Pharmacy Edge

Women make up the majority of Canada's pharmacy workforce, yet remain significantly underrepresented in pharmacy ownership. What's holding them back, and how can we create more opportunities?

In this episode of Pharmacy Edge, host Max Beairsto welcomes pharmacist, entrepreneur and HERizon Rx co-founder Stacey D’Angelo to explore the ownership gap, the importance of mentorship and the power of community.

Stacey shares her entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind HERizon Rx and why building a successful pharmacy business means balancing profitability, purpose and personal well-being.

From practical business education to meaningful connections, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone considering pharmacy ownership or leadership.

00:00 – Creating more pathways to pharmacy ownership

00:34 – Meet Stacey D’Angelo

02:45 – Stacey's journey into pharmacy and entrepreneurship

05:22 – Understanding the pharmacy ownership gap

07:16 – How HERizon Rx began

09:23 – The power of mentorship and professional networks

11:13 – Why representation and visibility matter

13:33 – Connecting the next generation of pharmacy leaders

15:22 – Demystifying pharmacy ownership

16:49 – Building business skills and community

18:38 – Learning the business side of pharmacy

20:19 – Sustainable entrepreneurship and preventing burnout

22:00 – HERizon Rx's vision for Canada

23:51 – Learning from women across the profession

25:51 – How the pharmacy industry can support change

27:49 – Looking ahead to 2031

29:08 – Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

30:31 – One practical tip for getting started

HERizon Rx is a national platform dedicated to supporting and elevating women in pharmacy leadership and entrepreneurship. Through educational events, mentorship, networking and meaningful conversations, the organization connects pharmacy professionals, students and entrepreneurs across Canada.

With a focus on inclusivity, community and practical business education, HERizon Rx is helping create more opportunities for women to confidently pursue pharmacy ownership and leadership.

Upcoming HERizon Rx Event

Join HERizon Rx in Toronto on November 19, 2026, for Women in Pharmacy: The Ownership Conversation. The evening will feature a financing panel with Scotiabank, a pharmacy acquisition workshop with Max Beairsto of EVCOR, and opportunities to connect with women in pharmacy.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/herizon-rx-toronto-tickets-1998992521443?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Website: Pharmacyedge.com

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LinkedIn: @MaxBeairsto

Connect with Stacey D'Angelo:

Website: SimpleHealthPharmacist.com

LinkedIn: @StaceyD'Angelo

Host Max Beairsto interviews Peter Saad of Loopstra Nixon LLP about avoiding costly mistakes before closing a pharmacy acquisition. Saad emphasizes that early decisions—NDA disclosures, LOI terms, financing strategy, lease review, diligence, and transaction structure—often determine success more than the final purchase agreement. He warns against “re-trading,” encourages locking key variables in the LOI (e.g., normalized earnings), and highlights common blind spots such as leases, including option terms that affect loan amortization, exclusivity language, demolition clauses, condo declarations, triple-net expenses, and assignment provisions that let landlords terminate or demand fees. They compare share vs asset purchases, noting tax benefits for sellers, liability and depreciation issues for buyers, and misunderstood employee treatment under provincial ESA rules. Saad advises sellers to document value-driving relationships, clean up books, and strengthen lease terms, and urges buyers to use experienced industry advisors.

00:00 NDA And Deal Tension

00:29 Podcast Intro And Guest

01:50 Buyer Blind Spots Overview

03:03 Leasing Surprise Risks

04:04 LOI Strategy And Retrading

08:10 LOI Conditions And Expectations

12:20 Asset Vs Share Deals

17:16 Employee Agreement Pitfalls

18:52 Lease Diligence And Red Flags

25:50 Preparing To Sell In Advance

27:46 Due Diligence And Financial Cleanup

32:02 Final Advice And Wrap Up

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Website: PharmacyEdge.com

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LinkedIn: @MaxBeairsto

Connect with Peter Saad:

Website: Loopstra Nixon

LinkedIn: @PeterSaad

Join us on the Pharmacy Edge Podcast as host Matt Hodgson engages with Aly Háji, a seasoned health regulatory lawyer and founder of RX Law. Dive deep into the world of pharmacy law as Aly discusses complex disciplinary matters, ethical challenges, and the evolving landscape of healthcare regulation. With a rich background in pharmacy and law, Aly shares his journey and insights on prosecuting cases for the College of Pharmacists, the importance of strategic defense, and the innovative approaches he's implemented at RX Law. This episode is a must-listen for pharmacy professionals and anyone interested in the intersection of law and healthcare.

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LinkedIn: Matt Hodgson | LinkedIn

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LinkedIn: Aly Háji

RX LAW: Contact — RxLaw

In this episode of the Pharmacy Edge Podcast, host Matt Hodgson welcomes Max Beairsto, an industry veteran and host of the EVCOR advisor podcast. Max discusses his forthcoming book, 'Exit: From Ownership to Retirement, the Ultimate Guide to Exiting Your Canadian Retail Pharmacy.' They dive into the importance of having a well-prepared exit strategy, common mistakes pharmacy owners make, and the need for early planning. Max also highlights the emotional and financial challenges involved in the transition from ownership to retirement and shares insights from his extensive experience in the field. The episode serves as a comprehensive guide for pharmacy owners looking to successfully navigate their exit from the business.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:42 Max Beairsto's Background and Book Inspiration

01:53 Understanding Exit Strategies

03:03 Common Mistakes in Exit Planning

05:14 Importance of Proper Exit Preparation

05:58 Key Takeaways from the Book

07:22 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned

09:01 What Sets This Book Apart

10:08 Where to Find the Book and Closing Remarks

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Website: www.pharmacyedge.com

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LinkedIn: Matt Hodgson | LinkedIn

Connect with Max Beairsto and Evcor:

LinkedIn: ⁠@evcor

Website: evcor.com

Email: [email protected]

Join Matt Hodgson on Pharmacy Edge as he delves into the innovative world of pharmacy design and layout optimization with expert Debbie Griffith. Discover how modern trends and technological advancements are transforming pharmacy spaces, enhancing patient experiences, and optimizing workflow. Learn about the rise of consultation and clinic rooms, the impact of telehealth, modular design concepts, and the importance of brand identity. Gain insights into the evolving role of pharmacists and how to incorporate essential security and privacy measures. Subscribe now for expert advice on creating contemporary, efficient, and inviting pharmacy environments.

00:00 Introduction to Pharmacy Edge

00:25 Modern Trends in Pharmacy Design

01:30 Technological Advancements in Pharmacy Layout

02:09 Incorporating Consultation and Clinic Rooms

03:01 Enhancing Patient Experience and Workflow

03:53 Telehealth Integration in Pharmacies

04:32 Future-Proofing Pharmacy Design

05:31 Aesthetic and Brand Identity in Modern Pharmacies

07:29 Security and Privacy Measures

09:21 Collaborative Care Models and Patient-Centered Services

11:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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LinkedIn: Matt Hodgson | LinkedIn

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LinkedIn: Debbie Griffith via LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Pharmacy Edge podcast, host Matt Hodgson welcomes Betty Golightly, a pioneering pharmacist in the field of travel medicine. Betty shares her extensive experience in retail-based pharmacy, her journey into travel medicine, and the founding of her company, GoTravelHealth, Inc. She discusses the importance of education and training for pharmacists, her role in advancing the scope of practice within Alberta, and practical advice for those interested in setting up travel health clinics. The conversation also covers the financial aspects, the diverse patient demographics, and the promising future of travel medicine. This episode provides valuable insights for pharmacists looking to expand their practice and specialize in travel health.

00:00 Introduction to Pharmacy Edge Podcast

00:16 Meet Betty Golightly: A Pioneer in Travel Medicine

01:29 Betty's Journey into Travel Medicine

03:11 Founding GoTravelHealth, Inc.

05:16 The Importance of Education in Travel Medicine

07:31 Credentialing and Prescribing in Travel Medicine

09:41 Setting Up a Travel Health Clinic

15:59 Market and Demographics for Travel Health Clinics

19:36 Financial Considerations and Insurance

22:23 Future of Travel Medicine and Final Thoughts

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LinkedIn: Matt Hodgson | LinkedIn

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LinkedIn: Betty Golightly

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Pharmacy Edge podcast, host Matt Hodgson interviews Jesse McCullough, founder of Keystone Pharmacy Insights, about his journey into pharmacy and his passion for leadership development. Jesse discusses his unconventional start in pharmacy, his extensive experience in community pharmacy, and his move into quality improvement. They explore the importance of leadership skills in pharmacy, the difference between managing and leading, and actionable steps for continuous leadership growth. Jesse also shares insights on the value of leadership development for both yourself and your team, and offers resources for listeners looking to improve their leadership skills.

00:00 Welcome to Pharmacy Edge Podcast

00:33 Jesse McCullough's Journey into Pharmacy

02:35 Founding Keystone Pharmacy Insights

03:53 The Importance of Leadership in Pharmacy

09:27 Developing Leadership Skills

18:17 Practical Steps to Improve Leadership

24:47 Jess's Work and How to Connect

27:05 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

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LinkedIn: Matt Hodgson | LinkedIN

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LinkedIn: Jesse McCullough

FaceBook: KPI Pharmacy

Exclusive online offering for our audience: https://kpipharmacy.mykajabi.com/EdgePodcast

In this episode of the Pharmacy Edge podcast, host Matt Hodgson speaks with Marco Casagrande, a leader in the independent pharmacy industry with over two decades of experience. Marco revisits strategies for cultivating a sales mindset and building customer relationships, discussing how these have evolved in today's dynamic pharmacy landscape. Key topics include navigating economic pressures, the impact of regulatory changes in Alberta, trends in pharmacy ownership and partnerships, the importance of technological adoption, and strategies for improving patient relationships. Marco also emphasizes the importance of involvement in provincial associations and leveraging professional partnerships.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

01:55 Changes in the Pharmacy Landscape

02:49 Economic Pressures and Ownership Trends

05:11 Partnership Models and Staffing Challenges

10:47 Leveraging Technology and Relationships

15:32 Sales Mindset and Differentiation

29:22 Coaching and Talent Management

32:08 Emerging Trends and Conclusion

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LinkedIn: Matt Hodgson | LinkedIn

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LinkedIn: Marco Casagrande | LinkedIn

Stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of independent pharmacy by subscribing to Pharmacy Edge on your favorite podcast app for expert insights and strategies to empower YOUR pharmacy business.

In this episode of Pharmacy Edge, host Matt Hodgson interviews Dr. Jamie Wilkie, a former retail pharmacist who successfully transitioned into an online entrepreneurial career. Dr. Wilkie shares her journey from working at Walgreens to becoming a genetic pharmacist focused on pharmacogenomics. She discusses the key factors in her career shift and offers practical advice for pharmacists looking to expand their professional horizons.

Jamie emphasizes the importance of leveraging digital platforms like LinkedIn to build a personal brand and connect with other professionals. She also talks about emerging trends in the pharmacy industry, such as telehealth and digital patient monitoring, that pharmacists can capitalize on to provide enhanced patient care and grow their businesses. The episode concludes with actionable tips on how pharmacists can diversify their services and thrive in the digital age.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:33 Jamie's Early Career in Pharmacy

02:04 Transition to Entrepreneurship

04:52 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn

16:08 Leveraging Digital Tools in Pharmacy

22:33 Final Advice and Encouragement

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Connect with our Host:

LinkedIn: Matt Hodgson | LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie Wilkey:

LinkedIn: @JamieWilkey

Website:  lovemypharmd.com

Join host Matt Hodgson as he recaps the Pharmacy Edge podcast's 2024 episodes, summarizing key insights from various experts. Topics include automation in pharmacies by Peter Brennan of ScriptPro, tax planning with Mike Stanix, cybersecurity essentials with Brett Gallant, pharmacy design optimization with Debbie Griffith, financing tips with Mike McGillivray, and much more. Dive into episodes discussing legal counsel, mental health, pharmacy billing, ownership transitions, and engaging community-based wellness strategies. The episode also highlights the Pharmacy Edge conference and previews an upcoming 2025 event. Don't miss this comprehensive wrap-up and roadmap to valuable episodes you might have missed!

00:00 Introduction and Episode Recap Overview

00:23 Episode 1: Automation in Pharmacies with Peter Brennan

01:05 Episode 2: Tax Planning for Pharmacy Owners with Mike Stanix

02:12 Episode 3: Cybersecurity in Pharmacies with Brett Gallant

02:46 Episode 4: Pharmacy Design and Optimization with Debbie Griffith

03:34 Episode 5: Financing Pharmacy Acquisitions with Mike McGillivray

04:35 Episode 6: Selling Your Pharmacy with Max Bairstow

05:30 Episode 7: Corporate Pharmacy Leadership with Marco Casagrande

06:09 Episode 8: Wellness Pharmacy and Community Building with Dr. Hassam Hammouch

07:04 Episode 9: Legal Counsel in Pharmacy Transactions with Ahmed Malik

08:01 Episode 10: Medication Delivery Innovations with Adam Plummer

08:29 Episode 11: Mental Health and Entrepreneurship with Shulamit Ber Levtov

09:26 Episode 12: Pharmacy Edge Conference Recap

10:51 Episode 13: International Pharmacists in Canada with Havalee Johnson

11:21 Episode 14: Business Succession Planning with Jeff Ady

11:47 Episode 15: Navigating Receivership in Healthcare with Mike McGillivray

12:28 Episode 16: Legal Due Diligence in Pharmacy Acquisitions with Peter Sodd

13:06 Episode 17: Pharmacy Billing Innovations with Dr. Shelly Morgan

13:38 Episode 18: Wellness and Self-Care for Pharmacists with Manjeet Hansra

14:26 Episode 19: Transforming Stress into Success with Michelle Machado

15:30 Conclusion and Future Episodes

Connect with Pharmacy Edge:

Website: www.pharmacyedge.com

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Connect with our Host:

LinkedIn: Matt Hodgson | LinkedIn