We caught up with the brilliant and insightful James Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, James thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The story of one of the biggest risks I’ve taken started when I was just starting out in the dental industry. I had a mentor, Dr. John Kim, who is now the CEO of Cal Dental USA. At the time, I was only 19, going on 20, and had little experience beyond some front desk work and making dental recall calls. Dr. Kim needed to make some changes in his company and asked me if I’d be interested in managing two dental office locations—one in Long Beach and another in Fullerton.

When he presented the opportunity, I was hesitant. I’d never managed anything, let alone two offices. The doubt was so clear in my response that he actually told me not to worry about it, assuming I wasn’t ready. But in that moment, something shifted. I knew if I didn’t take this risk, I might always wonder what could’ve been. So, I jumped up and said, “I’ll do it.”

I was nervous, to say the least. There were countless moments where I questioned myself, but I leaned into the challenge, learned on the job, and grew through the experience. Fast forward to today, and I’m now the Vice President of the company, overseeing 23 locations. In hindsight, it was a pivotal moment that shaped my career. Had I not taken that leap, I’m not sure where I’d be today, but I know it was a risk that paid off immensely.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into the dental and healthcare industry started at 18, though it wasn’t where I initially saw myself. At the time, I worked as a service clerk at Walgreens with the goal of eventually moving into the pharmacy department. My mom, Tanya Beltran, had been working in dental marketing for years and had built a great reputation in the field. One day, she mentioned that Smile Finders (now known as Assure Dental) was hiring call center representatives, and the opportunity offered a significant pay raise. Even though my original plan was pharmacy, something told me this was a chance worth exploring.

I ended up working at Smile Finders for nearly two years, learning the ins and outs of dental marketing, patient management, and how to keep a schedule full. I quickly rose through the ranks, often competing with my colleague Nancy for the title of Representative of the Month. Those early experiences—grinding on the phones until the last minute to ensure our schedules were full—helped lay the foundation for my success later on in the field. Keeping the schedule packed became my specialty, and it’s a skill that has separated me from others throughout my career.

Today, I serve as Vice President of Cal Dental USA, overseeing operations at 23 different locations. What sets me apart is my relentless focus on patient engagement and ensuring that the clinics run smoothly and are staffed, keeping both our patients and staff happy. Our services span a range of dental care, from basic cleanings to more advanced procedures, our Doctor’s take pride in offering high-quality care to patients across Southern California.

One thing I’m most proud of is how far we’ve come as a company. We’ve grown from a few locations to a decent sized player in the dental space, and the relationships we’ve built are what drive us. For potential clients, I want them to know that Cal Dental USA isn’t just another dental chain—we’re a community-focused organization that genuinely cares about each patient’s health and experience. The Doctor’s don’t just fix teeth, They focus on building trust, and that’s what sets us apart.

At the core of everything we do is a commitment to excellence, from the service our doctor’s provide to the products we’re working on developing, To being endorsed by some of the biggest names in sports & entertainment . Whether you’re coming in for a routine check-up or looking for ways to improve your smile, Cal Dental USA has got you covered.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My story has been a bit of a complex one—nothing came easy, but like Nipsey Hussle said, “opportunity met preparation,” and it couldn’t be more true. The way I met my business partner and mentor, Dr. John Kim, was a pivotal moment in my life, even if it started off as a difficult situation.

After my run at Smile Finders, where I had been named Employee of the Month multiple times, I was suddenly fired. Yes, you read that right. Despite my success, they let me go due to what they called a “conflict of interest.” My mom, Tanya Beltran, who had been working there as well, decided to leave and start her own business with none other than Dr. John Kim, who would later become my mentor and partner. Smile Finders saw my mom’s new business venture as a conflict, and since we were family, I was caught in the middle.

At that time, it crushed me. I had just gotten married to my middle school sweetheart, Deanna, and we had a newborn. Being laid off was a huge blow. I did what any young person in that situation might do—I turned to my mom and asked her what to do next. She told me to come with her to an event she had lined up. Feeling heartbroken and defeated, I reluctantly went along.

After the event in Fullerton, my mom had a team meeting, and that’s when I met Dr. John Kim. We talked for a bit, and he asked me, “What do you plan to do with your life?” Honestly, I didn’t have a solid answer, so I replied, “I don’t know, but I want to be a millionaire.” I laugh now, wishing I had said billionaire instead, but his response changed everything. He looked at me and said, “Follow me, and I’ll make you a millionaire.”

From that moment on, we became a dynamic duo, and Dr. John Kim became the best mentor and partner I could’ve ever asked for. He’s not just an incredible dentist (and I say that from the heart, not just because we’re partners), but he held the #1 ranking on Yelp in Los Angeles for years before retiring and selling his private practice for more than the industry standard. His success speaks for itself, and I’ve learned so much from him.

In hindsight, getting fired from Smile Finders was the best thing that could’ve happened to me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and into an opportunity I never saw coming. So, funny enough, I have to thank Smile Finders for firing me because it ultimately changed my life. The older I get, the more I realize that often, bad things happen right before something amazing comes along.

Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?

Yes, I’ve had the experience of buying a business, specifically a dental practice, and it’s something that’s close to my heart. I like to think of our approach as somewhat of a “Howard Schultz” style—helping those who feel stuck in a tough spot. Dentistry can be a lonely field. I’ve met many doctors who feel like they’re in a rat race with no clear way out. That feeling of isolation, combined with the pressures of running a practice, is something many in the industry face. But the trend now is shifting toward partnerships and forming groups, and that’s where we find our greatest joy—lifting people out of those tough situations.

To share one specific story, there was a practice in Van Nuys that came our way. A doctor reached out, explaining that he was going out of business and wanted to know if we were interested in buying any of his equipment. I met with him, walked through the practice, and could tell he was defeated. After running the office for five years, he couldn’t collect more than $5,000 a month and was at his wit’s end. As I looked around, I asked him, “Are you sure you don’t want to give this another shot?” He was surprised and asked if I thought there was still potential. Without hesitation, I said yes—honestly, at that time, everything felt like it had potential to me. You could’ve shown me a dental office hidden underground, and I would’ve jumped at the opportunity!

But back to the story—he didn’t see the value in the practice anymore. He was ready to walk away, exhausted and disheartened. However, I saw something different. We took over the practice, and I’m blessed to say that we turned it around completely. Today, that same office is bringing in an average of $35,000 a month, working just two days a week! Not only did we save it from closing, but it’s also now on the market for $300,000—a huge transformation from the days when it was struggling to survive.

For me, this was one of those defining moments. Sure, we could go out and buy high-end offices at a premium price, but where’s the fun in that? We’re in the life-changing business. Being able to save this doctor’s practice—something he once saw as junk—and turn it into a success is what truly gives me a sense of purpose. Helping him rediscover the potential in something he thought was lost meant everything to me, and it’s a story I carry with pride. These are the moments that make all the hard work worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://caldentalusa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caldentalusa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cdgbell/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjonesceo
• Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FCaldentalusa

Image Credits
Yes all Credited to myself James Jones