Meet John Gil

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Gil and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was deeply personal. I’m a first-generation Colombian-American, and growing up, I watched my dad run his own business, it left a strong impression on me. That entrepreneurial drive felt almost innate, like it was part of who I was meant to be.

When I started working as an employee, I didn’t like what I saw. There was often a lack of support, leadership, and vision. But beyond that, I also didn’t see many practice owners who looked like me. That mattered. It made me feel like I needed to have a seat at the table, not just for myself, but to help shape what leadership and ownership can look like in our field.

Starting my own practice gave me the chance to build something better, something grounded in integrity, inclusivity, and compassion. It was about doing things right and creating the kind of workplace I wished I’d found earlier in my career.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own a veterinary practice in Alhambra, California, and what sets us apart is our commitment to practicing thoughtful, high-quality medicine without losing the human (and animal!) touch. We’re independently owned, which allows us to prioritize patient care, team well-being, and meaningful client relationships over corporate metrics.

As I said before, and I didn’t see a lot of people who looked like me in ownership positions. That lit a fire in me, not just to build a successful business, but to help reshape what leadership in veterinary medicine can look like. I’m proud to say we’ve built a space where our team feels supported, our clients feel heard, and our patients receive the kind of care I’d want for my own pets.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I started the practice in 2021 and like any small business, we faced our share of growing pains, learning how to hire the right team, handle the financial pressures, and wear all the hats at once. But those challenges taught me to be scrappy, to stay grounded in my values, and to lead with empathy and purpose. I’ve learned that success isn’t about perfection, it’s about resilience, showing up every day, and always striving to do a little better than the day before.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me or my brand, it’s that we care, deeply. About our patients, our clients, our staff, and our community. We’re here to practice medicine with heart, and to create a space where people and pets feel like they belong.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure they got the full LA experience—flavor, fun, and a little chaos in the best way.

First stop: a Dodger game, no question. There’s nothing like the energy of the stadium, a michelada in hand, and some classic stadium snacks to kick things off.

Throughout the week, we’d hit up multiple taco trucks—because one is never enough—and make our way to Brother’s Korean BBQ for an epic, all-you-can-eat feast. One night, I’d have my mom cook her famous frijoles y chicharrón, nothing says “welcome to John’s LA” like a home-cooked Colombian meal.

For sightseeing and soaking in the vibe, I’d take them to the Santa Monica Pier for some ocean air and nostalgia, then down to the South Bay beaches to relax and maybe catch a sunset. We’d explore the Arts District for coffee, murals, and good eats, and wrap up the week with a night out in West Hollywood, dancing, drinks, and people-watching at its finest.

To me, LA is all about contrast and culture, gritty and glam, laid-back and high-energy. The people are creative, bold, and endlessly interesting. It’s a place where you can eat street tacos at 2 a.m., hike a canyon in the morning, and end the day with a rooftop cocktail. That’s the magic I’d want them to experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, my shoutout goes first and foremost to my parents. My dad has always been a huge influence on me. He ran his own business, and growing up, I saw firsthand what hard work, grit, and ownership looked like. That entrepreneurial spirit definitely rubbed off on me.

And my mom—she was a stay-at-home mom when we were young, pouring everything into our upbringing. Later, she re-entered the workforce and did whatever needed to be done, never caring about titles or status, just that she felt useful and needed. That kind of selflessness and strength has always inspired me. Both of them instilled in me the values of perseverance, humility, and purpose, and I carry those with me every day.

Website: https://www.alhambravets.com

Instagram: doctor_gil