Martez Prince always knew he wanted to make an impact on his community, so after graduating from the FAMU College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2010 which is PharmD degree, set about acquiring the additional knowledge and skills he would need to pursue his dream. After working five years at Rite Aid Corporation, as a community pharmacist, and rising through the ranks with the chain, Prince struck out on his own and opened Premier Pharmacy and Wellness Center in Charlotte, NC. in October 2015.
Premier provides all-inclusive health care services. In addition to being a traditional neighborhood pharmacy, Premier has an on-site clinic staffed with a family nurse practitioner who can diagnose and treat non-urgent matters, such as ear infections and allergy symptoms, perform basic health screenings, and provide immunizations and travel vaccines. It also has a retail store that sells vitamins, supplements, personal hygiene items, drinks, and snacks.
What sets Premier apart is it is designed to address the health care needs of the underserved community surrounding it. With that in mind, Premier offers a unique membership program, a mobile app, and discounted rates to those who can't afford health insurance.
Prince, a 32-year-old Ft. Pierce, FL, native choose Charlotte, N.C., to locate his pharmacy, because of the welcoming nature of the citizens.
“I saw that Charlotte was a city that was sort of a blank canvas. A lot of people are open to ideas here and the support here is amazing," said Prince. When I decided to move from the corporate life to independent pharmacy, it was well received by the community. Charlotte is definitely a place where people will support you. You get that instant family here.”