Patterson Dental’s “Wiz Guys” are a Father-Son Duo That Focuses on Trust, Expertise, and Fun.
When people talk about Patterson Dental, they regularly talk about how we feel like family. But for Todd and Ben Wizner, Patterson truly is a family affair.
The father-son duo of dental territory representatives – also known as the “Wiz Guys” (pronounced “wise”) – are creating trusted relationships with customers all over Southwest Wisconsin and Southeast Minnesota.
“There is nothing that matters more than the relationship we develop with our customers,” says Ben, the younger of the Wiz Guys. “Some are very close and develop quickly, while others take more time to blossom. We have always felt that the organically grown relationships are among the best.”
For his father, Todd, creating these relationships dates back to the 1980s, when he first came on board with Patterson after graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. He spent his first four years at the Spokane, Wash. Branch, before accepting a territory position closer to home in Minnesota. Ben, also known as “Wiz Guy #2” was only three years old at the time.
Over the next several years, Todd would further strengthen his connection with customers thanks to his wisdom, and the value he brought customers through to his years of experience. Over three decades later, Todd would impart that wisdom on to Ben.
After spending over a ten years in the outdoor industry and sports marketing, Ben decided he wanted to find a career that was more supportive of a healthy work-life balance.
“Growing up as a Patterson kid, it was clear that the company valued that work-life balance,” he says. “I had two young kids under the age of five, and they motivated me to pursue a career with the company.”
Now working in tandem, the Wiz Guys hit the ground running, combining Todd’s experience and trusted relationships with Ben’s forward-thinking and fresh ideas.
“My dad can relate to the doctors who have worked with him for decades, but he also shares a common ground (expertise in the dental industry) with newer doctors that are closer to my age,” says Ben. “Same goes for me. The younger doctors in the same stage of life relate to me, but at the same time, being around my dad gives me that understanding of what long-time doctors value. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Today, the Wiz Guys have combined their skills to create a digital space for customers (wizdentalguys.com), bringing fresh insights from the territory and dental industry including the latest technology, product highlights, and even some fun videos. But at the end of the day, the Wiz Guys’ biggest secret to success is staying true to their foundation.
“By far the most important and first step with any customer is cultivating a strong relationship,” says Ben. “With a trusting relationship as the foundation, finding the best solution for the customer becomes easier. Beyond relationship, we strive to provide wisdom, service, and value.”
It works seamlessly for Todd and Ben, but what do you think? Take Your Child to Work Day is the perfect time to weigh in: How would you feel about working so closely with a family member? Let us know in the comments below!
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