The University of Texas at Austin student pharmacist team emerged victorious in the 21st annual Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition. The University of South Carolina team secured the runner-up position, while the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill team claimed second runner-up. The winners were announced at the National Community Pharmacists Association’s Annual Convention, held October 26-29, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio.
This prestigious competition, the first of its kind nationally in the pharmacy profession, encourages student pharmacists to develop innovative business models for acquiring existing or establishing new independent community pharmacies. The competition honors the legacies of Neil Pruitt, Sr., and H. Joseph Schutte, both staunch advocates for independent community pharmacy. NCPA, with support from Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company, and the NCPA Foundation, fosters the entrepreneurial spirit of future pharmacists through this initiative.
Cultivating Future Pharmacy Owners
“Congratulations to the University of Texas at Austin for their remarkable achievement, and to all finalists and participants for their dedication,” stated NCPA President Lea Wolsoncroft. “A robust business plan is essential for navigating challenges, from global pandemics and industry pressures to staffing shortages. The University of Texas team’s exceptional plan and presentation stood out among many strong contenders.”
The competition’s live final round, held on October 26, 2024, featured presentations from the three finalist teams. A distinguished panel of judges, including Schwanda Flowers, Shana Herke, Scott Pace, Andy Pope, Theresa Tolle, and Gabe Trahan, evaluated the business plans.
Importance of Business Planning in Pharmacy
“The NCPA Foundation is committed to nurturing the next generation of independent community pharmacy owners, and the Pruitt-Schutte Competition is a cornerstone of that mission,” explained Jerry Shapiro, PharmD, president of the NCPA Foundation. “Many past participants have become successful pharmacy owners, crediting this experience as a crucial stepping stone.”
The winning team from the University of Texas at Austin, led by captain Quinn Mosgrove, includes William Elizondo, Jennifer Lines, and Bruno Onwukwe. Under the guidance of advisor Terry Weaver and Dean Samuel Poloyac, their chapter received $3,000, with an additional $3,000 contributed to the college of pharmacy in the dean’s name. The team, advisor, and dean also earned complimentary registration, travel, and lodging to NCPA’s 2025 Multiple Locations Conference in Florida.
Recognizing Excellence in Pharmacy Business Plans
The runner-up team from the University of South Carolina, captained by Jacob King, comprises Farehaa Hussain and CharLeigh Steverson. Advisors Jordan Ballou and Patti Fabel, along with Dean Stephen J. Cutler, supported their efforts. Their chapter received $2,000, with a matching contribution to the college of pharmacy in the dean’s name.
The second runner-up team from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, led by Gautham Ventakesh, includes Excellanxt Greer, Ethan Hatfield, and Trace Pigg. Advisor Gregory Vassie and Dean Angela Kashuba guided their chapter, which received $1,000 and a matching contribution to the college of pharmacy in the dean’s name.
Completing the top ten, in alphabetical order, are Mercer University; Northeastern University; Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey; the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; the University of California, San Francisco; the University of Georgia; and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
The competition showcases the future of independent community pharmacy and the dedication of these aspiring pharmacy entrepreneurs. For more information on pursuing a career in independent pharmacy, consult with your local pharmacy school or professional organizations.
