What separates a practice that commands a premium valuation from one that leaves money on the table at exit? In this episode of the Dental Wealth Podcast, our CEO, Matthew Maffei, sits down with Jordan Blackmon, Sr. Director of Advisory at Tower Leadership, for a strategic conversation on the hidden operational gaps that quietly erode enterprise value and how disciplined operators build practices buyers compete for. Many owners assume valuation is driven by revenue alone. In reality, sophisticated buyers pay for predictability, leadership structure, clean financials, operational independence, and disciplined capital allocation. Small inefficiencies, unclear reporting, key-person dependency, or misaligned compensation models can compress your multiple, even when production appears strong. Matthew and Jordan break down the difference between running a profitable practice and building a transferable enterprise. From understanding normalized EBITDA to structuring leadership teams and strengthening operational controls, they outline the strategic shifts required to transform a cash-flow practice into a premium asset. If you're thinking about growth, recapitalization, or eventual exit, this conversation reframes how you should be operating today. Watch to find out: • The small operational gaps that quietly reduce your valuation multiple • Why EBITDA must be clean, defensible, and properly normalized • How key-person dependency can dramatically impact your exit price • The difference between income optimization and enterprise optimization • What sophisticated buyers evaluate in the first 30 days of diligence • The structural adjustments that increase valuation before going to market • Why leadership infrastructure drives premium offers • How capital allocation decisions today shape exit outcomes tomorrow This episode is a masterclass in building an exit-ready practice, one designed for enterprise value, not just income.