Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Kent Julius.
Dr. Julius, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Southern Illinois in a town of 500. Both of my grandfathers were farmers. My dad worked on the railroad and raised cattle and horses on his time off.
Growing up I had daily experience working with all kinds of pets, farm animals, and wildlife.
I made the decision to be a vet at 5 years old. I never saw myself doing anything else.
I remember at around 9 years old during a brutal IL winter Dad and I went out to check the cattle. We had several cows that were due to be calving. Many would have troubles (dystocia), and we would need to call the vet out in order to save the calf….and often times the cow too. On this day we found the cow in the woods trying to find cover from the winter storm. It was obvious she had already had her calf, but it was nowhere to be found. After walking the woods for about 20 minutes we found the newborn calf curled up by a tree covered in snow. It was shivering and barely alive.
Dad asked me to pick up the calf and carry back to the car (usually we were on a tractor). I was shocked he was asking me to carry a calf! I was only 9. I was honored. We put the calf in the trunk and headed for the house. We bottle-fed the calf in the laundry room of our house under a heat lamp. Mom was definitely not pleased about having a cow living in her house! After a couple of days this calf was strong enough to be moved to the barn. Dad asked (more like TOLD) I would be in charge of nursing this calf back to health. After a few more days, frostbite had caused his tail, both ears, and parts of his nose to fall off. Eventually this earless and tailless calf grew up to one of the healthiest and tamest animals I had ever owned. It really strengthened my decision to help animals for the rest of my life.
In high I was told by my guidance counselor that I should probably NOT pursue veterinary medicine because I would likely never get into vet school. She told me that if I really wanted to be a vet, I would probably have to go to college in England. I had rarely even been out of Illinois. I had no interest in living in another COUNTRY! I totally believed her…AT FIRST.
I was not getting great grades and sometimes got into trouble. I was a bit rebellious. Neither of my parents or my grandparents went to college. I was into girls, cars, sports, and trying to look cool, the typical things high school boys were into during the late 80’s and early 90’s. I really started to believe that becoming a doctor was out of my reach. I remember hearing from almost everyone, “Why would you ever want to go to college for 8 years? Kent, there’s easier ways!”.
I started college anyway, because that’s what I was “supposed to do”. My major was general studies because I had no other idea what I was going to do. I had to start at a junior college because I was paying for my own college. I worked at Wal-Mart and lived in government housing where my $43/month rent was based on my income.
I struggled with money constantly. At one point I broke out in hives worrying about how I could buy groceries. The government apartments would not allow pets, so I had to sell my childhood dog for $20. It was an awful time, but I still had hope. I always felt like I was destined for something big.
After a year of general studies, I called my hometown vet, Dr. Wayne Hurliman. He was my veterinary idol! I asked what I would have to do to become a vet and if could do it. His response was, “Kent, if you never try you are always going to wonder ‘what if I had only tried”.
I called the vet school that same day. I was told “take the right classes, get an A or B (mostly A’s), and apply to vet school.” I could do that! My major was changed to pre-vet the next day.
After seven more years of academic and financial struggles. I did it. On May 17th, 1999 I was finally a DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE!! It was the ONLY thing I ever saw myself doing.
As a result of this experience, I focus my career and Legacy Veterinary Hospital on helping kids that may want to become vets. I speak to schools, girl scout troops, daycares, etc. I have kids and volunteers tour the hospital and observe on a regular basis. Even though I am a vet I help PEOPLE. I help people by helping their pets.
I worked for other veterinarians from 1999 to 2003 before starting Legacy Veterinary Hospital in Frisco. We have multiple locations and are growing rapidly.
In April of 2018, we were selected as the Proud Partner of THE STAR, the home of The Dallas Cowboys. We are the only veterinary organization that has ever been selected as a partner with The Dallas Cowboys. We are also The Official Vet of The Frisco RoughRiders.
I have been happily married since 1996 to my wife Tiffany who shared with me in my struggles during high school and college. We have a beautiful smart 13-year old daughter Morgan, who may also want to be a vet. I am a devoted Christian and member of Grace Outreach Center in Plano. I enjoy natural bodybuilding, hunting, wakeboarding, scuba, the mountains, and basically any outdoor adventures.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I had HUGE academic and financial struggles during college. In starting and expanding Legacy Veterinary Hospital, I have had big financial struggles in keeping the business alive. I have had to go through the “school of hard knocks” in relation to owning a business and managing/leading people. As a veterinarian, we are only trained about animals. We have no training in business or people.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Legacy Veterinary Hospital – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
At Legacy Veterinary Hospital we add value to the lives of our clients by improving the health of their pets. We do this so they can have peace of mind that their pet stays healthy and happy. I created Legacy Veterinary Hospital so you don’t have to worry about your pet’s health. We focus on keeping your pet healthy to lower the cost of veterinary care while staying prepared for any illness or injury.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
About 18 months ago, I formed a business partnership with a friend and colleague, Dr. Derrick Nelson in Fort Worth. Together, we now own 3 veterinary hospitals. We buying more. We plan to own 100 veterinary hospitals within the next 15 years. They will likely all be in Texas.
Pricing:
- Free First Vet Exams ($59 value)
- Low Cost $15 Vaccines. All day, Every day.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5399 Warren Parkway Frisco, TX 75034
- Website: www.legacyvet.com
- Phone: 972-335-9292
- Email: reception@legacyvet.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/legacyvet
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
