Our Story: Independents United
Founded in 2002. Built for You.
American Pharmacies was created with one bold vision: to give independent pharmacy owners true power, protection, and ownership.
From the start, we’ve stood on two unshakable principles:
- 100% member ownership
- A board elected by peers
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Launched our government affairs program.
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Created the Texas Pharmacy Business Council, giving Texas independents a strong, unified voice
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Expanded advocacy into AZ, NM & MI
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Laird Leavoy joined APRx
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Laird Leavoy became president, carrying our mission forward and leading national growth
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Entered the federal arena with our first D.C. Fly-In
Advocacy That Delivers
We don’t just talk — we fight.
- 2003: Launched our government affairs program
- 2009: Created the Texas Pharmacy Business Council, giving Texas independents a strong, unified voice
- 2012+: Expanded advocacy into AZ, NM & MI
- 2023: Entered the federal arena with our first D.C. Fly-In
Wherever independents need protection, we show up.
Leadership That Lasts
- Founder Mike Gohlke guided APRx for 17 years
- 2015: Laird Leavoy joined APRx
- 2020: Laird Leavoy became president, carrying our mission forward and leading national growth
Strong, steady leadership keeps us moving forward.
Proven Strength Through Growth
We started with 200 Texas pharmacies.
Today, we support 700+ member pharmacies in 35+ states.
The fastest-growing independent pharmacy group in America — owned entirely by you
American Pharmacies: Built by independents. Owned by independents. Fighting for independents.