Vision is more than just eyesight — it’s the ability to see a path forward, to build something meaningful, and to make a lasting impact. For Dr. Derron Lee and Dr. Leanne Lee, this vision extends far beyond the exam room. Their journey from science-loving students to successful business owners is a testament to resilience, strategic growth, and the power of financial clarity.
From Shared Dreams to Business Reality
Derron and Leanne’s story began long before they became business partners. They started dating in high school, only to realize they’d first met years earlier at a sixth-grade science camp. Their shared passion for science and helping others guided them through UC Davis and eventually to SUNY College of Optometry in New York City.
Living in New York was a cherished chapter, but the events of September 11, 2001, shifted their perspective. “The tragedy of 9/11 changed us. We loved the city, but we missed our families,” Leanne recalls. The couple returned to California, determined to build a practice in Stockton that combined top-tier care with a community-first approach.
The Business Side of Optometry
Despite years of medical training, running a business brought a steep learning curve. “A medical degree doesn’t teach you how to manage finances, find a location, or handle payroll,” Leanne admits. They immersed themselves in business literature, with Simon Sinek’s work on finding your “why” as a cornerstone of their practice philosophy.
Understanding their purpose — to provide exceptional care while fostering lasting patient relationships — helped them grow their patient base. But as the practice expanded, so did the complexities of managing the back office. “We had a family to raise, employees to support, and patients to care for. The books got lost in the shuffle,” Leanne says.
When the Lees set their sights on hitting their first million in revenue, they knew they needed more than just hard work — they needed a guide. That’s when they found Dr. Scott Colonna of Insight Advantage. “From day one, it just felt right. He was a SUNY alum, which helped us connect on a personal level, and he created an environment where we could be completely honest about our struggles without judgment. Trusting someone with your business’ vulnerabilities isn’t easy, but Scott gave us the freedom to be ourselves — and that made all the difference.
“We’d worked with other consultants, but Scott helped us clarify our vision. He made it easy to be transparent, and we knew we could trust him with the hard stuff.”
Finding Focus with Financial Clarity
The journey with Scott wasn’t linear. “We started working together, then COVID hit, and we stepped away. But when we came back, it was full throttle. One of the first things he did? He made us sit down—wine in hand (Caymus, of course)—and write down our goals. He couldn’t guide us if we didn’t know what we truly wanted,” Leanne recalls. “That exercise shifted everything.”
“We quickly realized we had all the pieces; they just weren’t organized. Scott helped us move from working in our practice to working on it. That mindset shift led to habit changes: better time management, improved delegation, and more strategic decision-making. We were great doctors, but we needed to become great business owners — and Scott gave us the blueprint to do just that.”
The results were immediate. They implemented what they learned right away, and year after year, the practice saw double-digit growth, rising profit margins, and unwavering patient retention. “Our patients love us, and, oddly enough, even after nearly 18 years, we still feel like we’re in the first five — grinding, growing, and as enthusiastic as ever. The difference? Less stress,” Leanne says with a smile.
Working with Scott expanded their vision of what was financially possible. “We’ve learned that what we measure and focus on manifests itself — the only limit is our imagination,” she adds. Today, they run their practice with systems and protocols for every pillar: Marketing, Operations, Finances, HR, and Sales. And when things get tough, they remind themselves: We’re doctors, not business experts — and that’s OK.
“The smartest move we ever made was asking for help, showing up with full transparency, and taking ownership of our results,” Leanne shares. That openness led Scott to connect them with Rachel Siegel at Go Figure Accounting, a partnership that would take their financial clarity to the next level.
Here are four practical lessons from Drs. Derron and Leanne Lee’s journey that can help any medical professional build a thriving, stress-free practice:
Define Your Vision and Set Clear Goals: Take the time to step back and outline what you truly want for your practice — both personally and professionally. Whether it’s revenue milestones, patient care standards, or community impact, knowing your goals helps you make decisions with intention.
Work on Your Business, Not Just in It Shifting from practitioner to business owner is key to sustainable growth. Create systems for essential areas like marketing, operations, finances, HR, and sales so your practice runs smoothly without constant hands-on management.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Trusting experts like business coaches or financial advisors can accelerate your progress. Being open and honest about your struggles allows these professionals to provide tailored solutions that create lasting change.
Prioritize Profit with a Systematic Approach: Implementing a cash management system like Profit First ensures you’re intentionally building profitability from day one. This financial clarity gives you freedom — to give back, invest in your team, or simply enjoy life outside of work.
Rachel dove into their books, streamlined processes, and introduced them to Profit First — a cash management system that prioritizes profit from day one. “Rachel brought fresh insight and helped us set manageable financial goals,” Leanne explains. “Profit First not only improved our cash flow but empowered us to achieve long-held goals. We always wanted to give back more, but early on, we could only donate time and services. Now, we can reserve funds for charity events and plan for future growth.”
Just like with Scott’s coaching, the Lees implemented Rachel’s guidance without hesitation. “When Scott or Rachel gives us advice, we implement it right away,” Leanne says. The results spoke for themselves: steady growth, financial stability, and a thriving practice that gave them freedom both in and out of the office.
Building a Legacy of Care and Community
With financial systems in place and a clear vision for growth, the Lees turned their attention to creating an unforgettable patient experience. Their office is designed to be welcoming and interactive — a reflection of their belief that healthcare should be both effective and enjoyable. Patients of all ages leave not just with better vision but with a sense of connection.
Balancing work and family remains a priority, especially as their children grew. “We struggled with clocking out, but Profit First has given us peace of mind. We know we’re financially secure, whether we’re in the office or on vacation,” Leanne shares.
For the Lees, success isn’t just about revenue — it’s about freedom. “Being able to sleep at night, knowing we did the right thing, and having the freedom to live life on our terms,” Leanne reflects.
With Scott as their strategic coach and Rachel as their financial partner, the Lees have turned Midtown Optometry into more than a practice. It’s a place of growth, purpose, and unwavering commitment to the community — a vision that’s clearer than ever
