In this episode of CPhT Connect, host Mike Johnston welcomes Carrie Stephens, Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician and co-owner of Hoagland Pharmacy, to share her remarkable journey from “Street Tech” to pharmacy owner. Carrie discusses the transition from employee to co-owner—leading a team of 70 across retail and long-term care—and how she and her partners explored ownership models, built trust with their staff, and balanced patient-first care with sustainable business operations.

She opens up about the challenges of shifting perspective from technician to owner, the importance of accountability, and why financial realities matter just as much as patient care. Carrie also highlights her commitment to expanding technician roles, from encouraging vaccine certification and point-of-care testing to advocating for advanced responsibilities in community health.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into networking, professional growth, and the power of technicians to shape the future of pharmacy. Carrie’s message is clear: pharmacy technicians are not “just techs”—they are vital leaders and advocates in patient care and the profession.