and the faculty of the Rawl’s College of Business. I learned so much from Jim and the faculty at Texas Tech University. The MBA course for physicians and dentists was a wonderful learning experience that gave me a new and exciting view of dentistry and the health-care profession in general. Jim also taught me how to think strategically, a new and useful skill. To Tammy Kling, my writing mentor and indispensible aid, I owe many thanks. Your insightfulness and skill helped guide me through the challenging process of committing my thoughts to words and bringing my words to life. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! Without question, the two most influential people in my life have been my parents. Al Small was as authentic as they come. BG, as he was known to his grandchildren, believed that there was no greater blessing in life than the love of family and friends. He was a man of great integrity and compassion. We miss him dearly. Helen Small, my mother, is an inspiration to me as well as to everyone who knows her. After raising three sons, sending each of them to medical or dental school, and caring for my dad in his final months, Mom decided to fulfill her lifelong dream of returning to college to complete her undergraduate degree.
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