The Business of Pharmacy Podcast™: A Journey of Real Connection and Insight
Mike Koelzer, a third-generation pharmacist, discovered his love for communication and technology at an early age. Growing up, he and a neighborhood friend would spend hours with a cassette recorder, creating mock newscasts inspired by the iconic SNL weekend updates from the '70s. This childhood hobby sparked a lifelong fascination with sound, messaging, and the power of technology to connect people in a real way.
After graduating with his pharmacy degree from Purdue University, Mike began to explore how public relations could help grow his family's pharmacy. He appeared on local radio shows, public television, and in newspapers to build the business’s brand. While these traditional media outlets helped raise awareness, Mike quickly noticed that they came with gatekeepers—limiting his ability to control the message and make real, lasting connections with his audience.
When social media emerged, Mike saw an opportunity to remove those gatekeepers and communicate directly with his community. Though social media expanded his reach, the format lacked the real depth he desired. Mike craved the kinds of long-form, thoughtful conversations he often had with his dad, who was also his business partner, during their drives to the family cottage—discussions about business, life, and the changing pharmacy landscape.
As podcasting grew in popularity, Mike recognized a unique gap in the market. While there were plenty of pharmacy-related podcasts, none focused exclusively on the business side of the profession. He realized there was a need for a platform where in-depth, nuanced discussions could take place—conversations that went beyond surface-level issues and explored the real challenges and opportunities facing pharmacy professionals.
In 2019, Mike launched The Business of Pharmacy Podcast™, driven by his vision to foster deep, real, and insightful conversations with industry leaders. For several years, he dived into the intricacies of the pharmacy business, sharing real experiences, strategies, and perspectives that might otherwise go unheard. The feedback from listeners was immediate and positive—Mike filled a crucial void in the industry, providing a platform for conversations that resonated with pharmacy owners and leaders.
Through these deep, authentic conversations, Mike created a space where listeners experienced a real sense of connection and shared understanding, building a rich archive of industry knowledge that remains a resource for the community today.