Michael Pote

Michael Pote is the CEO of The Growth Cooperative, a company focused on assisting optometrists with practice sales and consolidations. With over 25 years of experience in the healthcare sector, Pote has held senior positions at several notable organizations, including the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), HealthStream, and EyeCarePro. He founded The Growth Cooperative in January 2018, aiming to create a supportive team culture that helps eye care practices attract more patients and optimize their practice assets.12

Professional Background

• Education: Pote is a trained special education teacher, which informs his approach to leadership and team dynamics.
• Previous Roles: Before founding The Growth Cooperative, he served as Chief Operating Officer at EyeCarePro and Executive Director of the Energeyes Association, where he developed innovative programs for optometrists working in corporate settings.23
• Achievements: Under his leadership, The Growth Cooperative has facilitated over 200 practice sales and consolidations, positioning it as a leader in the optometric field. Pote emphasizes the importance of thorough practice evaluations and creative sales strategies to maximize value for sellers.45

Personal Life

Outside of work, Michael Pote enjoys spending time with his family—his wife and three sons—and engages in hobbies such as gardening and skateboarding with his youngest child.1