Dr. Michelle Vitulli
Founder Owner
Background
Michelle Vitulli is a 1991 graduate of Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing veterinary school, she did a small animal internship in a referral hospital in Darien, Connecticut. From 1992 to 1996 Michelle worked as an associate veterinarian at Stack Hospital for Pets in Syracuse NY, and at Clocktower Animal Hospital in Herndon, VA.
With help from her husband, Bob, and a bank loan officer from Bank of America, in 1997 she opened her first veterinary hospital, Caring Hands Animal Hospital, Inc., in Centreville, VA. In the early 2000’s she partnered with two associate veterinarians to establish four additional practices in the Northern Virginia area. Along with her two partners, Dr. Vitulli created a model of partnership to bring in associates as owner-partners in other new entities. Three other associate veterinarians are now owner-partners at three new Caring Hands locations opened over the past 2 years. Seven of the practices are located in Northern Virginia, and one is located in Maryland. Combined, Caring Hands annual revenues in the Washington DC area are over $15 million. They currently employ 32 veterinarians and have over 150 employees.
Dr. Vitulli is passionate about providing ownership opportunities for associate veterinarians, and career opportunities for employees to expand their personal growth and development.
The veterinary industry is changing and it will continue to change and consolidate, reducing ownership opportunity for veterinarians. Dr. Vitulli founded Caring Hands Veterinary Group to offer an alternative to this trend.
Education
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Bob Proctor
Executive Director
Background
Co-Founder of Blu Venture Investors. CEO, Board Director and Investor of FlexEl, LLC. Co-founder, Board Chairman, and Investor of Wiser Together, Inc. and Phase 5 Group, Inc. Served as Global Head of Marketing reporting to Chairman and CEO of Corporate Executive Board. Over 10 years of Senior Executive experience in public companies, including line, staff, and IPO leadership positions. Led teams that won corporate-wide awards for Best Business Breakthrough, Managerial Excellence, and Spirit of Generosity. Associate Principal McKinsey & Company, Inc.
Education
Cornell University (BS/MS/Ph.D. Applied Physics)
Dan Direnfeld
Director of Development
Background
Part of the three person team that launched the innovative event series SwitchPitch. Helped craft brand strategies, which allowed SwitchPitch to experience rapid growth to five cities in its first three years. Dan is a 2013 graduate of American University Washington College of Law, and has worked with numerous early stage startups to craft and implement effective growth strategies.
Education
Kenyon College (BA), American University Washington College of Law (JD)