The career of Joanna Krol, DVM did not unfold along predictable lines. Her path reflects determination shaped by early ambition, sustained by discipline and strengthened by a belief that exceptional veterinary care begins with exceptional environments for the people who deliver it. Long before she became Owner of Animal Care Center and President of Barrington Animal Dental Specialty, she was a young veterinarian studying Chicago’s growing need for accessible care. She spent years researching how to build a hospital from the ground up, balancing long shifts with evenings spent planning a future that did not yet exist. That persistence resulted in her first clinic, a venture that taught her how medicine and business intersect to support patients and communities.

Years later she returned home to Barrington, where a retiring veterinarian opened the door to a new chapter. She purchased the practice in 2020, stepping into a building in need of renovation just as the pandemic caused a surge in pet ownership. Growth became both an opportunity and an urgency. Relocation into a larger, modern space allowed the practice to add boarding, daycare and grooming. Revenue more than doubled, and the foundation was laid for sustained expansion. Her recognition as a Titan 100 Honoree is a reflection of the impact created during that transformation.

The last three years brought remarkable scale. What had once been a single, aging location evolved into a network of three sites with nearly 70 employees. A satellite clinic in Buffalo Grove extended reach and added significant revenue. A dedicated dental specialty center is now under construction, representing a new frontier for advanced services and expected to open in late 2025. Even with these strides, Dr. Krol remains involved in patient care while managing daily operations for a growing enterprise that blends clinical expertise with business leadership.

Her approach to the future centers on people. Staff development, continuing education and career progression are core priorities. She introduced a matching 401(k) plan, a Safe Harbor loan repayment program, internal recognition tools and team-led events to strengthen culture. These efforts reflect her commitment to making veterinary medicine a sustainable and rewarding profession, especially for those entering the field without business experience or financial backing. Her long-term vision includes mentorship and partnership opportunities for veterinarians, particularly women seeking the chance to build ownership without navigating the journey alone.

Passion for the work remains her anchor. Seeing a pet leave the hospital healthier than it arrived fuels her drive and sets the tone for the team. Her presence on the clinic floor reinforces standards of care and inspires colleagues to bring forward their best. She believes that when staff thrive, the entire practice thrives, and she leads accordingly.

From her first Chicago clinic to her expanding footprint in Barrington and beyond, Dr. Krol has demonstrated what determination, compassion and vision can achieve. She is building more than veterinary hospitals. She is building pathways for professionals, strengthening communities and redefining what growth can look like in her field.