Success Story: Bright Stars Pediatrics, PA
From Valuation Gap to 30% Value Growth—and the Perfect Exit for a Mission-Driven Physician
When Dr. Karen Pilgrim-King first contacted Strategic Medical Brokers (SMB), she wasn’t quite ready to sell. What she wanted was clarity: Was the goodwill of the pediatric practice she had nurtured for over a decade truly transferable—and valuable?
She founded Bright Stars Pediatrics (BSP) in 2010 after acquiring the practice from its original founders, and over the years grew it into a trusted destination for families in Arlington, TX. By 2022, Dr. Pilgrim-King was considering the next chapter—one rooted in teaching and public health policy. But she needed a clearer picture of the market value of what she had built.
The Wake-Up Call—and the Path Forward
In October 2022, SMB delivered a comprehensive practice valuation. The result: a most probable selling price that fell below expectations.
Rather than push for a sale, SMB gave a different kind of advice: Hold off. Focus on value creation. Revisit in 6–9 months. No additional valuation fee.
Dr. Pilgrim-King took the guidance seriously. She optimized operations, improved patient access, and strengthened the clinical team. By the time SMB revisited the valuation, her efforts had produced a 30% increase in enterprise value—without adding stress to her already full plate.
Engagement Timeline
- Practice Valuation: October 2022
• SMB Engagement Signed: June 23, 2023
• Go-to-Market Launch: August 11, 2023
• Offer Accepted: September 1, 2024
• Closed: November 8, 2024
Strategic, Intentional Buyer Screening
Once approved marketing materials were complete, SMB launched a full-scale campaign and quickly generated interest from a wide variety of buyers:
– Individual mid-level and physician buyers
– Strategic and institutional groups
– Out-of-state consolidators
But we didn’t just field inquiries—we applied a rigorous “right fit” filter based on Dr. Pilgrim-King’s stated priorities:
✔ 5+ years of pediatric experience
✔ Comfort with high-complexity patients
✔ Relationship-focused, talkative personality
✔ Shared values around quality care and work-life balance
Only qualified, mission-aligned candidates were introduced—respecting Dr. Pilgrim-King’s time and preserving confidentiality.
A Competitive Process, A Clear Winner
After narrowing the field to two final candidates, SMB facilitated a competitive review:
– Buyer #1: A local hospital system offering a physical-asset-only purchase price, a five-year employment requirement, and no goodwill value recognition
– Buyer #2: A strategic multi-clinic operator expanding into the DFW market who offered 100% more, with just a six-month post-sale commitment
For Dr. Pilgrim-King, the decision was clear.
The Outcome: Mission Accomplished
✅ Practice sold at full enterprise value
✅ Transition timeline: 6 months
✅ 5-year lease secured for Dr. Pilgrim-King’s 3,000 SF building
✅ Real estate later purchased by the buyer
✅ Practice legacy, team, and patient relationships preserved
✅ Dr. Pilgrim-King begins new chapter in teaching and public health policy
Words from Dr. Pilgrim-King
“Selling a practice that I had built and nurtured for years was an emotional and complex decision, but they made the entire process smooth… Thanks to Strategic Medical Brokers, I was able to transition out of practice ownership confidently, knowing my patients and staff would be in good hands with the new owners.”
— Dr. Karen Pilgrim-King, MD
Thinking About What Comes Next?
If you’re a pediatrician or primary care physician considering your next chapter, BSP’s story proves that with the right planning, your legacy has real value—and a future beyond you.
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