The recent Smith Drug closure has left many independent pharmacy owners facing important decisions about inventory access, wholesaler relationships, and business continuity.
In this webinar, Mike Brown, Vice President of Sales, and Kelli Stovall, Vice President of Pharmacy Services and Clinical Programs, share practical guidance for evaluating wholesaler options, avoiding disruptions to patient care, and navigating a smooth transition with confidence. Topics include inventory access, onboarding considerations, contract evaluation, and the key questions every pharmacy owner should be asking.
Watch the recording to learn how to protect your pharmacy, your patients, and your long-term business goals during a wholesaler transition.
Presented by:
Mike Brown
Vice President of Sales
Independent Pharmacy Cooperative
Kelli Stovall, RPh, EMBA
Vice President of Pharmacy Services and Clinical Programs
Independent Pharmacy Cooperative
Transcript
Mike Brown 0:23
Good morning, everyone. We’re going to give it about two minutes past the top of the hour here, and then we’ll get going. We’re also going to be recording this as well. So appreciate everyone spending some time with us here this morning.
Kelli Stovall 1:48
Looks like we’re ready to go. Looks like it’s a couple of minutes after the hour.
Mike Brown 1:52
Well, good morning and thank you for joining us. We know the Smith Drug closure has certainly created some real uncertainty for many of our independent pharmacy owners out there. Today, we’re not here to create panic or pressure anyone into making a rushed decision. We’re here to walk through some of the questions every pharmacy owner should be asking. At the end of the day, the goal is to help protect you, continue to serve your patients, protect your inventory, and understand the options available so you can make the right long-term decision for your business.
Kelli Stovall 2:54
Good morning to all. I’m Kelli Stovall, and I have the opportunity to serve at IPC as Vice President of Pharmacy Services and Clinical Programs. I’m a licensed pharmacist, and before coming to IPC, I spent the first half of my career predominantly in independent pharmacy. Our team is passionate about serving independent pharmacy owners and their businesses.
Mike Brown 3:33
Your wholesaler closed. Now what? The priorities are protecting patient care, maintaining access to inventory, understanding and analyzing your options, and making the right long-term decision for your business.
Kelli Stovall 6:08
It’s important to consider order cutoff times, delivery schedules, weekend deliveries, backorder support, return policies, and restocking fees as you evaluate options.
Mike Brown 6:45
One of the common themes I’ve been asked about is approval. Do not assume you’ll automatically be approved. Understand the credit requirements, regulatory requirements, documentation needed, and turnaround times.
Kelli Stovall 8:41
Your past experience may not be your next experience. It’s always worth exploring options and asking questions.
Mike Brown 9:11
Understand the economics, not just the price. Review pricing, rebates, administrative fees, compliance measurements, and overall business impact.
Kelli Stovall 10:54
Ask other pharmacy owners about their experiences. Peer feedback can reveal service levels, responsiveness, and support quality.
Mike Brown 11:52
Relationships matter. Make sure your wholesaler understands your business and will support you when challenges arise.
Kelli Stovall 15:29
Consider PSAO requirements, OTC products, DME support, long-term care needs, technology, and business support when selecting a partner.
Mike Brown 16:54
IPC offers purchasing support, warehouse access, and additional resources for independent pharmacies.
Kelli Stovall 18:31
IPC is a member-owned cooperative focused exclusively on helping independent pharmacies succeed.
Mike Brown 21:03
We’d like to leave time for questions from attendees.
Joe Meinholz 21:52
The Q&A is live and there are currently no questions.
Kelli Stovall 22:06
We will be sending out the recording. Please reach out with any questions.
Mike Brown 22:19
Thank you for your time today. We appreciate you joining us.
