AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smile Doctors, LLC announced today that John “J.” Hedrick has joined the company as its new CEO effective immediately. Hedrick succeeds Scotte Hudsmith, co-founder and prior CEO, who will continue to serve as an active member of the Board as its new chairman.
Hedrick is a veteran leader of consumer-driven businesses, bringing extensive multi-site and operational experience to Smile Doctors. He most recently served as CEO of Pei Wei, a private equity-owned fast casual restaurant chain, which he helped build into a fast-growing $300 million business with more than 200 locations and 6,000 employees.
“We are thrilled to have J. join our organization at this time,” said Scotte Hudsmith. “His strong expertise and proven track record in scaling businesses and driving multi-site operations while providing customer-centric experiences will help us continue to deliver outstanding service for our patients and doctor partners. I personally look forward to continuing to support Smile Doctors’ growth and strategic objectives as chairman.”
Hedrick’s previous leadership positions include serving as Chief Operating Officer of NPC International, the nation’s seventh-largest restaurant operator with 1,300 Pizza Hut and Wendy’s locations and annual revenues exceeding $1.2 billion. His earlier experiences include key operating and support roles with industry-leading companies Pilot Flying J, 7-Eleven, and RaceTrac Petroleum.
“The team at Smile Doctors has built a truly differentiated, high growth, market-leading business defined by a unique patient-focused culture and high-quality clinical reputation,” said Hedrick. “I’m honored to partner with the clinical and field leadership team to continue to help Smile Doctors on its growth trajectory as the leading orthodontics support organization in the country.”
Hedrick holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
About Smile Doctors, LLC
Smile Doctors, LLC is the largest orthodontic dental support organization with more than 200 affiliated practices in 17 states. Based in Georgetown, TX and founded by Dr. Scott Law, Scotte Hudsmith, Dr. Dana Fender, and Dr. Greg Goggans, Smile Doctors focuses exclusively on developing and growing affiliated orthodontic practices. Orthodontists can focus on patient care while receiving the support of experienced professionals who are committed to the growth and success of their practices. Support provided by Smile Doctors includes services related to operations, accounting, marketing, and revenue cycle. For more information, please visit www.smiledoctors.com.
About Linden Capital Partners
Linden Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on the healthcare industry. Linden’s strategy is based upon three elements: (i) healthcare specialization, (ii) integrated private equity and operating expertise, and (iii) strategic relationships with large corporations. Linden invests in middle market platforms in the medical products, specialty distribution, pharmaceutical, and services segments of healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lindenllc.com.
