Dr. Matt Duff’s Path to Leadership and Culture Building
Dr. Matt Duff’s journey with Lakefield Veterinary Group spans over a decade, three hospitals, two states, and a few pairs of cowboy boots. From reluctant beginnings to leading one of the largest hospitals in the Lakefield family, Dr. Duff’s story is one of growth, adaptability, and the legacy of building culture-driven teams.
Finding His Footing in Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Duff didn’t always know he’d become a veterinarian. With an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota in Applied Psychology and a plan to pursue family therapy, his path took a turn after a conversation with his mother. “She asked, ‘If you could do anything, what would it be?’ I said, ‘Veterinarian.’ She told me to just ask and see what happens,” he recalls. That push led him back to school, where he took the necessary science courses and was accepted into veterinary school on his first try.
After graduating from veterinary school in 2007, he explored several clinics before finding his “sweet spot” at Rockford Road Animal Hospital in Plymouth, MN. There, he worked under Dr. Dave Brewer—until a retirement opened the door to something unexpected: a conversation with Lakefield.
Reluctance Turned Reward
Dr. Duff was hesitant about joining a corporate veterinary group. “I didn’t want to go the corporate route,” he admits. But through countless Friday evening phone calls with Lakefield’s Chad Quick, he began to understand that their values actually aligned with his.
After Dr. Brewer retired, Duff stepped into the Medical Director role, promising to give Lakefield a year. “If they turned out to be who they said they were, I’d stay,” he says. Nearly nine years later, he’s still here. “No regrets.”
Growth Through Challenge in Texas
When the COVID-19 pandemic stalled his career growth in Minnesota, Duff spoke with leadership about new opportunities. That conversation led him to Katy, Texas. He was tapped to lead Brixton Pet Hospital, a hospital in need of a culture shift and a new direction.
Under his leadership, the hospital was rebranded as Cross Creek Veterinary Hospital and quickly saw improvements in team morale, client relationships, and community presence. “We focused on rebuilding trust—within the team and with our clients,” Duff says. While the hospital presented unique challenges, the experience strengthened his leadership skills and reinforced his commitment to creating supportive, people-first environments.
From General Practice to Emergency Medicine
His next chapter brought him to All Pets Animal Hospital and 24-Hour Emergency, where he now oversees both the GP and ER teams. Despite having little emergency experience, Dr. Duff embraced the challenge. “It’s been a crash course,” he says. “I thrive on relationship-building in the exam room, and usually ER work doesn’t allow for that. So we’re working to make our ER feel more like a GP experience—focusing on communication and continuity of care.”
Defining a Legacy
When asked what he hopes his legacy will be, Dr. Duff doesn’t talk about surgical wins or business metrics. Instead, he points to the people. “I hope people remember me for building strong, compassionate hospital cultures. For creating spaces where teams thrive and clients feel cared for.”
His impact has extended well beyond hospital walls. One of his most meaningful experiences was volunteering with Leech Lake Legacy, a nonprofit organization that provides veterinary care—including free spay and neuter services—to Native American communities in northern Minnesota. “It was incredibly rewarding,” he says. “These communities deeply love their pets but often lack access to veterinary services. Being able to help, even in a small way, meant a lot.”
Dr. Duff also participated in a World Vets trip to Peru, providing essential care to pets in underserved areas. “Seeing how grateful those communities were—that left a mark.”
Support That Made It Possible
Throughout his journey, Dr. Duff credits Lakefield for supporting him at every stage. “From day one as a nervous new Medical Director, they’ve had my back,” he says. He received leadership training early on, guidance from mentors like Dr. Gary Goldstein, and trust from the organization through every transition. “I was reluctant to join, but I would’ve missed out on so much growth if I hadn’t.”
Now a seasoned leader, Dr. Duff remains focused on what matters most—culture, compassion, and connection.
