Nick Secrest, VP of Member Performance
What inspired you to pursue a career in the pharmacy industry, and what continues to drive your work today?
This business is kind of a family business, believe it or not. Back in the eighties, my family owned drugstores in Des Moines. My dad was a pharmacy tech and manager, and my uncle was the pharmacist. Later, my dad moved into the wholesale side of the business, so I’ve been around it literally my whole life. After college, this path just made sense. The best part is that you get to help people who are helping other people. Your work kind of compounds, and I always thought that was pretty neat.
How has your experience shaped the way you support independent pharmacies in your role as VP of Member Performance?
Over the past decade, I’ve spent a lot of time with pharmacy owners and their financial statements, learning how they make money and where they struggle. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. I try to bring all of that experience to the table by building solutions, creating offerings, and sharing knowledge that helps everyone be more successful and profitable.
What’s one insight or lesson you’ve learned since joining IPC that you think is making the biggest difference for our members?
The most unique thing about IPC is that we are truly aligned with our members. In this industry, it’s usually a lot of “me versus them.” That’s just how it’s been for a long time. But here, our members and our team are on the same page. The services we offer often come directly from member input, and everyone here is working in the same direction. It feels like we’re all part of the same group trying to do the same thing, and that’s pretty special.
Can you explain your role and how you work with IPC members day to day?
My role is to lead and create opportunities, programs, and initiatives that help stores make more money. That could mean helping members better understand their financials and figure out how to get from where they are today to where they want to be. It also means bringing them tools that make their business more efficient. Everything we do is focused on improving financial performance. It’s not just me, our whole team is working on that.
You work closely with our members to support their success. What are you most proud of so far, and what are you excited to work on next?
It’s only been five months, but I think we’ve made great progress. I’m proud of the compliance tools and solutions we’ve built out with several partners. It aligns with all types of customers and brings a lot of value. No other group in the country has something like it. Our product suite is really diverse, and I think that’s going to keep improving. We’re just getting started.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When I was 18, my dad told me to always take a step back and look at the big picture. Try to see how the pieces fit together and where it’s all going. That has helped me a lot, especially when I’m helping others understand where they are and where they want to go. Most people don’t do that, but if you can, it puts you in a much better position in the long run.
Outside of work, how do you recharge or stay grounded?
Honestly, I just spend time with my family. That’s what I care about most. I’d like to hunt, fish, or play golf, but I don’t have time for that right now. Family time is how I reset.
