People Over Numbers: Why Jesse Left Traditional Corporate Veterinary Care for Vetco Total Care
Jesse F., Hospital Operations Manager, Highland Park, MN
At Vetco Total Care, we believe that providing the highest quality veterinary care starts with taking care of our hospital teams. We know that when we value our team members’ expertise, respect their voices, and support their lives outside of work, the whole hospital thrives.
Meet Jesse Freeman, the Hospital Operations Manager at our Vetco Total Care hospital in Highland Park, MN. Before joining our team, Jesse had some reservations about corporate veterinary medicine, but his journey shows what changed his mind.
"The last veterinary clinic I worked for was part of a very large corporation, and I felt like they tried to change me into only thinking about dollars and seeing patients as sales numbers and not individuals. So, I had reservations about taking a job with another corporate veterinary practice. But being here at Vetco Total Care, I am heard, appreciated, respected, and valued for my experience and expertise. I see how they place priority on their patients and pet parents, and I’m able to focus on the quality of care we deliver."
For Jesse, feeling valued goes beyond the day-to-day clinic operations, it’s also about having a schedule that respects his life and his family. When asked what aspect of working at Vetco Total Care has the biggest positive impact on him, he pointed to the flexibility that allows him to be both a dedicated professional and a present dad:
"Having weekend flexibility has allowed me more free time – as well as having a day off in the middle of the week. I can drive my daughter to school and be there for my family."
But beyond the schedule, it’s the profound empathy and culture of his Vetco Total Care team that truly anchors him. In veterinary medicine, staff spend their days caring for other people's pets, but when Jesse recently faced a difficult situation with his own pet, his clinic team stepped up in the most meaningful way:
"I recently brought my very old cat into our clinic. My team were so caring and comforting with him, and supportive of whatever decision I was going to make for his treatment. It reminded me why I love working at my hospital, and how my team always supports me."
Jesse’s story is a beautiful reminder of what makes Vetco Total Care different. When you empower your leaders, respect their time with their families, and foster a deeply supportive team culture, everyone wins.
Jesse found a veterinary community built on respect, flexibility, and genuine care and you can too.
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