Family comes first

Although they’d gone to the same primary school, Drs Jippy and Lloyd didn’t meet again until enrolling in the University of Western Australia. They were both studying engineering at the time, with dreams of pursuing a career in dentistry. ‘I’ve always wanted to be an orthodontist,’ says Jippy. ‘But we both also liked engineering, and we were always fascinated with how things worked.’ 

The pair started off studying mechatronics, and while it was fun, it wasn’t their true passion. ‘We both knew that we wanted to do dentistry, but what we learnt in engineering carried over and was very useful,’ says Lloyd. 

They started working as associates in multiple orthodontic practices across town. But as their family grew – they have three sons now, aged five, seven and nine – they realised it was getting harder to balance family and work commitments. ‘So, we thought, why don't we find something that's closer to home, and closer to the children to be able to spend more time with them’ says Jippy. 

Building something of their own, in a closer location would mean simpler logistical planning for their kids’ drop offs, pickups, and after-school commitments, and a happier family unit overall.  

‘That was a big driver. It probably helped to guide some of the decisions, and to build something of our own for the future that we could carry on forward, which would be for them long term,’ says Lloyd.

In the market

The first step in Jippy and Lloyd’s plan was to map out available areas that weren't already covered by other practices, then waiting for the right kind of property to present itself.  

‘We were keen to purchase a premises because we knew we’d be investing a lot in the equipment and the fit-out and everything that goes with building your own reputation. We didn't want to be tenants and have all the vulnerabilities that come along with that,’ Lloyd says. 

They also sought out guidance and advice from friends who had started their own practices. ‘Most of them said it's been very difficult, but they're all glad that they did it,’ Lloyd says. ‘At that early stage, when you're faced with all those huge potential financial obligations and risks and all those things, it seems so daunting. That was the extra nudge along to just keep us travelling down the path and not give up.’ 

One thing that gave them confidence was their relationship with BOQ Specialist’s Josh van Bruchem. ‘We've been dealing with BOQ Specialist for a number of years now,’ Lloyd says. ‘We've had a few loans and facilities through them, and it's always been very, very simple and fast.’ 

‘And with a personalised service,’ Jippy adds. ‘We've been very happy.’ 

Finding ‘the one’

Finally, the perfect property presented itself in the suburb of Doubleview, in northwest Perth. Located on a busy intersection, the pair are happy to have plenty of passing traffic, exposure to the road, and nearby public transport.  

While it may be an old house that needs some work in the future, Drs Jippy and Lloyd knew it was the right place as soon as they saw it. ‘We saw a lot of potential in the natural light, and it had many windows that were looking out to the gardens. We really felt that it could be something special as a clinic rather than how a very traditional, dark, enclosed commercial building normally is,’ says Lloyd. 

Unfortunately, they weren’t the only ones that saw the charm of this location. With plenty of competition for the site, they had to move quickly. ‘We scrambled to get a lot of things together,’ says Lloyd. ‘And Josh [from BOQ Specialist] really helped to make sure that was processed very rapidly so we could act and get everything moving and kept it all moving from that point until it was finished’. 

With a fit-out style already in mind, they knew what they wanted for the space based on previous practices they had worked in. ‘We were lucky that we could see the potential in the layout of the existing building, so we didn't have to do very much,’ says Lloyd. 

All in the details

Since opening the new practice, Smile Arc Specialist Orthodontics, the feedback from patients has been positive so far, with the pair hoping to continue building their reputation within the community.  

‘Hopefully patients see the detail and the thought that's gone into setting up a fun, fresh clinic that's got state-of-the-art equipment,’ adds Jippy. ‘We have put so much thought into providing an environment that's not only enjoyable for staff to work in, but also for patients to experience. They'll see that we also pride ourselves on the detail that we put into our work.’