Garrett Turner

Age: 37

Business: Stan Turner, DDS, PC Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

Job title: Associate and Dental Director

Why are you working in this industry? I am able to balance being a doctor and spending time with my family.

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What are three daily habits that have helped you to become successful? Reading books. Exercising. Enjoying my life on a deeper level.

What was the most significant hurdle you had to overcome to get where you are? How would you address this hurdle today? I address this hurdle every day. I was born with transposition of the great vessels. A lot of the babies born in 1985 with that condition did not make it, but I lived through multiple surgeries when I was young. In 2011 I had to have two heart surgeries right as I was due to graduate dental school. It has been difficult to start my career while balancing raising my daughter and heart surgeries every few years. I only mention these personal details because if someone out there is going through something similar, I would merely want to inspire them to achieve their goals.

What is the best advice you have ever received? When I was ten, I struggled to run the bases like the other kids. It was actually a huge source of stress and self resentment. My dad said, “I’ll only ask you to give me your best.” Unshackled from the opinions and performances of others, I exceeded the expectations of even myself. Still to this day, I give everything my best: my child, each patient and personal endeavors.

What is an accomplishment that shaped your career? I am a Bronze Palm Eagle Scout and was the Senior Patrol Leader to the 2001 National Jamboree. The leadership learned along my scouting career played a major role in shaping how I try to uplift the team around me.

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What changes have you seen in Abilene during your career? What changes would you like to see? The CALF festival is the perfect example of giving the children something you would only expect from a bigger town. Abilene is continually becoming a better place to start a young family.

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 Where will we find you enjoying your hard-earned time off? Summiting Longs Peak and numerous other mountains is my main passion but is only possible because my friend Ben Allen showed me the way. Fly fishing with my daughter has become my favorite pastime these days.

Community Involvement:

• 17th District Dental Society: member at large 2020-2021, President 2021-22 and 2022-23

• Holland School of Science: several years, mentor

• Dental Health Month, 2011-2022

Family: My daughter and best friend, Isabella Turner, age nine.