years ago, we were able to buy alcohol on a Sunday. Mandy Arena: Oh, wow. Elvis: Weeds still? Not really. Yeah. in order for a grocery store to sell alcohol, it needed to have a pharmacy, which is the weirdest I've ever heard. Yeah. Mandy Arena: Yeah. Elvis: Indian is stupid. Mandy Arena: Pretty conservative still. Elvis: That's why we live in Indianapolis. Vicki Thomas: I like Indianapolis. Elvis: Oh, it's great. Elvis: Yeah. but we got stupid laws. Any state that wants this to be legal can help us write bills They're slowly changing. Elvis: Yeah. Mandy Arena: And then Missouri, too. So there's some. There's some interest in a couple people who jumped on board Missouri. Vicki Thomas: A whole bunch of Missouri techs. Elvis: And you. Vicki Thomas: Yeah, and me. Mandy Arena: Yeah. So we just want to collectively work on it together and so that. And get these people involved. So as Illinois goes forward, we can help them go forward as well. And they're, you know, they're learning everything along with us. Elvis: Yeah. Mandy Arena: You know, just trying to get this Midwest thing would be great. Vicki Thomas: I think at the beginning, we're like, we can. Once it's legal in Illinois, we can branch out. But now we're finding we don't have to wait. We can branch out. We can, get bills written. Any state that wants this to be legal. Elvis: I mean, the bill you wrote, can't you just change a few things and then doing this one? Or is it that complicated? Maybe Illinois with Indiana. You know, just a quick text change. Vicki Thomas: Our bill is actually an amendment to the Illinois State Dental Practice Act. Elvis: Oh. Vicki Thomas: so. Mandy Arena: Yeah. Vicki Thomas: Yeah, that's. But we're amending that act. Elvis: You guys aren't making this easier to understand. Elvis: Oh, gosh. Mandy Arena: Yeah. Vicki Thomas: I barely understand it when I have to read the bill. Guys, this is gonna sound. I'm gonna sound. I can't even, make it through it. No, I have to, like, turn brown noise on. Like, the way they're all worded. I have to. It's just all user agreement. No, I have to Read the paragraph over and over again. It takes forever. My brain is not. Elvis: Do you ever draw out the situation as you read? This is a person. You draw all stick ves he goes here and you draw it over. Vicki Thomas: No, I call Katie because she can understand. I'm like, katie, I can't even read this. Mandy Arena: I think once. Once you do it, once you read through it, a ton, it does get easier. But it's not fun to readah. It's not. It's just like. And then you. In their language, they. Everything has to be so concise so then you're second guessing everything. Is this worded correctly? How do we want to change this? You know and. Mandy Arena: It gets overwhelminge. Yeah. You know, that's what you have your representatives for and they have. Oh shoot, I just lost the word. The people who draft, you know, and they write a team of people. Y they do. Elvis: They wrot. Elvis: You guys aren't sitting down writing this? Vicki Thomas: No, I could not. Becky: I'm not capable of that. Vicki Thomas: I mean, maybe my chad GPT Yeah. And be the only way Write a. Elvis: Bille so what do you need right now from everybody? What? I mean, what's gonna. Vicki Thomas: We need money. Mandy Arena: O. Yeah, we need money. Elvis: $5, right? Vicki Thomas: $6.7 billion. Mandy Arena: Yes. Oh yes, Yes. Becky: Y. Mandy Arena: It's. It's. Vicki Thomas: We still members too. You want to you. I mean, you have one hour a month. Mandy Arena: Yes. Vicki Thomas: You have one hour a month for zoom meeting. Elvis: Yeah. Vicki Thomas: Just show up. Elvis: Okay. Vicki Thomas: That's it. Really? This goes to the House. It'll go to the Senate later. It's the first committee Elvis: What do you do in these meetings? Just discuss where you're at. Ideas. Vicki Thomas: Our ideas, our plans. And what do we do? Yeah, no, it'no. We just talk about what we're doing and you know, what the isds said. And for a while we were kind of like we weren't really doing much because we weren't sure who was gonna get reelected. Elvis: It's a waiting yes. Mandy Arena: Yeah. Vicki Thomas: Yeahe. Elvis: Yeah. Vicki Thomas: I mean we wrote letters to all like different legislators. It's. That was chat GPT Yeah. I mean, yeah, I'm down for it. Elvis: Yeah. Vicki Thomas: Yeah. Mandy Arena: Also that, Michelle from Robin Michelle's Real Life with Robin Michelle the denture tips and tricks. M. she has a YouTube channel that she recently she gave us a little promo and she walked her followers through our website. This is how you contact your representatives. You are in Illinois. Reach out. Est support this association. That was amazing. She's a big supporter. She's from Ohio. just to wr, you know, everyday person denturewe and she has a YouTube video that so she gave us a shout out. N. but yeah, that's what we're asking. We want people in specifically first to reach out to your state representative. This goes to the House. It'll go to the Senate later. Elvis: Yeah. Mandy Arena: if it makes it past the House. Elvis: Sure. Elvis: Yeah. Mandy Arena: we haven't submitted the bill yet. As Mandy was saying she had to. The new representative had to redraft the bill. So we haven't submitted it yet. But. Vicki Thomas: Oh no, I thought she submitted it. Mandy Arena: Wellh, she submitted it for review, but now I guess I should say we haven't introduced it yet. O to the House. Vicki Thomas: It the first committee. Mandy Arena: Yeah. Vicki Thomas: Yeah. Mandy Arena: So help. Vicki Thomas: It's the first committee which. It's the first step. Mandy Arena: It ise. Vicki Thomas: You know. Mandy Arena: So if you go ont to our website, illinoisturist.com at the bottom of the page there's a link to. I think it says email your senator. But when you click on the link you can type in your. Your address and it will tell you who your state representative is and who your senator is. So it is the easiest thing ever. Like this link takes you right there and it gives you all their contact information. And that's what we're asking people right now. We need you to write representative. Your state representative first. Tell them why our state needs tourist. You know. And then like we said, the financial piece, we are realizing we will probably still need to obtain an attorney or a law or a lobbyist in addition to our representative sponsoring. So, Elvis: Sounds expensive. Mandy Arena: It is expensive. Elvis: It'ser. Mandy Arena: I think 20,000 do a year for a lobbyist. So we do need donations. We always need donations. Yeah. Cause the lab tech salary doesn't pay this. Vicki Thomas: I mean. Yeah, we're doing it. We're doing it on a very shoestring budget. Mandy Arena: Yeah. Elis says Representative Briel is really pushing Awesome. She's getting people, you know, inside government interested Vicki Thomas: What. Elvis: I mean how long has this been going? How long has this. Mandy Arena: December of 2018 is when you started. Vicki Thomas: Ye. Elvis: Wow. Mandy Arena: Yeah, we just hit six years. Vicki Thomas: Good job, girl. Elvis: Do we have a timeline on when the next movement happens or. Mandy Arena: We're just in the process right now, hopefully. I think. I think with our last representative, there was some issues behind the scenes that I don't think our bill was taken real seriously. He had some personal issues going that he was dealing with. So. Elvis: Somebody in politics with personal issues. Mandy Arena: Yeah. And. Yeah, I know. And But anyways, Representative Briel right now, she is just full of energy and ambition once. Elvis: Yeah. Mandy Arena: She is talking what it takes any all the people she can in Springfield right now really trying to. To bring awareness and push this and get other. Other supporting. Elvis: Talk to her often. Vicki Thomas: Yeah, we do. Yeah. Mandy Arena: Y. Vicki Thomas: She has one of our T shirts that we made. Likenn be denturist. Elvis: Yeah. Vicki Thomas: And she wears it to, like, to work, you know. Elvis: Really? Vicki Thomas: Yeah. And so people. She said people are always asking her. She's getting people, you know, inside government interested in Awesome. Y. I mean, it's really good. Yeah. Elvis: I'm excited still. Mandy Arena: We are. Vicki Thomas: You are? Elvis: Yeah. Oay, I'd like to see Indiana happen. Mandy Arena: Yeah. Vicki Thomas: Yeah. Mandy Arena: Well, we'll keep you updated and. Yeah. And absolutely. If you ever have interest, you know, and coming along with us, it would be great. Elvis. Elvis: I'll do what I can. Mandy Arena: Yeah. Elvis: Thank you so much. Vicki Thomas: Thank you, Elis. Elvis: Thank you, Katie. Always great to see you. You too. All right. Have a good day. Mandy Arena: Okay. You too. Barbara: A, huge thanks to Vicki, Becky, Katie and Mandy. So sad. I miss these conversations, but they were, amazing. Thank you for sitting down with Elvis in the Ivaclar Ballroom. Lab Day Chicago is raising money to help small labs in Illinois Lab Day Chicago. I've known Vicki for a while. In fact, she actually reached out to me and said that, she had heard about my dad and we chatted for a while. Shout out to you. But I know her heart is definitely in the right place when she says she just wants to help other small labs. So be sure to head over to savvylabsolutions.com or see the link on this episode. Show notes. And remember, guys, the first month is free. You can sign up, see if you can be saving any money on the things that you're already buying. Or, maybe you're a vendor listening to this and want to reach this large and growing part of our industry. So reach out to Vicki. I'm sure she wants to hear from you. I definitely think this is the first Lab Day Chicago that I've missed and I don't even know how many years. Elvis: Have you ever like this one? Barbara: I don't think so. Elvis: Wow. Barbara: But I'm really sorry I didn't get a chance to talk to Becky. Ty. That is just one part of the team that makes the show a success. After you listen to our podcast, hehee, go check out LMT soundbess on any of the platforms and listen to Becky's sexy voice talk about our industry. And as always, I, love what Katie and Mandy are doing and how passionate they are about making Denturus legal in Illinois and now other states. You guys are amazing. Like, literally. So stop what you're doing and head over to Illinoisuris.com to email your senator and to donate what you can to help this worthy cause. Thank you, everybody, and good luck to you guys. Elvis: All right, everybody, that's all we got for you. Elvis: We'll be back with a special anniversary episode next week. Barbara: Oh, that's so exciting. Elvis: So we'll talk to you then. Barbara: All right, bye. You want to come in, too, Boon? Elvis: Let all the dogs in. Barbara: It's a house full of animals, baby. Elvis: The views and opinions expressed on the Voices from the Bench podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the host or Voices from the Bench, llc.