Haseeb Sajid, the CEO of TBS Dental, is a true multitasker in the world of business. With a keen understanding of the dental industry, he oversees multiple facets of the company on a daily basis, wearing numerous hats. His purview includes sales, marketing, the clinician network, research and development, manufacturing, and product development. For Haseeb, effective time management and staying organized are paramount, allowing him to tackle this diverse array of responsibilities. However, Haseeb’s influence extends beyond the boardroom. He has a deep commitment to social responsibility and has guided TBS Dental in engaging in several charitable initiatives. Notably, the company recently collaborated with the Wounded Warrior Project®, highlighting his dedication to giving back to the community.
Haseeb’s passion for innovation and the potential to transform the dental sector is palpable. He envisions that TBS Dental’s innovative products and working methods will not only boost efficiency and quality in dentistry but also enhance the patient experience and provide comfort for clinicians. His journey with TBS Dental began immediately after completing his bachelor’s degree, driven by an inherent entrepreneurial mindset and a strong desire to start his own business.
Haseeb’s upbringing in a family with a background in dental manufacturing exposed him to the industry and allowed him to identify its limitations. His primary focus has always been on problem-solving and devising unique and innovative solutions, and he continues to lead TBS Dental with this ethos, making him a driving force in the dental industry.
Inception and Transformation of TBS Dental
TBS Dental first opened its doors in 1992 as a manufacturer of dental instruments, initially focused on creating high-quality products to supply dentists worldwide with their traditional, everyday dental needs. However, when the current CEO, Haseeb Sajid, and President Hassan Malik assumed leadership of their family business, they brought a fresh and revolutionary mindset to the company’s business model.
Over the years, TBS Dental has made significant strides in designing and developing a range of contemporary, state-of-the-art dental instruments with a clear goal of modernization. Brothers have jointly transformed TBS into a hub of innovation and excellence, all with the singular aim of making dentistry as efficient as possible.
From its early days knocking on doors in the city of New York to their present status as a high-powered dental instrument provider, TBS Dental has grown to encompass more than 500 employees in their operations. They have expanded their reach internationally, earning the trust of key opinion leaders (KOLs) and building a loyal clientele across the globe. TBS has emerged as the fastest-growing startup in dental instrumentation and aspires to continue its trajectory of success in the dental industry, consistently introducing groundbreaking and enduring dental products.
Hands-On Leadership Philosophy
Haseeb’s development as a leader is driven by his continuous quest for solutions and his active involvement in the field, where he listens to clinicians. This approach has enabled him to adapt and pivot swiftly in response to the evolving needs of their customers.
In an industry that has seen little change for a long time, Haseeb’s proximity to end users allows him to actively listen and evolve to meet their specific needs. He recognizes that emerging leaders often fall short when they fail to think outside the box and become too distant from the field and their clients. Being a leader, in Haseeb’s view, means being willing to get involved in the hands-on work. It’s essential for a leader to understand the needs of their end users so that they can execute accordingly. While companies naturally focus on the bottom line, the primary goal for any company should be to produce the best product that effectively addresses a problem.
Building a Powerful Team
Haseeb emphasizes the importance of strong organizations understanding that individual heroics may lead to short-term success, but long-term success is achieved through the establishment of effective team processes. TBS Dental is dedicated to this objective, focusing on building a powerful team that can carry their vision forward.
In selecting team members, Haseeb places particular value on qualities such as loyalty, a strong commitment to the brand’s values, a passionate personality, and reliability as a team player. These attributes, in his view, are vital for fostering a cohesive and successful team.
Role of Automation in Success
Haseeb highlights the most significant changes he has observed in the dental equipment manufacturing industry. He notes that companies that have embraced automation have experienced success in consistently delivering reliable and predictable products. Manufacturing, in general, is a continually evolving field, making it crucial for companies to remain well-informed about technological advancements that can enhance their operations. Staying up-to-date with these changes is essential for maintaining competitiveness and quality in the industry.
Vision for TBS Dental
Haseeb considers the greatest risk he has taken in his career to be the decision to challenge a 150-year-old forceps that clinicians had been accustomed to for over a century. There was a significant uncertainty about whether the market would accept FRINGS. However, despite the uncertainty, they took the risk, and FRINGS remains their most revolutionary product, playing a pivotal role in establishing their brand.
Looking ahead five years, Haseeb envisions TBS Dental as a brand that resonates with efficiency among clinicians worldwide. Their plan includes expanding their portfolio with more comprehensive, solution-based products, further cementing their reputation as innovators in the dental industry.
A Balanced Approach to Work and Personal Life
Haseeb is a person of great passion and energy when it comes to work. He begins each day with a strong, go-getter attitude, ready to tackle the day’s objectives. In contrast, he maintains a calm and straightforward approach to his personal life. His family takes precedence, and he relishes the simple pleasures of staying at home and savoring good food. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife.
Key Principles for Successful Leadership
As a leader, Haseeb firmly believes in the importance of maintaining focus and addressing one problem at a time. His success is attributed to his unwavering commitment to staying on track, regardless of the challenges that may arise. Above all, he places immense value on his family, and their inspiration serves as a constant motivation for him to work diligently every day.
Haseeb’s most significant advice revolves around the importance of not fearing to take risks and being open to change. Additionally, he emphasizes the value of empathy toward one’s team and leading with compassion. These principles, in his view, are essential for successful leadership and navigating the challenges of the business world.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
