What does it really take to scale a business without sacrificing culture?
In this episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast, Nicole Greer sits down with Dr. AJ Tremont and Taylor Plyler of Mint Hill Dentistry to unpack how intentional leadership, servant mindset, and people-first systems have helped them grow four thriving dental practices—while maintaining a five-star experience for patients and employees.
From shutting down operations for culture days (yes, really!) to using EOS, core values, and powerful storytelling exercises to build trust and connection, this conversation is a masterclass in what it means to lead with heart and still win in business.
You’ll hear real stories about hiring for character, creating psychological safety, overcoming scarcity mindset, and why culture isn’t something you hang on the wall—it’s something you live every day.
Vibrant Highlights:
00:02:44 – Culture Always Wins: Dr. AJ Tremont explains why they willingly shut down operations and invested time and money into their people—because when culture is strong, everything else follows.
00:07:20 – Core Values in Action (Not on a Wall): AJ and Taylor share how they actively use core values by nominating and recognizing team members who live them, turning values into daily behaviors instead of empty words.
00:11:59 – Going Above and Beyond for Patients: A powerful story about a team member driving 25 minutes to help an elderly patient—showing what “being a difference maker” truly looks like in action.
00:19:23 – The Exercise That Changed Team Relationships: The team uses a vulnerability-based storytelling exercise inspired by The Five Dysfunctions of a Team that deepened trust, empathy, and respect across roles.
00:26:39 – Fail Fast and Lead with Heart: AJ and Taylor share their leadership philosophies: don’t fear failure, embrace hard conversations, and remember that servant leadership fuels both performance and profit.
Connect with Dr. Tremont and Taylor:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aj-tremont-987115264/
minthilldentistry.com (Mint Hill, NC)
southerncharmdentistrync.com (Concord, NC)
albemarledentistry.com (Albemarle, NC)
Also mentioned on this episode:
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: https://a.co/d/0dEvm4mh
Author Keith Cunningham: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Keith-J.-Cunningham/author/B00606AQZ2?ref=ap_…
Ready to build a culture where people feel valued, energized, and committed?
Bring Nicole Greer, The Vibrant Coach, to your leadership team, organization, or conference to ignite clarity, accountability, energy, and results.
Visit: vibrantculture.com
Email: [email protected]
Watch Nicole’s TEDx Talk: vibrantculture.com/videos
