Bret Halishak

Midwest Veterinary Practice Broker

Joining the Great Lakes Region, Bret brings a wealth of experience, with fifteen years in the veterinary industry. Given his extensive background in change and practice management, Bret has the knowledge to assist practice owners with increasing their profitability while preparing to sell their practice in their preferred timeframe. There are many factors and moving parts that go into a practice sale; Bret has a firm understanding of the current marketplace, detailed planning necessary, and more ways to assist you through this unique but important transition and transaction.

Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Bret graduated from The University of Toledo, with a Bachelor’s Degree from the College of Business and Innovation. Entering the veterinary profession shortly after graduation, Bret moved to the east coast to join IDEXX Laboratories, a veterinary diagnostic company.

Starting in Connecticut, after a brief stint in diagnostics, Bret shifted his career focus to practice management, as he enjoyed working with practice owners on their businesses and their workflow. Studying and learning from some of the most efficient operators in the country, Bret expanded his learning skillset to assist other practice owners with applying these best practices through workshops, seminars, and individual working sessions. Eventually, after working with hundreds of practice owners, Bret relocated to New York City, where he managed all North America software and services to drive a superb client experience from check-in to check-out.

In 2019, after over a decade working in practice management, Bret left to diversify his business background by joining and assisting in launching a new FinTech start-up in the veterinary industry, Provide. At Provide, Bret was the first team member to help grow and establish the veterinary market. During his tenure at Provide, Bret started to work with Dr. Kurt Liljeberg, and both knew they eventually wanted to work together.

Most recently, Bret engaged with future veterinarians by speaking at colleges and universities nationwide, offering lectures on a wide variety of topics, including financial literacy, business finance, business operations/management, and development. He also worked closely with various organizations, including Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA), Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA), Omega Tau Sigma (OTS), to name a few. Moving forward, Bret is excited to continue working with student organizations throughout the Midwest.

Outside of work, Bret, and his spouse, Kelleen, reside just outside of Cleveland, OH, after being on the east coast for eight years. Kelleen and Bret have their hands full with an incredible family that consists of three children: Nova (6), Hudson (4), and Oliver (4 months), and two rescue dogs: Ruby Mae (Boston Terrier mix) and Margo Rita (Dachshund/Chihuahua mix). Kelleen and Bret are involved in the Cleveland community participating in philanthropies and coaching youth sports as much as possible. If there is any spare time, you can find the Halishaks hiking, traveling, exploring, or cooking!