Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Karl Simon.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My pharmacy career started about 20 years ago, working at a smaller drugstore chain in Nashville, TN. Opening my own pharmacy has always been a dream of mine. In 2006, I began to pursue my Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Missouri. During my second year, I quickly realized that pharmacy is a business and that I will need additional training to successfully open a pharmacy, so I enrolled in business school as well. During the day, I attended pharmacy school and at night, I attended Henry W. Bloch School of Management to pursue my MBA in entrepreneurship & marketing. I graduated in 2011 with both a PharmD and MBA.
I have a diverse background within pharmacy, I started off as an IT pharmacist, then moved to a large chain pharmacy as a Pharmacy Manager, I transitioned to a Director of Pharmacy then General Manager for two long-term care Pharmacies. During these times, I taught part-time as a Clinical Instructor, teaching pharmacy school courses and Precepted students attending pharmacy and technician schools. Prior to opening the pharmacy, I worked for one of the largest health insurance companies, I am one of the few Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacists in the country and have a Six Sigma Black Belt.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I opened Suwanee Pharmacy in early 2020, one-two weeks later the country started shutting down due to COVID pandemic. GA was shut down within the first few weeks in March. It was absolutely a disaster for my business. Fortunately, Suwanee Pharmacy is also a compounding pharmacy, so we were able to compound hand sanitizer for a few of the local government departments, hospital systems, doctor’s offices and the community.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Received Best Pharmacy in Gwinnett County every year since opening, Highly rated on Google 5 Stars
Suwanee Pharmacy a locally owned and operated full-service independent pharmacy and your trusted choice for prescription drugs, wellness products, medical supplies, CBD, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, and compounding in Gwinnett County.
We offer human compounding and veterinary compounding services that allows us to create customized medications tailored to you or your pet’s specific needs.
Pharmaceutical-grade CBD, Delta 8, and Delta 9 THC products, including tinctures, edibles, topicals, and more for you and your pet.
Only pharmacist in Gwinnett County that has a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (Senior Care Pharmacist) – Ability to manage medications for anyone 50+
We offer several enhanced personalized services that will save time and reduce the hassles of the traditional prescription process while maintaining the highest quality of pharmaceutical care –
Home Delivery – Same or next-day delivery.
SuwaneePaks (R) – A unique multi-dose packaging system,
Bubble packaging- Individualized medication packaging
Immunizations – COVID-19, Flu, Shingles, etc.
Med-Synchronization – All medications filled at the same time to decrease multiple trips to the pharmacy
Prescriptions Saving Plan – Purchase medications at a deeply discounted price
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking is critical for the growth and awareness of my business. I have joined and currently serve on the Board for a few networking organizations on the local and national level within my industry. Do not be afraid to branch out into other fields, you may never know who might need your services.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.suwaneepharmacy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suwaneepharmacy/?igshid=ysy1dutfr31t
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuwaneePharmacy/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuwaneePharmacy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@suwaneepharmacy
