While Alberta is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, FYidoctors has accomplished a rare feat—they’ve shown how innovative thinking and a creative approach can change an industry. Their journey to becoming Canada’s largest eyecare provider has included a strong focus on their clients and building partnerships that support their long-term vision. For more than 15 years, ATB has been proud to partner with the forward-thinking team that has guided FYidoctors’ success.

Wes Jardine, managing director, Corporate Banking, Diversified Industries at ATB Capital Markets says about the business model, “It was unique. It was a doctor-owned, doctor-led company. We call this a roll-up strategy. The FYidoctors brand incorporates standalone clinics but allows the doctors to take on ownership while keeping the independence that led them to create their own brand in the first place. This partnership empowers each owner with shared buying power and resources.”

Jardine continues, “Today you see similar structures in other industries such as dental, but in 2008, this was very new. FYidoctors came to us with 33 original clinics that they wanted us to help them bring together. The vision and drive of the founder, Dr. Alan Ulsifer, along with our team’s research that supported their case, gave us the confidence to help them move forward.”

Tim Hart, managing director, Investment Banking, Diversified Industries and Growth and Innovation at ATB Capital Markets adds, “What impressed me is that ultimately, FYidoctors is laser focused on patient care and partners with other doctors that share that same dedication to patient care. Now, their integrated model allows them to manufacture their own lenses. They are locally creating high-quality products and solutions that fit consumers’ budgets.”

Hart continues, “FYidoctors is not looking for the highest bidder when they partner with clinics. They are looking for strong partners that share their ambition. This led to tremendous success and growth that they did not anticipate. New systems (accounting, processing, etc.) were necessary to quickly accommodate this growth but for FYidoctors, ultimately, the challenge of rapid growth is a long-term advantage.”

ATB helped FYidoctors buy clinics by providing a combination of equity and bank debt to keep pace with the growth. Being nimble and in constant communication with FYidoctors meant ATB has always been in a strong position to quickly support their client through acquisitions.

ATB was pleased to provide FYidoctors with the financial solutions they needed to grow, including credit, loans, cash management, capital market strategies, financial markets expertise and investment banking advisory.

Hart adds: “ATB enjoys working with FYidoctors because they are an innovative, entrepreneur-led company. They are a born-and-raised Alberta success story that has grown to care for patients across Canada - and beyond. They’re proof that an Alberta company can grow meaningfully in size and scope when they have flexible financial support from their financial partners who believe in their vision and potential. We congratulate FYidoctors on all of their success and look forward to continued partnership.”

From the July 2023 edition of Business in Calgary, and Business in Edmonton. Shared with permission.