Daily Inspiration: Meet Heidi Geib

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Geib.

Hi Heidi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I knew I wanted to work in Healthcare, but I am not good at blood and needles at all. I decided to pursue pharmacy instead to avoid all that. I have been a pharmacist for over 30 years in this community. I have always been drawn to the community pharmacy aspect over the hospital pharmacy because I adore the relationships and taking care of others. I was trained by some of the best independent pharmacies in Holmes and Wayne counites throughout my career. I worked for Mast Pharmacy, Buehlers, Ritzmans, and the Medicine Shoppe with some of the finest people in the business. I enjoyed all of those places, and then did a decade in a mental health clinic which I loved. That pharmacy was sold to an entity that became like working for a big box or chain pharmacy, and we parted ways. After that, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I didn’t think it was to open my own pharmacy….but God had other plans. He put all of the right people in my path for help, and advice, and the community had a need. So, I jumped in with both feet, and have not looked back. That was a little over 4 years ago…and it has been AMAZING. There have been challenges, but it has been worth it. My husband was a huge supporter, and has been terrific with helping me. I am blessed with an amazing staff who cares for patients like I do. We do fantastic work, as a team, everyone on the same page to help the patient. I am grateful for the community, the patients, my staff, and the work we do.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are always Challenges, but I think that is what makes it an amazing journey. The first struggle was all the unknowns of starting something I had not done before. It was exciting and scary! I have had some challenges, but so has every business owner. I don’t dwell on the problem, I figure out what needs done and do it, because I know as soon as I solve that one, there will be another one coming. Failing is part of the process. I have an outstanding support system that can help me when needed-colleagues and other business owners who can give guidance is one of my greatest assets. If I had to name an actual thing that has been challenging, it would be Insurance/Third Party Contracts. I always knew it was complicated, but it was mind blowing in the beginning. The other challenge would be staffing. It is hard to find the right people who want to work, and even harder when you are growing quickly, and adding new members consistently.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The best thing about our pharmacy is customer service. I mean, ACTUAL cusotmer service like it should be. My staff is happy, and they treat you like an actual human being. Not a number, not some part of their day they have to get through. They actually care. They actually smile, greet you, get to know you, and take care of you. It is a rare find in today’s world. We have a niche in compliance packaging med for free. We do traditional bottles, or we do punch cards or dispill packaging. The packaging helps individuals who struggle to take all their meds, to know if they have taken their meds, or to organize them. We do all of that for free. It takes the burden off family members, and caregivers. We also deliver for free. Our delivery stretches as far as wooster, orrville, medina, rittman, ashland, loudonville, and parts of holmes county. I also partner with a moblie pharmacy so that we can bring vaccines or certain types of injectables (LAI) to an individuals house if they cannot get out. We want healthcare to be a positive and helpful experience. After all, that is the reason most of us got into pharmacy and healthcare in the first place. Besides individuals, we also service small group homes and facilites with all the needs of packaging, MARS, and delivery. We partner with local clinics to treat addicition, and the homeless populations. We partner with the Viola Startzman Clinic and volunteer at their drug repository-helping to get meds to folks who can’t afford it or have no insurance. We help in every way we are asked. I am most proud that I have only been open for 4 years, I have found an amazing group of people who share and support our mission, and we have outgrown our space due to taking care of patients the right way!

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I don’t know that I could narrow it down to THE most important lesson. I learn things every single day. The most valuable lesson I have learned is relationships and trust. I have relationships with my patients, with my staff, with the providers, with case managers, caregivers, and directors. I don’t view it as “work”, I try to fill the need that all of those different parties have, and build from there. I wear a number of hats, and I answer to all the parties we serve every day. It is never about just me, and that is extremely rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.woosterpharmacy.com
• Facebook: Heidi’s Pharmacy