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Send us a text Schedule an Rx Assessment With Medicare’s Maximum Fair Price (MFP) rebates officially underway and the 340B rebate mechanism on hold, pharmacy owners are left navigating one of the grayest areas the industry has seen in years. In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, Bonnie Bond, CPA, MBA, and Austin Murray sit down with Julie Crozier, CEO at  @secure340b to unpack how MDPNP is colliding with 340B and what pharmacies should be paying attention to right now. We cover: How MDPNP and MFP rebates are flowing todayThe duplicate discount problem no one is reconcilingBeacon’s role and why future reconciliation risk mattersDispensing fee pressure, CE relationships, and contract implicationsPractical considerations if TPAs or covered entities push for carve-outsAnd more! More About Our Guest: As CEO of Secure340B, Julie is responsible for formulating and executing strategic plans and technology to deliver critical and timely intel to 340B stakeholders. Julie has over 25 years of pharmacy experience including co-founding, growing and leading a pharmacy software company, Macro Helix, which was acquired by McKesson Corp (NYSE: MCK) in 2012. Julie also has experience in retail pharmacy, long-term care, state Medicaid programs and healthcare revenue cycle. She holds a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy and a Master’s in Pharmacy Administration from The University of Texas at Austin. Julie serves on the board at Crossroads Community Services, a food pantry, and lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and 2 daughters. Stay connected with Julie and Secure340B: Julie Crozier LinkedIn Secure340B Website Secure340B Facebook Secure340B LinkedIn Secure340B Instagram Stay connected with us: Facebook YouTube  LinkedIn Instagram More resources on this topic: Podcast - Driving Independent Pharmacy Profitability in 2026 Podcast – The Startup Compounding Pharmacy Playbook Podcast – Inside the Fight for Compounding: Advocacy, Growth, and Regulation

Send us a text Schedule an Rx Assessment AI in pharmacy isn't about prompts, dashboards, or “nice-to-have” tools, it’s about execution. In this episode of the Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, Austin Murray sits down with Natalie Park, PharmD, co-founder and CEO of Pharmesol, to break down what AI agents actually are and why they represent a major shift in how pharmacies operate, scale, and compete. We uncover:  What an AI agent really isHow AI agents can execute workflowsHow automation is driving real revenue growthWhere pharmacies are seeing the biggest early winsAnd more! More About Our Guest: Dr. Natalie Park, Pharm.D. is a pharmacist, entrepreneur, and health technology innovator who exemplifies how a pharmacy degree can become a launchpad for transformative impact. A proud graduate of The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Natalie brings a bold, initiative-driven mindset to everything she does embracing challenges, valuing diverse experiences, and firmly believing that practice, not theory alone, drives meaningful change. Fueled by a passion for digital health, innovation, and health policy, Natalie is the founder and CEO of Pharmesol, an AI-powered pharmacy assistant designed to strengthen connections between practitioners and patients while improving access to care. Her interests span comparative effectiveness research, health technology assessment, and healthcare innovation, all with a focus on practical, real-world application. Natalie’s journey into pharmacy is deeply personal. After moving to the U.S. as a teenager, she struggled to navigate the healthcare system. When she experienced an allergic reaction for the first time, she turned to a pharmacy—simply because she didn’t know where else to go. That moment shaped her purpose and inspired her to pursue pharmacy as a pathway to accessible, patient-centered care. Today, as a technology CEO serving pharmacies, Natalie’s work blends strategy, customer engagement, and problem-solving. She partners closely with pharmacy leaders to understand their needs, guides product innovation with intention, and keeps her team focused on delivering meaningful value. Her career is a testament to lifelong learning—not as something additive, but transformative—and to the idea that pharmacy isn’t just a profession, but a platform for limitless possibilities. Stay connected with Natalie and Pharmesol: Natalie's LinkedIn Pharmesol Website Pharmesol LinkedIn Stay connected with us: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP LinkedIn Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP Twitter Bonnie Bond – CPA LinkedIn Bonnie Bond – CPA Twitter More resources on this topic: Podcast - Driving Independent Pharmacy Profitability in 2026 Podcast – The Startup Compounding Pharmacy Playbook Podcast – Inside the Fight for Compounding: Advocacy, Growth, and Regulation

Send us a text Schedule an Rx Assessment Levi is hiring! Interested in working for a pharmacy that runs on structure, relationships, and a high-performance Med Sync model (not “rat race” retail)? Click here If you really want to maximize your Med Sync program, you need to shift your mindset from "Med Sync is a “program” to "Med Sync is our culture and a competitive advantage." In this episode of the Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, Bonnie Bond, CPA, MBA, and Austin Murray sit down with Dr. Levi Ellison, PharmD, Owner of Ellison Family Pharmacy to discuss his Med Sync operation, how it’s driving 42 inventory turns and creating a smoother, calmer experience for patients and staff. We break down: Med Sync as opt-out, not opt-inHow Med Sync creates financial leverageWhy Levi believes Med Sync benefits everyoneThe Med Sync workflow driving above average inventory turnsAnd more!More About Our Guest: Dr. Levi Ellison, PharmD is the owner of Ellison Family Pharmacy. An independent pharmacy located in Mena Arkansas. Levi’s roots run deep in Polk County with his family going back six or more generations on both sides. Both Levi graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2018 from UAMS College of Pharmacy in Little Rock, AR. Levi serves as the pharmacist in charge of Ellison Family Pharmacy and Jessica works part time as a pharmacist. Levi is a very active member of Salem Baptist Church located in the community of Nunley just outside Mena. He is also a member of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association and the National Community Pharmacists Association. In his limited free time he enjoys spending time with wife Jessica hiking and with their children. Stay connected with Levi and Ellison Family Pharmacy: Levi's LinkedIn Ellison Rx Website Ellison Rx Facebook Stay connected with us: Facebook YouTube  LinkedIn Instagram More resources on this topic: Podcast - Driving Independent Pharmacy Profitability in 2026 Podcast – The Startup Compounding Pharmacy Playbook Podcast – Inside the Fight for Compounding: Advocacy, Growth, and Regulation

Send us a text Schedule an Rx Assessment Peptides, telemedicine, speed-to-market. Independent pharmacies have real profitability levers in 2026 but the winners will be the ones who can move fast and stay compliant. In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP, Bonnie Bond, CPA, MBA, and Austin Murray sit down with Dr. Nicolette Mathey, PharmD, CEO of Atrium24 to unpack what’s changing right now in the compounding and wellness economy. We cover: Why peptides are exploding in demandWhat to know about BPC-157 and why many think FDA movement could be comingHow pharmacies can use telemedicine to keep patients from being captured by big direct-to-consumer platformsWhere compounding pharmacies are still thrivingSpeed to market without reckless riskMore About Our Guest: Dr. Nicolette Mathey started her career at Walgreens at age 16 and earned her PharmD from the University of Florida in 2010. After pioneering a successful Bedside Delivery program at BayCare Health Systems, she became the Director of Clinical Services at Pharmacy Development Services. There, she co-developed the Clinical Services Profit Ignitor and played a pivotal role in early data analytics. In 2017, Nicolette acquired Palm Harbor Pharmacy, transforming it from a contracts-only establishment in a Heat Zone to a thriving hub. She revamped its identity, introducing robust digital marketing, a multi-rep sales system, compounding, immunizations, NABP accreditation, Test & Treat, Pharmacogenomic (PGX) Testing, and more. In 2019, Nicolette founded ATRIUM24, initially offering business consulting to pharmacies. Focused on developing software to automate data analytics and launch Dotti, the industry’s first CRM sales system tailored for pharmacies, she sold Palm Harbor Pharmacy to another independent owner in October 2023. With the official launch of Dotti in January 2024, Dr. Mathey continues to innovate, aiding pharmacies in maximizing their data for profitability and growth. Through ATRIUM24 and Dotti, she and her team “connect the dots” for sales and marketing initiatives, empowering pharmacies with cutting-edge tools. Stay connected with Nicolette, Atrium24, and Dotti: Nicolette’s LinkedIn Atrium24 Website Atrium24 Facebook Atrium24 LinkedIn Stay connected with us: Facebook YouTube  LinkedIn Instagram More resources on this topic: Podcast – The Startup Compounding Pharmacy Playbook Podcast – Inside the Fight for Compounding: Advocacy, Growth, and Regulation

Send us a text Schedule an Rx Assessment 🎄 ’Tis the season to be…strategic. 🎁 In this festive year-end episode of The Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, the team gathers to break down what independent pharmacy owners should be thinking about as the calendar closes and what opportunities and challenges lie ahead. We cover a wide range of timely topics, including: - Market changes and the increase in multi-store ownership - Why you need to be prepared if you are approached to buy a pharmacy - What proper due diligence really looks like when evaluating a pharmacy - Key MFP and WAC updates heading into the new year - Last-minute tax planning strategies pharmacy owners can still implement before year-end - A pulse check on PBM reform and legislative momentum Happy listening! Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More on this topic: Podcast: NCPA 2025 Recap

Send us a text What if your year-end tax plan could do more than reduce your bill… and actually strengthen the future of independent pharmacy? In this episode of The Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, Bonnie Bond, CPA, and Austin Murray sit down with Sonja Pagniano of the NCPA Foundation to unpack how the Foundation supports pharmacy ownership, disaster recovery, and long-term sustainability for community pharmacies. We cover: - The origin story of the NCPA Foundation - Why public understanding of independent pharmacy is a key piece of independent pharmacy's future - The Rural Pharmacy Ownership Accelerator and what it means for “pharmacy deserts” - End-of-year planning strategies pharmacy owners should consider - And more! More About Our Guest: Sonja Pagniano, is the executive director of the NCPA Foundation. Sonja leads the foundation’s strategic growth including the fundraising campaigns, marketing initiatives, as well as various other projects. Throughout her career Sonja has sought to strategically support the mission of philanthropic groups such as the NCPA Foundation. She most recently served as the development manager for the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, which helps donors maximize their impact on long-term recovery from disasters through expert resources, community-driven grantmaking and philanthropic consulting services.  Prior to this position, she worked at the College of Wooster’s Advancement Division as the assistant director of annual giving, and as an associate planner at the Medina County Department of Planning Services and Fair Housing in Ohio.  Sonja received her Masters of Public Administration from Kent State University. She also holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification, so she is certified in the highest standards of ethics, competence, and service to the philanthropic sector. Stay connected with Sonja and the NCPA Foundation: Sonja Pagniano LinkedIn NCPA Foundation Website NCPA Foundation YouTube NCPA Foundation LinkedIn NCPA Foundation Facebook Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP® LinkedIn More on this topic: Podcast: NCPA 2025 Recap Podcast: Pioneering Solutions in Remote Territories

Send us a text Schedule an Rx Assessment What happens when GLP-1 compounding, TrumpRx, and PBM audits all collide in your pharmacy? In this episode of the Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, hosts Austin Murray and Bonnie Bond, CPA, are joined by healthcare attorney Dae Lee of Buchanan, Ingersoll, & Rooney, P.C. to unpack the fast-moving legal and regulatory landscape around GLP-1s, PBMs, and audits and what independent owners need to be doing right now to protect their businesses. We cover: - The vertical integration behind the “big three” PBMs and their rebate aggregators - Why PBM audit triggers and the realities of today’s audit tactics - A practical roadmap for responding to an audit - What “recredentialing season” really means - TrumpRx And more! More About Our Guest: Dae Y. Lee, Pharm.D., Esq., CPBS focuses on representing pharmacies in their dealings against Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). With extensive experience in the intricacies of PBM audits, investigations, network enrollment, network suspension, network terminations, reimbursement disputes, and DEA as well as other governmental investigations, Dae has become a trusted advisor to a broad cross-section of pharmacies and pharmacy providers, including community retail pharmacies, chain pharmacies, compounding pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, home infusion providers, and dispensing physician practices.. His practice also extends to assisting other stakeholders in the pharmacy industry such as wholesalers, manufacturers, and other healthcare providers. In addition to his PBM-focused work, Dae represents entities in pharmacy-related transactions and assists clients with corporate formation, due diligence, licensing, change-of-ownership requirements and credentialing, providing comprehensive legal support throughout the transaction process. Dae is a Certified Pharmacy Benefits Specialist™ (CPBS™). Offered through TransparentRx and accredited by the University of Kentucky School of Pharmacy, the CPBS program is designed to cover complex topics of pharmacy benefit management in order to provide a foundational knowledge required for higher-level evaluation of PBM business operations, fundamentals of PBM pricing, plan design, cost-containment strategies, PBM contracts, PBM procurement, Specialty Pharmacy benefits management, and overall PBM performance with emphasis on cost effectiveness. Stay connected with Dae and Buchanan, Ingersoll, & Rand: Dae Lee LinkedIn Buchanan, Ingersoll, & Rooney Website Buchanan, Ingersoll, & Rooney LinkedIn Buchanan, Ingersoll, & Rooney Twitter Buchanan, Ingersoll, & Rooney Facebook Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More on this topic: Podcast: The Startup Compounding Pharmacy Playbook Podcast: The Trusted Pharmacist: Adv

Send us a text Schedule an Rx Assessment Subscribe to Master The Margin What does it really take to start and sustain a successful compounding pharmacy in 2026? In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, and Austin Murray sit down with Amy Summers, PharmD, BCSCP and of Restore Health Consulting, to discuss how pharmacy owners can move from idea to implementation when entering the compounding space. We cover: Designing a purpose-built facility for USP standards and your product mixThe mindset shift from dispensing to creating and how to balance quality with patient careMarket analysis, relationships, and niche focus in building a sustainable businessKey trends driving growth, consolidation, and private investment in the compounding industryMore About Our Guest: Amy Summers, PharmD, BCSCP is an independent consultant, specializing in business, operations, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance matters for the pharmaceutical compounding industry. She earned her PharmD degree from the University of California San Francisco and was among the first pharmacists in the nation to earn a Board Certified Sterile Compounding Pharmacist (BCSCP) credential. Dr. Summers has spent her entire career as a pharmacist in various settings centered around non-sterile and sterile compounding. She has formerly served as Director of Operations and Pharmacist in Charge at organizations engaged in compounding and also as Managing Director of a FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility. With extensive experience in USP standards, accreditation, cGMP, and regulatory compliance, Dr. Summers has also served as an expert witness for matters related to compounding. Stay connected with Amy and Restore Health Consulting: Amy Summers LinkedIn Restore Health Consulting Website Restore Health Consulting LinkedIn Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sykesandco Twitter: https://twitter.com/OllinSykes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sykes-&-company-p-a-?trk=tyah Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP® LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottysykes/ More on this topic: Podcast: The Trusted Pharmacist: Advocacy and Building a Resilient Pharmacy Podcast: From Counter to Capitol

Send us a text Schedule an Rx Assessment Subscribe to Master The Margin How will the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program reshape independent pharmacy? What should owners be doing now to prepare? In this episode of The Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, Bonnie Bond, CPA, and Austin Murray sit down in the new studio to recap NCPA 2025 from an ownership, cash flow, and strategy lens. We cover: - A 50,000-foot view of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program - Key trends among startup vs. acquisition-minded owners - Pharmacy business plans and clinical services Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram More on this topic: Podcast: The Trusted Pharmacist: Advocacy and Building a Resilient Pharmacy Podcast: From Counter to Capitol

Send us a text Schedule an Rx Assessment Subscribe to Master The Margin Compounding Pharmacies are under a lot of fire but through advocacy, the future is bright! So, what does it really take to protect, grow, and advocate for compounding pharmacies in today’s changing landscape? In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, and Austin Murray sit down with Scott Brunner, CEO of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding (APC), to unpack the realities of advocacy, access, and opportunity in the compounding space. We cover: - How GLP-1 shortages spotlighted the critical role of compounding pharmacies - The advocacy battles shaping patient access and prescriber freedom - Why cash-pay compounding is helping hybrids survive PBM reimbursement cuts - The rise of telehealth and private equity in personalized medicine - And more! More About Our Guest: Scott Brunner, CAE, is CEO of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding. APC is the industry trade association and the voice for pharmacy compounding, representing compounding pharmacists and technicians in both 503A and 503B settings, as well as prescribers, educators, researchers, and suppliers. APC works to preserve patient access to compounded drugs and the essential role of compounded medications in the American healthcare system. Brunner was formerly the senior vice president communications and external relations for the National Community Pharmacists Association and CEO of the Georgia Pharmacy Association. In his 30+year career in association management, he has also led statewide trade associations in Mississippi and Virginia. As you’ll hear in his drawl, he is an Alabama native. He earned his BBA at the University of Montevallo and MPS from Auburn University Montgomery. He earned the prestigious Certified Association Executive designation in 1997. Stay connected with Scott and Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding: Scott Brunner LinkedIn  APC Website APC LinkedIn APC Facebook APC Instagram Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP® LinkedIn More on this topic: Podcast: The Trusted Pharmacist: Advocacy and Building a Resilient Pharmacy Podcast: From Counter to Capitol

Send us a text Immunizations are the number one patient care service offered by community pharmacy but they can also be leveraged as a key growth driver in your pharmacy. So how exactly can seasonal immunizations become a reliable growth engine?  In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP® and Austin Murray sit down with Dr. Kyle Beyer, PharmD, Owner of North Shore Pharmacy and Greco De Valencia, VP of Pharmacy at Live Oak Bank to unpack how flu and other vaccines drive new business, deepen relationships, and open doors to higher-margin services. We cover: How vaccine programs (in-store and off-site) become a patient acquisition funnelThe practical steps to stand up a vaccine program by fallLeveraging point-of-care testing and collaborative practice to add cash-pay revenueSimple tech workflows for booking and intake that keep experiences smoothAnd moreMore About Our Guest: Dr. Kyle Beyer, PharmD, has been North Shore Pharmacy’s owner since March of 2020. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa in 2010, combining his love for chemistry and passion for helping others. After spending ten years working for larger pharmacy chains in the Milwaukee Area, it became clear to Kyle that there was an opportunity to serve the community better. This desire to provide superior care led him to pursue independent pharmacy ownership. Kyle is board certified in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (BCACP) and has completed several certificate courses in Travel Health, Immunizations, Point of Care testing and Diabetic Care. He has taught and precepted students from several Colleges of Pharmacy and is an active participant in the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin. Kyle has sat on several multidisciplinary committees related to improving access to vaccines in the Milwaukee Area. Kyle and his wife, Gretchen, live in the North Shore. They have two children, a dog, and they love to explore the local parks. Kyle enjoys cycling and going to Brewer’s games. Connect with Dr. Kyle Beyer, PharmD and Greco De Valencia below: Kyle Beyer LinkedIn North Shore Pharmacy Website North Shore Pharmacy Instagram North Shore Pharmacy Facebook Greco’s LinkedIn Live Oak Bank Website Stay connected with us: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP® LinkedIn More Resources on these Topics: Podcast – Pioneering Solutions in Remote Territories Podcast - The Fight for Fair Drug Pricing Podcast - Relationships That Scale

Send us a text Schedule an Rx Assessment Subscribe to Master The Margin Owning a pharmacy on an island is more than a business...it’s an act of innovation and resilience.  But what can mainland pharmacy owners learn from operating in one of the most remote U.S. territories? In this episode, Bonnie Bond, CPA, MBA, Ollin Sykes, CPA, CITP, CMA and Austin Murray sit down with Dr. Joshua Wise, Owner of PHI Pharmacy to explore the unique challenges and triumphs of running an independent pharmacy in Saipan.  We cover: How geographic isolation impacts logistics, inventory management, and access to healthcare services. Joshua's journey of innovation and resilience Insights into niche services and the importance of community-focused care. More About Our Guest: Josh received his Doctor of Pharmacy at University of Hawaii at Hilo's Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharamacy in 2014. He has been with PHI Pharmacy since 2014 and became PHI's General Manager in 2017. In his spare time, Josh enjoys to travel, free dive, and cook. Stay connected with Josh and PHI Pharmacy: Joshua Wise LinkedIn PHI Pharmacy Website PHI Pharmacy Facebook Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP® LinkedIn More on this topic: Podcast: The Fight for Fair Drug Pricing Podcast: From Counter to Capitol

Send us a text Schedule an Rx Assessment Subscribe to Master The Margin How can technology and AI transform operations without losing the personal touch that defines community care? In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, Ollin Sykes, CPA, CITP, CMA and Austin Murray sit down with AJ Asgari, CEO of Drugstore2Door to unpack the evolving role of technology in independent pharmacy. We cover: Why digitizing pharmacy services is no longer optional for growthHow AI can enhance patient interactions and streamline daily operationsPractical strategies to bridge the gap between convenience and customer serviceWays automation reduces repetitive tasks while freeing staff for higher-value workMore About Our Guest: AJ Asgari is the CEO of Drugstore2door and Multi-Pharmacy Owner in Norman, Oklahoma. A dynamic entrepreneur, AJ's journey began immediately after graduating from pharmacy school, where he purchased his first pharmacy using nothing but grit, goodwill, and work ethic. That bold first step set the tone for a career defined by resilience, growth, and vision. Over the years, he expanded into multiple pharmacy acquisitions, startups, and sales, while also venturing into consulting, real estate, investing, and even serving as a banking board member. His entrepreneurial path ultimately led to the creation of drugstore2door, a company dedicated to empowering independent pharmacies with a strong online presence. By bridging the gap between traditional community pharmacies and the digital marketplace, drugstore2door helps owners stay relevant and competitive in the modern era. Today, he continues to champion independent pharmacy by blending innovation with mission-driven leadership, driven less by profit and more by impact, collaboration, and the pursuit of long-term sustainability for pharmacy owners nationwide. Stay connected with AJ and Drugstore2Door: AJ Asgari LinkedIn Drugstore2Door Website Drugstore2Door Facebook Drugstore2Door Instagram Drugstore2Door YouTube Drugstore2Door LinkedIn Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP LinkedIn Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP Twitter Bonnie Bond – CPA LinkedIn Bonnie Bond – CPA Twitter More on this topic: Podcast: Relationships That Scale Podcast: Reinventing Revenue Streams Podcast: Becoming a Pharmacy Gladiator4

Send us a text Schedule an Rx Assessment Subscribe to Master The Margin As a pharmacist, serving your community means putting your advocacy hat on and stepping into unfamiliar territory.  One of the largest untapped resources that can really drive change towards PBM reform is using your existing patient base to show legislators the importance of PBM legislation. In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, Bonnie Bond, CPA, MBA, and Austin Murray, sit down with pharmacist and owner of Table Rock Pharmacy, Jessi Stout, to explore the grassroots advocacy efforts driving Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform in North Carolina. We cover: How to engage customers in advocacyWhy local advocacy is critical for independent pharmaciesReal-world stories that bring the PBM issue to life for legislatorsMore About Our Guest: Jessi Stout is the owner of Table Rock Pharmacy in Morganton, North Carolina and winner of the 2025 Cardinal Health's Community Leadership Award which celebrates independent pharmacists going above and beyond for their community. A dedicated advocate for independent pharmacy, Jessi was once uninvolved in politics, has become a strong leader in the fight for PBM reform and combines her role as a local pharmacist with her passion for patient care, ensuring her voice and the voices of her patients are heard in legislative conversations that shape the future of pharmacy. Table Rock Pharmacy was one of the first pharmacies in North Carolina to offer the yellow fever vaccine and was the only pharmacy in the region offering the REGEN-COV and EVUSHELD injections while they were authorized to treat COVID-19. Additionally, during Hurricane Helene, Table Rock Pharmacy remained open, despite power outages and fallen trees. Transactions were recorded by hand to ensure patients could still get their prescriptions. At one point, they transported a generator by wheelbarrow to keep critical medication frozen. During this time, Stout also spoke out against audits being performed by Optum Rx. A social media post went viral, and this attention resulted in audits being paused for hurricane-affected areas. Learn more about Jessi and Table Rock Pharmacy: Table Rock Pharmacy Facebook Table Rock Pharmacy Instagram Table Rock Pharmacy Website Table Rock Pharmacy TikTok Table Rock Pharmacy YouTube Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP LinkedIn Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP Twitter Bonnie Bond – CPA LinkedIn Bonnie Bond – CPA Twitter More on this topic: Podcast: Becoming a Pharmacy Gladiator Podcast: Pharmacy's Never Ending Story Podcast: Pharmacy O

Send us a text Schedule an Rx Assessment Subscribe to Master The Margin As a pharmacy owner, it often feels like you’re fighting battles against systems designed to work against you. Few battles loom larger than the fight against Pharmacy Benefit Managers whose opaque practices have chipped away at margins, patient trust, and sustainability for independents. In this episode, we have two very special guests on the front lines of PBM reform: Dared Price, President of OreadRx and Price Pharmacies and Mark Cuban, legendary entrepreneur and co-founder of Cost Plus Drugs. Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, Bonnie Bond, CPA, MBA, and Austin Murray sit down with Mark Cuban and Dared Price to explore how transparent models are reshaping the future of drug pricing and pharmacy benefit management. We cover: The real impact of spread pricing, rebates, and hidden contracts on pharmacy ownersHow Cost Plus Drugs is cutting out middlemen to bring transparency to patients and pharmaciesWhy OreadRx’s transparent PBM model could change the game for independentsWhat a fair reimbursement ecosystem might look like and how owners can prepareAnd more! Stay connected with Dared Price, OreadRx, Mark Cuban and Cost Plus Drugs:   Dared Price LinkedIn OreadRx Website OreadRx Facebook Cost Plus Drugs Website Cost Plus Drugs LinkedIn Cost Plus Drugs Facebook Stay connected with us on social media Facebook Twitter (X) LinkedIn Instagram Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP LinkedIn Scotty Sykes – CPA, CFP Twitter Bonnie Bond - CPA, MBA LinkedIn More resources about this topic: Podcast - Pharmacy’s Never Ending Story: PBM Reform Act and Medicare Drug Pricing Changes Podcast - Pharmacy Ownership Through Time Podcast – The State of PBM Reform