Setting a New Standard in Local Care

Daniel Jones, PharmD, RPh, & Jacob Sweet, PharmD, RPh — Elite Pharmacy | Member Since 2022

Independent pharmacy is more than filling prescriptions for Daniel Jones and Jake Sweet. Since opening Elite Pharmacy in Canfield, Ohio, in 2022, they’ve expanded to two more locations with a shared mission: delivering personalized, science‑rooted care that improves lives in their communities.

But standing out to local prescribers wasn’t easy.

Turning Cases Into Credibility

At a monthly PCCA Concierge Compounding peer‑to‑peer networking meeting, Jake first heard PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharmacist Mark Gonzalez, PharmD, explain how easy it is to collaborate with PCCA Science on case studies. Intrigued, he reached out—and quickly discovered how impactful these studies could be.

Their first published case study—focused on a low‑dose naltrexone suspension for canine bladder cancer—was a game changer. Every time a veterinarian called in a prescription, the Elite team shared details of the ongoing study. One vet’s own dog even matched the study design.

“Getting the attention and endorsement of doctors is one of the hardest parts of building a compounding business,” Jake explains. “We knew we needed more than just words to prove ourselves. We needed proof.”

That’s when Elite turned to PCCA’s science and support to transform their clinical expertise into a true differentiator.

“Turns out it was as easy as Mark said,” Jake recalls. “We told him about the prescriptions we get the most requests for and he guided us toward study parameters that would really benefit the field and help explain the advantages of the compounded preparation to prescribers.”

The result? “A smashing success” that earned Elite immediate credibility with veterinarians.

A Life‑Changing Moment

Elite’s second case study came after PCCA’s ThinkNext conference in Houston, where they learned about EctoSeal P2G™. Soon after, a patient arrived facing an amputation due to diabetes‑related wounds.

Jake took action: he contacted the patient’s doctor, worked with PCCA to develop a recommendation, and personally attended the appointment to walk the patient, his wife, and the provider through the solution.

“That was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” he shares. “We saved the rest of his foot. He got to see his son graduate college. And he should live a full life.”

Stories like this have helped position Elite as a clinical leader in their community.

Powered by People, Science and Quality

For Jake and Daniel, PCCA’s science is just part of the value. The people—especially the Clinical Services team—have played an equally vital role in their growth.

Even the quality of PCCA’s products has become a cornerstone of Elite’s reputation. After visiting PCCA headquarters, Jake made it part of their message to patients and providers.

“I’ve personally seen the quality control, and I’ve met the people making our bases,” he says. “You can’t say that about any other supplier. That’s why we’re better.”

“You don’t need to know everything,” Jake explains. “You just need to know how to log in to PCCA, submit the question and listen. Every call to Clinical Services makes you a better pharmacist and a better person.”

Growing to Protect Community‑Based Care

As independent pharmacies continue to close, Jake and Daniel are committed to preserving access to local, personalized care through acquisition and expansion. With support from Mark and others on the Clinical Services team, Elite has continued to expand while maintaining its focus on clinical excellence and meaningful patient care.

“Independent pharmacies are dying every day, and with them goes access to care from people who actually live in the community,” Jake says. “We’re determined to change that. PCCA gives us the confidence to keep growing.”

Take the Next Step

Elite Pharmacy proves that building a brand on science, credibility and collaboration works—and it starts with the right partner.

“Being able to back your marketing up with proof elevates your pharmacy above the competition instantly,” Jake says. “I can’t emphasize enough how easy it is. PCCA literally does most of the work. You just bring the patient.”