Dr. James Koller with a patient in his dental office. DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

President, James Koller Family Dentistry

North St. Paul
Age: 58
Parish: St. Peter, North St. Paul
Spouse: Denise
Children: Nina, 32; Emma, 26; Grace, 24
Education: University of St. Thomas, University of Minnesota
Number of years with company: 20

Business owner, employer, dentist treating patients of all ages. Those are among roles Dr. James Koller fills as he seeks to live life as a blessing and to lead with faith through prayer and service. He also is a lector and cantor at his parish, a member of the pastoral council, a Family Service Center volunteer, a mentor with his wife for engaged couples, and a youth and high school boys lacrosse coach.

Q Describe your business.

A We are a private practice general dental office treating patients of all ages. I am carrying on the tradition of at least five other dentists who treated patients in North St. Paul before me. I am working in the community that I was born and raised in. We treat three and four generations of some families in our practice.

Q Describe your position and role.

A I am not only a dentist. I also am the business owner and employer. I purchased and took over the practice from Dr. Gene Kelley in August 2001. Since then, I have stewarded the practice from a one dentist, one hygienist and one assistant office, to a team of three dentists, four assistants and five hygienists. While I am responsible for all the final decisions at the office, I am blessed to be surrounded by a wonderful and skilled team. Fairness and honesty are paramount in all my encounters with patients and employees alike, as well as government entities and insurance companies.

Q What does “leading with faith” mean to you?

A “Leading with faith” begins with recognizing that all I have comes from God. It is all blessing. I was challenged more than a dozen years ago by a Cursillo friend to come up with a “breath prayer.” Breath prayer is a statement of faith than can be expressed in a single breath. My breath prayer is “I’m living a blessed life.” I express it often to patients when they ask me how I’m doing. It immediately reminds me how blessed I am. I try to never lose site of the fact that my whole purpose as a dentist is to serve and help others. Other ways of leading with faith can be as simple as taking time to pray with a patient, or just listening to their burdens and struggles. I try to be the person God calls me to be.

Q How do you concretely apply your faith and Catholic values at work?

A I have prayed with patients. I have taught patients about St. Apollonia the martyr, patroness of dentists and dental problems. I have visited the sick, a corporal work of mercy, to fix their teeth or a broken or lost denture. I have made house calls to sick or disabled patients. I have donated tens of thousands of dollars of free services to programs such as Donated Dental Services and Give Kids a Smile.

Q Please tell a story about a time when living out your faith at work really made a difference.

A I have opportunities weekly, if not daily, to share my faith. There have been many times when I took time out of my day to just stop and listen to a person who was overwhelmed with something going on in their life. Sometimes they were struggling with a health crisis for themselves or a family member. Other times, I have comforted a grieving spouse or a lonely senior. I sometimes offer to pray with them right there, if they are open to it. Other times I promise to pray for them later. Most importantly, I always try to see Christ in others. I always try to treat the least among us with dignity and compassion.

Q Who or what has inspired you to bring your faith to the “marketplace?”

A On my initial Cursillo retreat 25 years ago, I learned how other Catholic men were living out their faith throughout the workweek, and not just on Sunday mornings. I felt the gentle challenge to bring my faith into the office and improve my prayer life. My continued involvement in the Cursillo movement has repeatedly inspired me to evangelize my environments. My weekly men’s group keeps me grounded and inspired to strengthen and spread my faith. Some of my Catholic patients continue to challenge me to go even further in bringing my faith into the office. A pilgrimage to Lourdes a few years ago has given a boost to my interest in sharing the healing message of God and our Blessed Mother.

Q What achievement at work are you most proud of?

A I am most proud of the relationships we have built, with both patients and staff. I am proud of the loyalty patients have shown me. I have patients who have followed me to different offices for 30 years and continue to travel from across the Twin Cities and distant suburbs to seek my treatment. Some are now bringing in their grandchildren to see me. I am blessed with a staff that shares in my loving concern for our patients. One recently hired dental assistant, who had years of experience in other offices, was amazed to see the connections we make with our patients.

Q In what specific ways have you experienced God’s presence in your workplace?

A I have experienced God many times in the interactions with my patients and co-workers. I have been blessed to have patients ask me to sing at their funerals.

Q What advice do you have for others who want to lead with faith?

A Do it. Seek ways to strengthen and deepen your own faith. Step out in faith. You will be rewarded. Don’t be afraid to tithe. God will bless you.