The Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast: Sykes & Company, P.A.

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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

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More on this topic:

Podcast: The Trusted Pharmacist: Advocacy and Building a Resilient Pharmacy

Podcast: From Counter to Capitol

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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 funnel
• The practical steps to stand up a vaccine program by fall
• Leveraging point-of-care testing and collaborative practice to add cash-pay revenue
• Simple tech workflows for booking and intake that keep experiences smooth
• And more

More 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

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More Resources on these Topics:

Podcast – Pioneering Solutions in Remote Territories
Podcast - The Fight for Fair Drug Pricing
Podcast - Relationships That Scale

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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

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More on this topic:

Podcast: The Fight for Fair Drug Pricing

Podcast: From Counter to Capitol

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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 growth
• How AI can enhance patient interactions and streamline daily operations
• Practical strategies to bridge the gap between convenience and customer service
• Ways automation reduces repetitive tasks while freeing staff for higher-value work

More 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

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More on this topic:

Podcast: Relationships That Scale

Podcast: Reinventing Revenue Streams

Podcast: Becoming a Pharmacy Gladiator4

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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 advocacy
• Why local advocacy is critical for independent pharmacies
• Real-world stories that bring the PBM issue to life for legislators

More 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

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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 Ownership Through Time

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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 owners
• How Cost Plus Drugs is cutting out middlemen to bring transparency to patients and pharmacies
• Why OreadRx’s transparent PBM model could change the game for independents
• What a fair reimbursement ecosystem might look like and how owners can prepare

And 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

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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

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We're seeing an uptick in pharmacies starting their own insurance agencies which can be a great way to get paid for work you're already doing. 

But there's a lot of complexities and compliance elements to consider. 

In this episode, Bonnie Bond, CPA, MBA, and Austin Murray sit down with Seth Schlegel, Owner of Independent Community Broker Network to explore the evolving strategies for generating revenue around insurance consultation in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.

We cover:

• Maximizing Patient Profit Centers
• Revolutionizing Patient Care with Low-Cost Solutions
• Ensuring compliance in offering insurance consultations

More About Our Guest:

Seth Schlegel is the Founder of Independent Community Broker Network and is a healthcare strategist with deep expertise in helping providers reimagine financial and patient models for the modern era. He is passionate about creating sustainable solutions that balance revenue growth with meaningful patient outcomes, ensuring pharmacies and healthcare practices can continue serving their communities for generations to come.

Learn more about Seth and ICBN:

ICBN Website: https://www.myicbn.com/
ICBN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icbn-independent-community-broker-network/

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Bonnie Bond – CPA Twitter

More on this topic:

Podcast: Relationships That Scale

Podcast: Becoming a Pharmacy Gladiator

Podcast: The Evolution of Pharmacy Accounting and Tax

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Growing your pharmacy without losing your people along the way can be tricky but not impossible.

On this week’s episode of the Bottom Line Pharmacy Podcast, we tackle one of the most pressing challenges multi-store pharmacy owners face today: People operations at scale.

In this conversation, we have a full crew of Sykes team members featuring Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, Bonnie Bond, CPA, MBA, Austin Murray, Marketing Director and Tyler Davis, Director of People Operations, to unpack the realities of managing HR in a multi-store pharmacy world. 

We cover:

- Why transitioning to multi-store operations creates new compliance hurdles
- How engagement programs and stay interviews strengthen retention
- Why recognition matters just as much as (or more than) compensation
- Why investing in HR early can be key to sustainable growth
And more!

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Ollin Sykes, CPA, CMA, CITP LinkedIn

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Pharmacy has come a long way and so has pharmacy accounting and tax. 

From handwritten ledgers and neighborhood storefronts to advanced technology, diversified revenue, and expanded clinical services. 

And through all these changes, Sykes & Company has seen it all. 

In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, Bonnie Bond, CPA, MBA, and Austin Murray sit down with Ollin B. Sykes, CPA, CMA, CITP,  Founder and President of Sykes & Company, P.A. trace the evolution of independent pharmacy and accounting and tax.

We cover:

- The Sykes difference
- How Sykes' over 4 decades of experience working with pharmacies has shaped the industry
- Technology and it's impact on both pharmacy operations and accounting practices
- New revenue opportunities beyond dispensing prescriptions
And more!

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Building a thriving team in today's pharmacy landscape starts with you.

But what exactly does good leadership look like? Is leadership a learnable skill that can be developed over time?

In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP® and Bonnie Bond, CPA, MBA sit down with leadership expert Kelley Babcock to explore how effective leadership can make or break independent pharmacies. From self-management to team development, Kelley shares practical strategies that empower pharmacy owners to lead with clarity, energy, and purpose.

We cover:

- Why leadership is an inside job that starts with managing yourself
- How coaching-style leadership can transform team performance
- Strategies for building a high-performing, engaged team culture
- Time and energy management tips for every pharmacy owner
And more!

More About Our Guest:

Kelley Babcock is the Founder of Leadership Growth Formula and has made it her mission to learn the secrets of leadership and share them with independent pharmacists everywhere. Bringing over three decades of proven experience as an in-the-trenches leader of high-performing teams, Kelley has successfully managed $40 million in revenue for a Fortune 500 company and later doubled the revenue of a small business development company while serving as its COO. Under her leadership, that organization also grew its employee base fivefold, a testament to her ability to scale both people and performance.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kelley is proudly married to her husband Tim for 40 years, a devoted mom to two adult children, and a “pandemic puppy parent” to a spirited malti-poo. A Florida native through and through, she combines business acumen with a deep commitment to family and community.

Want to learn more about Kelley and Leadership Growth Formula? Click below to check them out!

Kelley Babcock LinkedIn
Leadership Growth Formula Website
Leadership Growth Formula Facebook
Leadership Growth Formula LinkedIn

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More on this topic:

Podcast: Building a Super Culture in Your Pharmacy

Podcast: Pharmacy Leadership Amplified

Podcast: Becoming a Pharmacy Gladiator