No time to waste
Dr Kristian Zirnsak, Veterinarian
Photography by Simon Casson
Dr Kristian Zirnsak had used other financers before becoming a long-term client of Avant Finance. It’s fair to say that his previous experiences left much to be desired. “One of the banks wanted me to declare the loan on my practice as a liability but I wasn’t able to declare the practice as an asset,” says Dr Zirnsak, sole owner of Holden Hill Vet Clinic in the north-eastern suburb of Adelaide. “It made no sense. The loan is paid for by the business so it’s a commercial loan. They simply refused to budge. Moving across to Avant Finance and working with Stuart was like a breath of fresh air. They specialise in medical, dental and veterinary practices and have a comprehensive understanding of how those businesses work.”
Fast results
From the outset, Dr Zirnsak has worked with Avant Finance’s Stuart Robb. Their relationship is one of mutual respect and an understanding to let the other do what they do best. “Stuart makes the process simple and less stressed,” says Dr Zirnsak. “He knows my business, he knows what we do and he knows me. What he doesn’t need is irrelevant, unnecessary information and weeks of time to get an answer. I’m running a business and need decisions to be made promptly.”
The last piece of equipment Dr Zirnsak purchased with the help of Avant Finance was an ultrasound unit. He had researched the options at length and found a machine that fits all his needs.
“It was perfect and would be a valuable addition to the practice,” he says. “By the time I talked to Stuart, I was ready to add this machine to our clinic to treat specific cases. Stuart organised the funds and I had exactly what I needed. It was ready in a few days."
Steady growth
Dr Zirnsak graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1994. He spent the next few years working in Victoria followed by the UK. Holden Hill Vet Clinic was started in 2002 with his ex-wife as co-owner and business partner. They divorced in 2012, and he became the sole owner of the business in 2015.
“I started working with Stuart at Avant Finance about 18 months ago,” says Dr Zirnsak. “From that moment, I’ve been improving and expanding the practice. We’ve gone from a single vet practice to currently having 2.5 vets. I’m always upgrading and buying new equipment because I want to provide the best level of care possible. It’s important to be across all the latest technology and to be aware of the advantages that gives a clinic.”
Most of the other practices in the surrounding areas belong to corporates, making Holden Hill Vet Clinic one of the few independents available to people. This has worked as a positive point of difference for Dr Zirnsak.
"Our clients get to see the same vet repeatedly and build up a relationship,” he says. “At corporate practices, you tend to see whoever happens to be available out of their roster of 25 vets.”
Cars and cats
Dr Zirnsak’s preference to get documentation complete and funds in place quickly extend beyond clinic equipment. Generally, Stuart will get everything in place and send the required documents to Dr Zirnsak within 24 hours. Dr Zirnsak signs the documents and provides the necessary information in the next 24 hours. The purchase and delivery then take place within seven days.
“I needed to purchase a new car and saw a BMW I liked on a Friday,” says Dr Zirnsak. “When I signed the purchase agreement, I was told the car would be ready next Wednesday. I thought, ‘I’d better contact Stuart and organise the money.’ I’m happy to say, I picked the car up on time. I even sent Stuart a photo of the car.”
Unusually, Holden Hill Vet Clinic makes house calls. Generally, mobile vets make home visits while bricks-and-mortar vets have clients come to them. “The industry has become very specialised,” says Dr Zirnsak. “I encounter a lot of vets who will not make house calls or who will only see cats and dogs. Some will not do any surgery more complex than a castration. Others refuse to treat birds. I'm not sure if this is a good thing."
Holden Hill Vet Clinic started house calls in 2002 when they first opened. At the time, the business was new, so a home visit service was a good way to improve cashflow.
“It was also a good way to help our community,” Dr Zirnsak says. “House calls are predominantly for older and people with disabilities. We also do a lot of euthanasia because people would rather have their pets pass away at home surrounded by family members.”
The cars used for these house calls, purchased with the help of Avant Finance, became a vital part of the business. It also became clear that when dealing with the elderly or people with disabilities, the house call is about much more than just the animal. “The pet owners love the social interaction,” says Dr Zirnsak. “A cup of tea and a chat can make a huge difference. They don’t feel quite as lonely.”
Good works
Stuart Robb and the team at Avant Finance enable Dr Zirnsak to pursue his ambition of constantly upgrading and improving his practice. His clients and their pets benefit from quality vet care using the latest technology - and so do some often overlooked animals.
Holden Hill Vet Clinic supports cat rescues, providing cat desexing services to manage the stray cat population. They also offer treatment and rehabilitation for injured wildlife.
“We are involved with a number of rescue organisations such as Adelaide Bird Rescue and various fauna rescue groups,” says Dr Zirnsak. “I don't charge for my time because I appreciate the opportunity to give something back. For me, it’s part of being a member of society and part of being a vet. If you’re only helping injured animals to be paid every single second, you may need to rethink your profession.”
With so much on his plate, it becomes obvious why Dr Zirnsak has a desire for a quick turnaround when it comes to finances and loans. It also becomes obvious why he’s so frustrated with questions about why he needs equipment he wishes to purchase.
“Rather than wasting time answering meaningless questions, I would rather get on with the job,” he says. “Working with Stuart and Avant Finance allows for that to happen.”
Future plans
With everything going to plan and the clinic experiencing steady and continued growth, Dr Zirnsak has a five-year plan.
“I’m hoping to increase to three full-time vets so I can move to part-time,” he says. “With the right type of financing from Avant Finance, I’ll continue to improve the practice, adding all the bells and whistles to attract some younger vets.”
The relationship between Dr Zirnsak and Stuart Robb continues to be successful, effective and friendly.
“Stuart is almost like a silent partner in my business,” says Dr Zirnsak. “He has worked in the industry for so long, he understands what’s important for all types of practitioners. He has taken a lot of the stress and worry out of finance so I can focus on being a vet. I couldn’t be happier with the service I’ve received from him and Avant Finance.”
Kristian and I have a long-standing business relationship that has seen his practice grow and prosper. He makes decisions quickly, particularly when it comes to new equipment, and appreciates a fast response time. I’m more than happy to offer a quick turnaround while acting as a sounding board when he needs it.
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