Kids, Career, and Community: How Dr. Shirk Built His Life in New Albany
Dr. Jeff Shirck's journey from dental student to successful orthodontic practice owner offers valuable insights on entrepreneurship, family values, and financial discipline. His story begins in the challenging economic climate of 2009, when he graduated from his orthodontic residency at Ohio State University amid a recession that made traditional employment opportunities scarce.
With determination and a clear vision, Dr. Shirck opened Shirck Orthodontics in Pataskala in April 2009, just one month after graduating. This bold move came with significant risk – he had student loan debt, a baby on the way, and was launching during one of the worst economic downturns in recent history. However, this calculated risk exemplifies his approach to "good debt" versus "bad debt," a financial principle he now teaches his children.
Dr. Shirck credits much of his financial discipline to his wife Zhenia, who immigrated from Ukraine at age nine with her family and just $300 to their name. Her experience taught her valuable lessons about budgeting and money management that she passed on to their partnership. This foundation of financial literacy has been crucial to their success in expanding to five orthodontic practice locations throughout the Columbus area.
The conversation reveals Dr. Shirck's philosophy on balancing professional success with family values. Despite the demands of business ownership, he emphasizes the importance of teaching his children the value of money and hard work. One compelling anecdote involves his continued use of a 1998 Toyota Corolla long after he could afford an upgrade, demonstrating that just because you can afford something doesn't mean you should purchase it.
Dr. Shirck offers fascinating insights on parenting in today's digital age, where children face different pressures than previous generations. He discusses the challenge of setting appropriate boundaries with technology while ensuring kids develop essential life skills. His approach includes requiring his children to take piano lessons (despite their protests), maintain good grades, and stay physically active – creating structure that builds discipline regardless of their natural inclinations.
The discussion explores the evolving landscape of youth sports, with Dr. Shirck noting how sports have become year-round commitments compared to the seasonal nature they had during his childhood. He questions whether early specialization is truly beneficial, observing that children who experience early success without having to work hard often struggle when they eventually face challenges. Instead, he advocates keeping children busy with multiple activities to help them develop time management skills and stay out of trouble.
Community involvement is another key theme, with Dr. Shirck describing his unexpected role as a youth football coach despite having no background in the sport. This experience connected him more deeply to the New Albany community while providing another avenue to mentor young people beyond his own children. These community connections exemplify how business owners can contribute to their local areas beyond their professional services.
Dr. Shirck's reflections on New Albany's growth showcase his appreciation for thoughtful community planning. While acknowledging that change is inevitable, he values how the city has managed development while maintaining its small-town character through community events like Founders Day and the Fourth of July celebrations.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Shirck emphasizes that true success isn't measured by material possessions but by relationships, values, and impact. His journey demonstrates how entrepreneurial success and strong family values can complement rather than compete with one another when guided by clear principles and purpose.
