NADL Vision 21 | January 15-17, 2026
SPEAKER SHOWCASE
Get ready to design your future at the 2026 NADL Vision 21 Meeting! This event will focus on building a strong foundation for growth, leadership, and innovation. Through carefully curated sessions, forward-thinking strategies, and hands-on insights, attendees will gain the tools to create their personalized blueprint for long-term success in an ever-evolving industry. Don’t miss this chance to connect with top experts, explore breakthrough ideas, and lay the groundwork for your most successful year yet. Register now and be part of the 2026 NADL Vision 21 Meeting, where your Blueprint for Success begins!
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
Megan Nakanishi – Nakanishi Dental Laboratory, Inc., CDL & Bennett Napier, CAE – NADL
Megan Nakanishi is the owner of Nakanishi Dental Laboratory, Inc., CDL in Bellevue, Wash., along with her sister Kaila. Megan joined Nakanishi Dental Laboratory in 2010 after graduating from Seattle University with a degree in business and economics. As third-generation owners, Megan and Kaila are proud to bring the latest expertise in dental technology, customer experience, and manufacturing practices to their family's legacy business. Megan joined the NADL Board of Directors in 2019 and is also a past president of the Washington State Dental Laboratory Association.
Bennett Napier, CAE is a Certified Association Executive and has worked with non-profit associations in the dental industry since 1994. Napier has completed Graduate Certificate work in Public Policy at Florida State University, the Georgia Institute of Technology and the institute of World Politics. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Applied American Politics and Policy from Florida State University. He has been named one of “Florida’s Top 500 Most Influential Business Leaders” for seven years in a row by Florida Trend Magazine.
KEYNOTE: RIDICULOUSLY EASY TO DO BUSINESS WITH! RESPONDING TO A NEW GENERATION OF CUSTOMER WANTS, NEEDS, AND EXPECTATIONS
David Avrin, CSP, GSF – The Customer Experience Advantage
One of the most in-demand and charismatic Customer Experience speakers and consultants in the world today, David Avrin, CSP, GSF, has shared his content-rich, very entertaining and actionable presentations with enthusiastic audiences and organizations across North America and in 28 countries around the world. Recent presentations include Singapore, Bangkok, Melbourne, Brisbane, Antwerp, Buenos Aires, Bogota, Mumbai, Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi, Manila, Rotterdam, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, London, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Johannesburg, and Dubai. David helps organizations better understand and serve their changing customers and clients to help future-proof their businesses by becoming ridiculously easy to do business with.
David's business insights have been featured on thousands of media outlets around the world. He is also the author of five books published in multiple languages including the acclaimed: It's Not Who You Know, It's Who Knows You!, Why Customers Leave (and How to Win Them Back), and his newest book: Ridiculously Easy to Do Business With: A practical guide to giving customers what they want—when and how they want it.
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE: WASTE NOT, WANT NOT
Rob Gitman – NDX Thayer Dental Lab Inc., CDL
Rob Gitman is the General Manager of NDX Thayer, a full service, Certified Dental Laboratory, specializing in anterior esthetics and implant restorations. He has been active in the dental industry for over 45 years and during his career, Rob has consulted with dentists, manufacturers, distributors, publications, trade organizations, and laboratories throughout North America and in Western Europe.
As a published author, he has written articles and lectured internationally to groups on dental laboratory licensure, practical marketing, laboratory profitability, and strategies for buying and selling laboratories. Additionally, he has “ghost written” motivational speeches as well as manuscripts on the subjects of leadership, management, accounting, advertising, marketing, direct sales, fund raising and health care issues.
As an ideal team player, he has served on many non-profit boards. But Rob is especially proud of his service to NADL as a lecturer at NADL University, a contributing author to JDT, a member of the NADL Publications Committee, a past member of the Board of Directors and past president of the NADL.
MANAGING EFFECTIVELY FOR GROWTH
Panelists: Judson Boothe – Catalis Dental Lab Partners; Trey Ford – Design Dental, LLC; David Jackson, CDT – Mid-South Dental Lab; Kristine Van Cleve – Dental Prosthetic Services, Inc., CDL
Moderator: Jamie Stover, CDT – Carbon, Inc.
Judson Boothe, BSME, MBA, is the Chief Executive Officer of Catalis Dental Lab Partners, a growing national network of dental laboratories focused on digital innovation, operational excellence, and customer partnership. With over 30 years of experience in dental and medical devices, Judson brings a deep understanding of both technical operations and strategic growth. He also serves on the Business Management Committee of the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL), contributing to the advancement of standards, education, and sustainability in the dental lab profession. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama and an MBA from Columbus State University.
Trey Ford is the owner of Design Dental, LLC, in Lancaster, Ohio, and a recognized thought leader and innovator in the dental technology space. With over 13 years of experience in the dental laboratory industry, he has led his lab to the forefront of digital dentistry, pioneering digital denture workflows and advanced CAD/CAM integration. A sought-after speaker for national conferences and study clubs, Trey shares practical strategies on digital transformation, lab growth, and clinician-lab collaboration. His engaging presentations blend deep technical knowledge with real-world insights, helping dental professionals embrace the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
David Jackson, CDT, is the owner of Mid-South Dental Lab in Brentwood, TN. A third-generation dental technician, David grew up in a removable dental lab. After earning his diploma in Dental Ceramics from Tennessee Technology Center at Nashville and achieving his CDT certification, he established Mid-South Dental Lab in 2012. Starting in a modest 500 square foot space, Mid-South Dental Lab has grown into a full-service facility spanning 6,000 square feet with a team of 50 employees. David is passionate about innovation within the dental lab industry and embracing digital advancements.
Kristine Van Cleve is President and co-owner of Dental Prosthetic Services, Inc., CDL. After growing up in a dental laboratory environment and attending Luther College, Kristine joined the business founded by her parents, Paul and EJane Jones, and has been fortunate enough to combine a passion for customer service, processes, and technology into a career spanning over 40 years. Serving as president of Dental Prosthetic Services, Inc since 1994, she has positioned the full service laboratory with over 120 employees as a leader in digital dentistry and rapid manufacturing with a focus on emerging technologies and Agile manufacturing practices, all while maintaining a strong commitment to Iowa-based manufacturing.
Jamie Stover, CDT (Moderator), is the Senior Manager of Application Strategy and Integration, Oral Health at Carbon. Jamie has been a dental laboratory technician for 27 years and in his current role oversees application strategy and implementation globally for dental materials. Jamie is a consultant for labs and clinicians on streamlining production with the digital workflow, implementing strategies for business growth and development, and utilization of new materials/applications. Jamie is a respected educator with dozens of dental technology articles published domestically and internationally, and hundreds of lectures both live and web-based. Jamie is a member of The Dental Technician Alliance of the American College of Prosthodontists, a member of the NADL Business Management Committee, is Past Chair of the National Board for Certification in Dental Lab Technology and was awarded the 2021 NADL Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement.
LEADING THROUGH CHANGE AND GROWTH
Bob Miller – Miller Business Solutions, Inc.
Bob Miller has had a 44-year professional career focused on cultural transformation by helping people flourish as they work to develop and enhance the organizations they belong to. Bob’s initial 17 years as a clinician and clinical manager in for-profit psychiatric hospitals, coupled with his graduate studies in Business and Health Administration, laid the groundwork for founding Miller Business Solutions (MBS) in 1999.
As a small business coaching and consulting firm, MBS exists to support leaders across the country, at all organizational levels, as they grow in leading themselves, the people around them, and the organizations in which they live and work more effectively. He often says that MBS is all about “helping small business owners learn how to own their business rather than being owned by it.”
He lives in the greater Puget Sound area of Washington and is married with four children and six grandchildren. He has played the French horn for over 50 years and loves hiking, sea kayaking, traveling, and thinking.
BUSINESS STRATEGY THINK TANK
Thought Leaders: Blake Barksdale, CDT – Barksdale Dental Laboratory; Matt Cushing – First Choice Dental Lab; Stephenie Goddard – Glidewell Dental, CDL; Daxton Grubb – R-dent Dental Laboratory, Inc.; BJ Kowalski – ROE Dental Laboratory, CDL; Karli Luksch, CDT – O'Brien Dental Lab., Inc., CDL, DAMAS
Moderators: Michael Farago – Concord Dental Laboratory, Inc., CDL; Carrie Ling – Lifelike Dental Studio, Inc., CDL
Blake Barksdale, CDT, is the Chief Operating Officer and second-generation owner of Barksdale Dental Laboratory. With a deep-rooted passion for the dental industry, he joined the company in 2004, inspired by his father, Stephen Barksdale. Beginning his career in the fixed department, Blake honed his skills over 15 years there. However, his ambition led him to explore more advanced avenues, and he eventually took charge of the CAD/CAM department, fixed department, and finally operations. Now as COO, he has spearheaded multiple locations transition to cutting-edge digital technology and workflows, playing a pivotal role in the success of the company.
After a six-year career in the NFL as a Tight End and Fullback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Matt Cushing entered the dental lab industry as a sales rep. After building relationships in the dental community for a few years, he had the opportunity to start First Choice Dental Lab in 2008. First Choice has grown into a full service dental lab offering crown and bridge, implants, removables, surgical guides, and full arch case work including photogrammetry. Matt learned the operations of the lab from the ground up and has used his athletic background to create the team centric culture at First Choice focusing on consistent quality, on-time delivery, and exceptional customer service. A native of the south side of Chicago, Matt is a former president of the Downers Grove Park District Board of Commissioners and is a current member of the Board of Directors at his alma mater, Mt. Carmel High School. He and his wife of 26 years, Angie, have 3 kids, Luke (21), Ella (19), and Claire (17). In his free time, Matt enjoys coaching youth sports, mountain biking, and woodworking.
Stephenie Goddard, CEO of Glidewell Dental, leads one of the world’s largest dental laboratories and producers of dental technology, continuing education programs, and restorative materials. With nearly 30 years of leadership experience, she has been instrumental in driving Glidewell’s expansion, business development, and customer experience worldwide. Stephenie joined Glidewell in 2006 as Vice President of Human Resources and has held progressive leadership roles, including Executive Vice President of Business Development and Chief Experience Officer, before becoming CEO. She was pivotal in launching the glidewell.io™ In-Office Solution, a same-day dental restoration technology.
Daxton Grubb is President of R-Dent Dental Laboratory, Inc. in Bartlett, TN. He graduated Cum Laude from Christian Brothers University in 1999 with majors in business management and finance. Originally joining the lab in 2001, at that time it was just a Crown & Bridge Lab with 10 employees. Daxton created the removable department in 2002, and today it serves 10 states, has over 60 employees, and is one of the premier labs in the region.
BJ Kowalski is the President of ROE Dental Laboratory, CDL, a progressive full-service laboratory located outside of Cleveland, Ohio, with three additional satellite locations. ROE has served dentists nationwide for nearly 100 years. ROE prides itself on leading dental technology through strategic technology investments and a highly skilled staff. The laboratory has fully integrated all areas of production into a digital process. The audience is sure to learn from both his accomplishments and mistakes.
A third-generation lab technician, Karli Luksch began her career at O'Brien Dental Lab., Inc., CDL, DAMAS, in 1997 where she received comprehensive, in-house training in dental ceramics. She achieved the position of lead technician, where she specialized in comprehensive fixed prosthodontic cases. Karli has continued to pursue excellence in her craft as she became a certified master esthetic technician from the Las Vegas Institute (LVI), completed the Live Patient Veneer Course from Pacific Dental Institute, received accreditation as a level 4 master technician from Orognathic Bioesthetic Institute (OBI), and earned the designation of advanced porcelain technician from course work taught by Willi Geller. In 2010, Karli became Senior Team Leader at O’Brien. She continues to use her considerable knowledge and expertise to research and implement new materials and to train technicians in providing our customers and their patients with consistently high-quality restorations.
As CEO of Concord Dental Laboratory, Inc., CDL, in Westford, Massachusetts, Michael Farago (Moderator) has spent the last decade modernizing a nearly 60-year-old company. He purchased the company in 2018 after nearly 10 years in the role of Chief Operating Officer. Michael designed and carried out the ground-up redesign of management, training, accounting and technology services - resulting in tremendous growth. Concord Dental Laboratory is considered an industry leader for service and innovation. Michael is a Board Member for the National Association of Dental Laboratories and has become a valued opinion leader in the space. Michael is a graduate of the Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University. He holds a BSBA in Business Management focused on Organizational Behavior, as well as an MBA in Operational Effectiveness. In 2022 he accepted a faculty position at Suffolk teaching in the business school. In addition to his business ventures, Michael sits on multiple educational and organizational boards. Michael lives in North Reading, MA with his wife, Brittany, and his son, Elliott.
Carrie Ling (Moderator) has owned and operated Lifelike Dental Studio Inc. alongside her husband, Chris, in their hometown of Temple Texas for over 20 years. Carrie is a wife, mother of four and a lab owner. She and Chris started Lifelike Dental Studio in 2005. Over the past 20 years she has learned how to juggle the many different roles she has played, both in the lab and at home. She says the hardest part of her journey was “learning to have a work/life balance…it is hard to do when you are married to each other and you spend 24/7 together”. Carrie is excited about the addition of her first grandchild. A whole new role to learn to navigate!
