Yesterday Garrett invited me to meet him in Guymon to check out the community, see the office, and meet Dr. Gibson and his wife. The drive is a little over 2 hours from Amarillo with scenery that is flat and unremarkable. My only stop on the way up was a little antique/gift boutique in Stratford. It has some nice looking antiques and tons of jewelry. I did pick up one item, a Christmas present for Brett.
The town of Guymon is about 16,000 people but Dr. Gibson says it draws from about 50,000 people. The town's main industry is hogs, approx. 4 million are slaughtered annually. Dr. Gibson said in the 90"s when it came in that it really boosted the economy in Guymon and they have had good growth ever since. Dr. Gibson's wife works for a OB/GYN office and she says they deliver approx. 350 babies a year.
The dental clinic is conveniently located just off Main Street behind the local Braums and beside the local mall. The office is spacious with 7 operatories. There is only one hygienist right now but it looks like they will be hiring one more very soon. It has an upstairs that is plumbed for 3 more operatories. If I remember correctly, 5 of the operatories face full windows and the atrium. Across the street they see the mall but Dr. Gibson's focus is the mountain range in the distance and how beautiful it looks with snow on it.
The dental clinic has been a family affair. Dr. Gibson bought the practice from his father and uncle (identical twins). He has worked with them since he graduated from dental school. They each are semi-retired working on their own part-time schedules as they are now 75 years old.
The drive to Guymon was completely flat but Guymon is built on the breaks so there is some change in elevation and scenery. I was impressed with the look of growth for the area. They have 2 new hotels and at least 2 more nearing completion. There were some nice housing areas and even the lower income areas I saw were tidy.
I don't know why I didn't take pictures of the office while I was there, but I didn't. I suppose Garrett might have some but if he doesn't there will be opportunities to do so later.
Financially, Garrett has been told that it is sound dental practice. He has looked at much of the finances. He seems very satisfied with his decision. I am hopeful that it is a smooth transition and that Garrett doesn't have to experience financial stress. I haven't ever had much money to deal with so I have no idea what it is like to make that much money nor owe that much money. I am excited for Garrett because he is excited.
My concerns remain the same and maybe they are selfish ones. I won't have a quick rescue down the road. Garrett could make it to the house in 10 minutes when I'd call. His focus with be broader there and we'll be two hours away. I know he'll be coming home some. I'll miss him more than he knows. As mad as I could get at him sometimes for not having 'sympathy' or 'offering' he was close and I could have some family to help. I'm really gonna miss him.
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