Dr. Avi Israeli is a Dental Implantologist & Owner of Sage Dental NJ in Wall Township, New Jersey.
How Raising Four Kids Shaped My Path to Business Success
Although I’m a successful small business owner, being a father to four incredible children has been my most profound learning experience. Over the past 18 years, the lessons I’ve gained from raising my kids have shaped not only my life but also how I approach running my business. The timing is no coincidence—my business journey began shortly after the birth of my first child, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place when he was around 9 months old. Here are some of the key takeaways from my journey into parenthood:
Never Negotiate with a “Terrorist”
Parenting a toddler can feel like dealing with a small, relentless “terrorist”—screaming, tantrums, and demands that are both socially and emotionally exhausting. The same applies to parenting a teenager, although the tactics evolve into slamming doors, sassy remarks, and daily “requests” (more like demands) for Starbucks, Sephora, and Hollister. The core issue remains the same: if you give in, you lose. Not in the literal sense, but metaphorically—once they spot your weak spot, your “not right now” or “maybe later” becomes meaningless, even when you truly mean it. From their perspective, if they push hard enough—whether by whining, pleading, or name-calling—you’ll eventually cave in and give them what they want. Don’t fall for it! Reinforce the positive behavior and stand firm—never negotiate with a “terrorist.”
This principle applies just as strongly in my business and patient relationships. Over the years, I’ve encountered patients who test the boundaries, attempting to exploit my kindness and generosity. If you give an inch, they’ll take a mile, often at the expense of my team and practice. I approach these situations much like I do with my kids. Whether it’s managing team needs or handling demanding patients, I can’t always give in, especially when it conflicts with my clinical judgment. By actively listening and allowing people to voice their frustrations, they feel heard and are more receptive when I explain the reasoning behind my decisions. This approach has greatly improved my relationships with both colleagues and patients, allowing me to connect on a deeper, more personal level.
Sharing is Caring
There’s a popular saying, “Everything I needed to know, I learned in Kindergarten,” and there’s a lot of truth to that. As a parent, I’ve taught my children that life isn’t just about “mine” and “yours,” but rather “ours.” Not everything can be split up; most successes require the cooperation and participation of multiple people. We share a home together—bathrooms, kitchen, food, and even some personal belongings. Of course, we all have our own boundaries and respect what’s uniquely ours, but there’s a healthy balance of shared spaces and resources.
In business, sharing is just as crucial for the team’s overall success. If all the wheels on the bus don’t turn together, the bus doesn’t move. Sharing responsibilities, resources, and even celebrating the office’s achievements through merit-based bonuses is key to motivating my employees to succeed. The “mine” and “yours” mindset simply doesn’t work in a thriving business—it’s about what we build together as a team.
Lead by Example
If you want your children to behave, speak, or act in a certain way, the most effective approach is to model that behavior yourself. I’ve learned this firsthand—nothing exposes hypocrisy faster than telling your children one thing while doing the opposite, a point my 17-year-old daughter hasn’t hesitated to call me out on! Kids of all ages mimic what they see, not what they’re told. If I want my children to stay calm in a crisis, I need to model that calmness myself. Otherwise, why would they trust what I say?
The same principle applies in my office. If I expect respect from my colleagues, I need to consistently show them respect. If I want them to take care of our equipment, I must demonstrate that I care for it by carefully sterilizing, organizing, and storing it properly. If punctuality is a standard I hold for them, I should hold it for myself as well—leading by example. When my actions consistently align with my words, it builds trust, encourages engagement, and leads to a more motivated and compliant team focused on the success of the business.
A Consistent Routine Spawns Predictable Results
Cause and effect is one of the first developmental concepts we learn as children. If I lie, I get in trouble. If I hit my sister, mom will punish me. If I finish my schoolwork, I’ll get good grades. In each of these scenarios, it’s consistency that reinforces these cause-and-effect relationships. Even for children with disabilities, experts emphasize that maintaining consistent schedules, actions, and consequences creates predictability, helping them feel safe and secure as they navigate an often confusing world.
This principle is equally important in my business. To be fair to my team, patients, and prospective patients, consistency in treatment planning, scheduling, and clinical techniques is essential. When people know what to expect, compliance is higher, and it allows us, as clinicians, to be more transparent about everything—from finances to managing expectations. Ultimately, this leads to higher patient satisfaction and smoother operations across the board.
Always Mind Your Manners (and Your Own Business)
I often remind my children to stay in their own lane. Simple acts of politeness—like saying “please” and “thank you”—go a long way in making others feel valued. It’s also important not to get caught up in unnecessary drama. If something doesn’t involve you, don’t get involved. Understanding your boundaries and focusing on your own narrative helps you avoid getting entangled in situations that don’t concern you and can lead to challenges down the road.
The same principle applies in my practice. Even when a patient is rude or difficult, maintaining professionalism and politeness is essential. After all, we’re in a customer service industry. Additionally, knowing when to engage and when to step back is crucial to avoiding situations that could negatively impact our business. Recognizing these boundaries ensures smoother operations and contributes to long-term success.
A Lesson Learned is a Lesson Lived.
I truly believe that the techniques, lessons, and insights we gain as parents profoundly influence everything we do in life. These experiences have shaped how I interact with patients and how I care for and nurture the team that has helped make my practice a success. My children are a constant source of entertainment, and though they’ve certainly contributed to my gray hairs over the years, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the invaluable life lessons they’ve taught me.