” I help veterinarians maximize their practice value when it comes time to sell.”
Dr. Richard Alker
Agent, Ocala REALTOR®
• Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine – DVM
• Panama City Animal Hospital & Equine Center – Founder
• Master Certified Negotiation Expert – Real Estate Negotiation Institute
• Total Practice Solutions Group, Member – Veterinary Practice Brokers and conusultants
• FTBOA (Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association) – Member
• Florida Farm Manager’s Association – Member
• AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) – Member
• Florida VMA (Veterinary Medical Association – Member
After 24 years of practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Alker sold his practice in June of 2009 and relocated to Ocala. Dr. Alker has been part of the Showcase Properties of Central Florida team since 2010. He brings over 20 years of veterinary hospital administration and practice management experience, has a strong interest in commercial real estate, and a keen desire to help other veterinarians create a smooth transition from practice life to retirement for a second career. He enjoys helping young veterinarians make their dreams come true by owning their own veterinary hospital.
In his spare time, Dr.Alker and his wife, Natalie, raise Thoroughbreds on their farm in Ocala. They have raised weanlings and yearlings for sale in the past, and now are just racing some of their homebreds. They are partners in a syndicate with West Point Thoroughbreds, which had a runner in the Breeders Cup in 2018. Their 29-year-old daughter, Brooke, is a 2013 graduate of Flagler College in St. Augustine.
Fun Questions with Dr. Alker
What’s your favorite aspect of living in Marion County? I think it would be that we are in the heart of horse country and that we get to see different facets of the equine industry, not just thoroughbred racing. I also like the fact that we have fairly mild winters here and can participate in outdoor activities for most of the year.
What keeps you passionate about real estate? The fact that I have a niche within the veterinary practice sales space is unique. I get a lot of satisfaction seeing young veterinarians accomplish buying the practice of their dreams. It also gives me a lot of pleasure to structure deals that allow older veterinarians to actually enjoy their retirement. I work from a simple motto: “Powered by possibilities, driven by results.” I am passionate about all the possibilities a new deal may bring as I roll out the options for a buyer or seller but what really drives it home for me is sitting down at a closing table and watching a veterinarian who has given his whole life to his practice sign it over to a young aspiring veterinarian, and both of them have tears in their eyes. It makes me just want to go find another practice to sell.
What do you do in your spare time? Relax, watch college football, watch and play a little golf, and travel with my wife, Natalie
Cats, dogs, or neither? I love both, but don’t have pets at this time.
If you had six months with no obligations or financial constraints, what would you do with the time?
I’d buy a high-end motor coach and travel all over the country, stopping to play golf occasionally and check in on our race horses that are spread from California to the east coast.