Cadmus Dental Lab is a creator of dental prosthetics and plans to increase its space with a new lease, expand its staff over the next three years and move into new markets around the globe.
The Tampa-based company has leased 21,400 square feet, at 5701 East Hillsborough Avenue, in the NetPark business park, and plans to grow from 50 employees to 100. The company was expected to do $60 million in revenue, by December 2024.
Cadmus Dental Lab was founded by Kelly Boyd-Rivera, one of only three women, worldwide who own a dental lab. The company creates implants, crowns and bridges, dentures and partials, and orthodontic appliances for dental practices.
Bridgette Bello, chief executive officer and publisher of Tampa Bay Business and Wealth, interviewed Boyd-Rivera in front of a live audience at the University Club in Tampa. This transcript has been edited for length and brevity.
What has it been like being Miss October 2024 for TBBW?
This has been an incredible experience for us. Since we were featured, we’ve been flooded with emails, partnership requests and inquiries about our business. My [chief operating officer], Jonathan, and I have been amazed by the support and the resources available to us as a young, and rapidly growing, company. We’re very grateful to have been chosen for this honor. Thank you!
We’re honored you let us tell your story. It was a great one. So, you’ve had some exciting developments since our interview—eight weeks ago, but it feels like longer! Care to share?
We officially opened in January 2022, and my plan was always to go global by 2025. But just this month, we launched Cadmus Academy, a nonprofit providing free education to our partner dentists. Many dental students don’t graduate with the education they need and this academy is our way of giving back. We’ll host quarterly summits for 100 to 300 doctors, at our facility. We’re also planning to expand with Cadmus Global, a new supply chain division offering consumables to our existing clients.
What does that mean for your company and Tampa?
Tampa will always be our headquarters. We love this community. But as part of our global strategy, we’re focused on manufacturing in other geographies. With potential tariff impacts, depending on the U.S. elections, we need to secure manufacturing outside the U.S. We’re already doing clinical trials in Vietnam and are exploring locations in Scotland for our global supply headquarters, as well as sites in Croatia, Cairo and India.
Do you have the team to make that happen?
I do. My team is my rock. Kent, my chief revenue officer, is leading the academy. Don, my fiancé, is handling construction at our new lab and Jonathan, my son and COO, is instrumental in launching new initiatives. They all wear many hats and are incredible.
You talked about your company’s growth, in both space and staffing. Can you elaborate?
When we moved into our 8,000-square-foot facility, in 2022, we thought we’d be set for five to ten years. But we’ve grown 600% over last year and continue to grow 20–25%, monthly with no marketing—just industry relationships. Jonathan advised we’d need a larger space, so we leased a facility, four times larger, at NetPark. We had 50 employees when we first talked. Now we’re at 57, intending to hire another 100 next year.
You’ve been vocal about how crucial your team is to you. Recently, you mentioned that some team members lost everything in the hurricanes. Can you share how you’ve supported them?
Yes, it’s been heartbreaking. About 20% of our employees lost everything, including their homes and possessions, many without renters’ insurance. We started a GoFundMe for them and reached out to our vendors, and customers, who responded generously. These employees are our unsung heroes and seeing the nationwide support has been heartwarming.
Thank you for leading with compassion. What’s next for you and Cadmus?
Life hasn’t been without challenges, but my father taught me to “pay it forward.” I want to build a legacy, not only for my children but for my entire team, so they have something to retire with. Eventually, I’d like to slow down—but only after we achieve true global impact.
You have an inspiring story, Kelly. Many in this room know I advocate for domestic violence survivors and, I understand you’re a survivor too. You experienced a traumatic incident that left 90% of your face burned.
Yes, it was a dark time. But I survived. I want to help other women escape unhealthy relationships and regain their power. If I can turn my life around and run a $60 million company, they can too. I speak out for the women who weren’t as fortunate as me. It’s a painful topic, but I’m proud to have overcome it for myself and for every woman who faces similar struggles.
For the record—you’re winning. Thank you for sharing your journey.
ABOUT ‘CEO CONNECT’
TBBW’s “CEO Connect” series is an exclusive, invitation-only, event that brings together the Tampa Bay area’s top business leaders to meet and mingle. Hyde Park Capital, Northern Trust, Shumaker and The William Stanley CFO Group were presenting sponsors. The host sponsor was Apex Health.
TBBW’s video partner is Empowering Creative.
The evening begins with a cocktail reception for about 120 guests, followed by an interview with that month’s cover CEO.
Partnering with TBBW provides an opportunity to network with the area’s business elite, generate new business opportunities and increase brand awareness.
For information about event sponsorship opportunities, email Jason Baker at [email protected].
