Dec. 15, 2022

Alton Kanak, Past Chair

American Pharmacies is governed by a seven-member board of your peers -- all independent owners just like you.

The Board meets quarterly to discuss the cooperative's strategic direction, operating expenses and budget. It strives to deliver maximum economic value to APRx members while taking assertive action on political, legislative and economic challenges.

This is the third in a series of Board member profiles, focusing on Immediate Past Chairman Alton Kanak, RPh, owner of pharmacies in Katy, Brenham & Kirbyville, TX

What Was Your Most Meaningful Experience as Board Chairman?

"During my tenure as chairman, American Pharmacies President and founder Mike Gohlke announced his retirement. It was my responsibility -- along with the rest of the executive committee -- to identify and recommend his replacement to the full Board. We invited Laird Leavoy, who was then Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations, to apply for the position. After we interviewed him, it was clear that he was the right person to take the reins, and it was a unanimous vote by the executive committee and the full Board to offer him the job. I then asked the Board to approve a new position for Mr. Gohlke as a non-voting member of the Board. His knowledge, experience and vision are a tremendous asset. Again, the Board gave their unanimous approval. I believe the retention of Mr. Gohlke as a key advisor during my tenure as Chairman is one of our great accomplishments."

The Board's Biggest Challenge

"Independent pharmacy faces never-ending challenges: how to handle PBM abuses such as DIR fees, BER, GER and mail-order restrictions. When appropriate we can use the courts, either on our own initiative or by supporting other groups who share our interests. I think our most important asset is the innovation and creativity of our members. They have so many great contacts with local and national legislators. This could be our single most important weapon in our fight for survival."

Your Hope for the Future of Independent Pharmacy

"We are an integral part of the health-care team and our connection to our patients/customers is unmatched. We were initially overlooked during the COVID Pandemic but we continued caring for our patients despite many obstacles even as many primary-care providers shut down. We ended up driving COVID vaccination and testing across the country. My greatest cause for hope for independent pharmacists is that we always rise to our challenges -- no matter how overwhelming they may seem -- and always come out of them stronger."

Advocacy Engagement Critical

"Many independent pharmacists don't realize that they may already have relationships with their legislators -- we provide pharmacy services for them, their families and neighbors. This is a patient relationship of trust and respect that we have to leverage because these legislators can change the face of pharmacy with a single vote on an issue of importance. Always remember the power you hold as a voter, an employer, a business owner and a health provider who cares for their community. Legislators recognize this. They understand that they work for you."

" I have received hand-written notes of appreciation for even a small donation, so campaign contributions are always appreciated. Finally, understand and organize the facts on the issues you want to discuss. Do not be negative. Remember, their main interest is not passing a bill to benefit you financially. They want to know how issues affect patients, employers and other voters in their district. And always remember that, if you do arrange a meeting with your legislator, American Pharmacies has experts to help guide and prepare you." 

Photo: Alton (second from left) with Texas State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (third from left) and his pharmacy staff at Norman's Pharmacy in Brenham, TX.

You Are Very Active With the UH College of Pharmacy & Gave a Speech to Students. How Do You Feel About Our Future Independent Pharmacists? 

"I am honored to be a member of the Dean's Advisory Committee for the University of Houston College of Pharmacy, which allows me to interact with students both on and off campus. I also have been involved in many student interactions at APEX and have addressed students as part of a panel there. All of my engagement with these young people tells me that we are in excellent shape with them as our future colleagues."

What are Your Favorite Things to Do Outside Work?

"When I was younger, I was an avid fisherman and spent many hours on

the freshwater lakes of East Texas. Today I love to watch sports and enjoy college sports the most (the University of Houston is my favorite, of course). My wife loves to travel so you know what that means -- she sets up the next trip and just tells me when to report. It's always family first and then my businesses." 

What's Interesting About You That Most Pharmacists Wouldn’t Know?

"I started working at a pharmacy when I was 14 years old. I began as a dishwasher behind the lunch counter and moved up to "soda jerk," then drug clerk and cashier. This was my introduction to the world of pharmacy. After college I was hired by a chain in Houston and worked as a staff pharmacist, store manager and Area Manager. I also practiced pharmacy at a military hospital during my stint in the service. After many years in chain pharmacy, I had all I could take. I took the plunge into independent pharmacy and it was one of the best decisions I ever made."

Alton giving a donation to UH Pharmacy Dean F. Lamar Pritchard (L)