Pharmacy Edge

Pharmacy Edge

Welcome to Pharmacy Edge, the podcast for independent pharmacy owners, leaders, and professionals navigating the business of pharmacy. Hosted by Max Beairsto, Pharmacy Edge brings you practical conversations about ownership, growth, leadership, operations, and the changing pharmacy landscape. Each episode, Max sits down with industry experts and pharmacy leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping independent pharmacy today. Whether you are building your business, planning your next move, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, Pharmacy Edge is here to help you make smarter, more confident decisions. Subscribe to Pharmacy Edge and join us for the conversations shaping the future of independent pharmacy.

  1. Oct 22

    #29 Stacey D’Angelo on Women in Pharmacy Leadership, Ownership and the Power of Saying Yes

    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. Episode Chapters00:00 – 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 About HERizon RxHERizon 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 Connect with Pharmacy Edge: Website: Pharmacyedge.com LinkedIn: @PharmacyEdge Facebook: @PharmacyEdge Connect with our Host: LinkedIn: @MaxBeairsto Connect with Stacey D'Angelo: Website: SimpleHealthPharmacist.com LinkedIn: @StaceyD'Angelo

  2. Oct 15

    #28 Peter Saad on Avoiding Pitfalls in Pharmacy Acquisitions

    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 Connect with Pharmacy Edge: Website: PharmacyEdge.com LinkedIn: @PharmacyEdge Facebook: @PharmacyEdge Connect with our Host: LinkedIn: @MaxBeairsto Connect with Peter Saad: Website: Loopstra Nixon LinkedIn: @PeterSaad

  3. 03/19/2025

    #25 Revolutionizing Pharmacy Design: Modern Trends and Optimization with Debbie Griffith

    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 Connect with Pharmacy Edge: Website: www.pharmacyedge.com LinkedIn: Pharmacy Edge Facebook: Pharmacy Edge | Twin Falls ID | Facebook Connect with our Host: LinkedIn: Matt Hodgson | LinkedIn Connect with Debbie Griffith: LinkedIn: Debbie Griffith via LinkedIn Email: debbie.dgdesigns@gmail.com

  4. 01/28/2025

    #24 Exploring Travel Medicine with Betty Golightly

    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 Connect with Pharmacy Edge: Website: www.pharmacyedge.com LinkedIn: Pharmacy Edge Facebook: Pharmacy Edge | Twin Falls ID | Facebook Connect with our Host: LinkedIn: Matt Hodgson | LinkedIn Connect with Betty Golightly: LinkedIn: Betty Golightly Email: betty@gotravelhealth.com

  5. 01/15/2025

    #22 Evolving Pharmacy Strategies with Marco Casagrande

    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 Connect with Pharmacy Edge: Website: www.pharmacyedge.com LinkedIn: Pharmacy Edge Facebook: Pharmacy Edge | Twin Falls ID | Facebook Connect with our Host: LinkedIn: Matt Hodgson | LinkedIn Connect with Marco Casagrande: 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.

About

Welcome to Pharmacy Edge, the podcast for independent pharmacy owners, leaders, and professionals navigating the business of pharmacy. Hosted by Max Beairsto, Pharmacy Edge brings you practical conversations about ownership, growth, leadership, operations, and the changing pharmacy landscape. Each episode, Max sits down with industry experts and pharmacy leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping independent pharmacy today. Whether you are building your business, planning your next move, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, Pharmacy Edge is here to help you make smarter, more confident decisions. Subscribe to Pharmacy Edge and join us for the conversations shaping the future of independent pharmacy.