Our Team

Ronald I. Prokes

Dr. Prokes is a 1972 graduate of the University of Michigan Dental School. Following a successful career in private practice, Dr. Prokes entered the field of Practice Transitions, acting as a “consultant” (trying to match needs with opportunities), as opposed to a “broker” (trying to make a sale happen in order to make a commission). Dr. Prokes has been involved in hundreds of successful dental practice transitions in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin, California, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Arizona, and other states. In addition, he has provided seminars for various local dental society components, the US Navy, the US Air Force, several state AGD societies, and dental schools (including University of Michigan, University of Kentucky, University of Illinois, University of Louisville, and Indiana University) and he has had published articles regarding practice transitions in State Dental Journals and Academy of General Dentistry State Journals.

In 2009, Dr. Prokes was invited to become a member of the National Association of Practice Brokers, a national organization with some of the most successful practice transition experts in America, one which is limited to less than 20 practice transition experts across the United States. In addition, Dr. Prokes served as National Director of Practice Transitions for Hufford Financial Advisors- Exclusive financial planning partner of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

Blake Ring

Blake is a graduate of Indiana University Bloomington and brings 15 years of dental experience in the areas of consulting, dental equipment, supply, and technology distribution. He has received numerous awards and accomplishments, which testify to his knowledge and expertise in helping doctors acquire and grow practices. He has assisted hundreds of doctors of all specialties in various parts of the country. Because of his vast network of professional resources and satisfied clients, Blake has strategic partnerships that will assist him in completing a successful practice transition for you.

His undeniable work ethic and creative problem solving skills result in a win/win for both buyers and sellers. Blake has a sincere passion to offer the highest level of integrity in the industry, and this has made him a perfect fit for Legacy Practice Transitions. Blake is an active member of the National Association of Practice Brokers and Practice Valuation Study Group. He takes great pride in the consultative philosophy in which buyers and sellers connect through objective-based needs. Blake looks forward to the opportunity to help his clients achieve goals that they thought were unattainable.

Joseph A. Massa, DDS

Dr. Massa is a 1983 graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry and practiced general dentistry in a very successful private practice for over 20 years. In 2002, he successfully transitioned his dental practice in suburban Indianapolis, IN. through the Pre-Sale concept – one in which he was able to eliminate administrative and managerial responsibilities of his practice, continue to practice on a limited part time basis, maintain a clinical income consistent with that prior to the transition, and turn his practice from a non interest bearing asset into an interest bearing asset.

His involvement now as a practice transition consultant since 2002 has enabled him to evaluate and share, from a practitioners’ perspective, the importance of economic security and the emotional challenges generated during and after the transition process. Dr. Massa currently represents clients in Indiana as well as several southeastern states. He welcomes the opportunity to consult with any prospective clients to establish both the right timing and transition modality which fulfills their respective needs.

Catherine Etters

Catherine Etters graduated from Temple University Cum Laude and brings more than 35 years of dental industry experience to Legacy Practice Transitions. With over 20 years as a dental consultant, Catherine has a proven history of offering expert advice and strategies for building success in both general and specialty dental practices, including solo, groups and multi-location practices. As a compliment to her national presence in practice management consulting, Catherine chose to expand her service to specialize and focus on practice transitions. Prior to joining Legacy, Catherine was as a key associate in practice valuations and appraisals for a nationally recognized brokerage company.

Her expertise has been recognized through workshops and published materials, and by mentoring and training other dental consultants.  One of the principle attractions that led Catherine to Legacy was its level of integrity and their unique approach toward successful transitions. She is dedicated to ensuring these standards are maintained so that each of her clients will meet their goals and experience their own successful transition. Catherine looks forward to working with you.

Kim Sena, DDS

After completing his education at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1981, Dr. Kim Sena had a long-standing practice in Grand Rapids, MI. Upon retiring from full-time practice earlier than expected due to a chronic neck condition, he decided that his rich experience as a practice owner who had also been through his own transition was ideal for continuing in dentistry in a different realm; that of assisting other retiring dentists through their own transitions, and helping young dentists purchase their first practice or find an associate position. He also enjoys sharing his extensive dental and practice ownership experience with young dentists beginning their careers.

Erin Mercer

Erin Mercer is a graduate of Southwest Missouri State with a BS in Communication and a Minor is sales, Marketing. Erin Joins Legacy Practice Transitions as a market leader as a dental advisor for key dental practices. She brings with her 12 years of dental experience in the areas of dental, supply, equipment and technology distribution. She has partnered with hundreds of dentists throughout Missouri implementing plans to help achieve personal and practice goals, materials management, organizational flow, marketing, and team building. She will use her industry expertise with her strong network to secure the most lucrative investment that you have worked so hard for. Erin’s proven track record of helping dentists meet and exceed their own goals is something she is excited to continue here at Legacy Practice Transitions.

Sherry Foster, LDH

Sherry Foster graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2004 with a degree in dental hygiene.  After more than 12 years working as a clinician, she is focusing her passion for dentistry towards practice transitions.  While working at Legacy, Sherry found her niche assisting buyers and it developed into her full-time position.  Her role is to help buyers identify their needs, locate opportunities, and guide them through the transition process.

Sherry is continually growing her network across several states to help foster successful transitions. She is currently serving buyers in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee.  For buyers new to the transition process, she’s happy to make introductions to CPAs, attorneys, banks, and wealth advisors.  Sherry, alongside Legacy, is dedicated to understanding individual needs and delivering exceptional service.

Erick Rupprecht, DDS

Erick Rupprecht received his DDS from the U of Detroit School of Dentistry in 1980, then he began his clinical career in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Rupprecht has experience as a dental associate, a solo practitioner, a partner, a mentor, a practice purchaser, and a practice seller. Erick has held positions with the West Michigan District Dental Society, the Michigan Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. He retired from clinical dentistry due to a vision disability but continues to use his knowledge and experience to help others as they purchase, grow or transition the dental practices.

Katie Phelps

Katie Phelps graduated from Purdue University in 2004 with a Bachelors degree in education. Following an 8-year teaching career, Katie transitioned into the booming real estate world becoming a licensed Florida Realtor. Katie joins Legacy Practice Transitions as an experienced negotiator and consultant in real estate transaction. She has a passion for helping professionals who are seeking to buy or sale dental practices. Katie has a strong network of business professionals in Florida that she will collaborate with to facilitate seamless and successful transitions. Katie, alongside Legacy, is dedicated to understanding your needs and delivering exceptional service.

Nathan Courtney

Nathan is a graduate of Indiana University and brings 14 years of dental experience in the areas of business development, sales operations and management, consulting, dental equipment, supply, and technology distribution. He has received numerous awards and  recognition for his accomplishments within dental organizations he has partnered with, testifying to his knowledge and expertise in helping doctors with their dental practices. He has assisted hundreds of doctors of all specialties in various parts of the country. Because of his vast network of professional resources and satisfied clients, Nathan has relationships and partnerships that will assist him in completing a successful practice transition for you.

Nathan’s focus on facilitating transitions that are successful for all parties involved has allowed for the highest level of integrity within the dental industry. Nathan’s attention to detail, follow-up and passion for taking care of his clients has led him to a partnership with Legacy Practice Transitions. Nathan is actively involved in dental study clubs and state dental associations. He enjoys the opportunity to serve as an active member of the Indiana Dental Lifeline Association board of directors.

Nathan’s approach to consultative and advisory support throughout the life event of a transition, enables buyers and sellers the comfort and peace-of-mind that their interests will be heard and understood.  Nathan looks forward to the opportunity to serve and guide his clients in achieving their goals.

Pam Dolberry

Pam Dolberry has been in the dental profession as a dental assistant, practice manager and consultant for 37 years.  She has a proven record of success offering growth strategies and expert advice over the past 10 years as a management consultant.  She is an Authorized DiSC Partner offering workshops to help build strong teams and healthy patient relationships.  She has expanded her service to specialize and focus on practice transitions.

After a successful transition of a Practice she managed for 16 years she was impressed by the honesty and integrity Legacy Practice Transitions brought to the sale.  Legacy’s unique consultative approach to transition seamlessly integrated with her approach to practice management.  She is excited to be a member of the team and looks forward to helping all her clients through the successful purchase or sale of their practice.

Trace Yates

As a successful executive and servant leader with a proven track record of growing revenue & market share, Trace Yates began his career in the dental industry in 1986 with an entry-level position with a major US dental distributor. He held various positions with this same company for nearly 30 years, including Customer Service / Merchandise Manager, Territory Manager, and ultimately Branch Manager in two different cities and market locations.

Attempts at an early retirement from the dental profession were short lived, as Trace has owned & sold small businesses, served in various volunteer community positions within the City of Lawrence, Indiana, including as CEO & President of the Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and the founding executive director of the Lawrence Community Parks Foundation.

Returning to the dental profession and serving in the role of Director of Business Development with Legacy Practice Transitions, Trace will work with company leadership to help shape long-term company strategy, leverage operational efficiency, and advance new business & market expansion.