A Lifelong Commitment to Pharmacy and Community: A Conversation with Bob Treitline

For Bob Treitline, pharmacy isn’t just a career—it’s a lifelong commitment to patient care, community, and family. Since opening his first store in 1983, Bob has remained steadfast in his mission to make a difference in his community. But what inspired him to take the leap from working in a chain pharmacy to owning his own business?

“I wanted to have a more direct impact on patient outcomes and truly serve my community,” Bob explains. “And of course, there was also the opportunity to better provide for my family.”

Over the years, that vision has only strengthened. Today, Bob operates three pharmacy locations—one in Williston, North Dakota, and two in Dickinson. His family has joined him in the business, with one daughter working as a pharmacist and another as a registered technician. Together, they continue to uphold the values that have made his pharmacies a trusted healthcare resource in their communities.

Running multiple pharmacies is no easy task, but Bob credits his success to the dedicated team he has built over the years.

“I’ve been really blessed with great people who share the same vision I do,” he says. “My daughters, along with our incredible staff, are deeply committed to community participation and service. I don’t try to fix something that isn’t broken.”

This commitment to service extends beyond the pharmacy counter. Bob and his team actively support local initiatives, from dance clubs to 4-H programs, reinforcing their role as a pillar of the community.

The independent pharmacy industry has seen dramatic shifts over the years, and Bob has witnessed firsthand the challenges that come with evolving regulations and reimbursement cuts.

“It’s become harder to have the resources to be as effective in our communities as we were 10-15 years ago,” Bob admits. “One of my main focuses now, in my semi-retired role, is to take care of our employees and support our communities. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential.”

Despite these hurdles, Bob’s pharmacies continue to adapt. While he remains old-school in some ways, he recognizes the importance of expanding pharmacy services. His stores now provide immunizations for flu, COVID-19, RSV, and more—an evolution he sees as a necessary step to staying relevant in the modern healthcare landscape.

Bob has been an IPC member since the early ’90s, and over the years, he has seen firsthand how IPC’s resources have supported his business.

“We’re using the IPC Warehouse more and more because of pricing opportunities,” he notes. Bob also values IPC’s role in advocating for independent pharmacy. “Legislation influences everything we do in pharmacy,” he explains. “It’s essential to have a voice that represents us at the state and federal levels, ensuring that independent pharmacies remain strong and competitive.”

“And I have to say, Mark Kinney is one of IPC’s greatest assets. His involvement in state and federal advocacy is invaluable. If you’re not engaged in legislative efforts, you’re going to be out of business.”

After decades in the business, what advice does Bob have for young pharmacists looking to carve out their own path?

“Be involved in your local community, as well as at the state and federal level,” he emphasizes. “Developing strong community ties and providing exceptional service is key. Today, pharmacists are not just drug specialists—we’re problem solvers and insurance experts too. If you embrace that role, you’ll be a great asset to your community and build a strong foundation for success.”

As Bob continues to navigate the evolving world of independent pharmacy, one thing remains clear—his dedication to serving his patients and his community has never wavered. His journey is a testament to the impact independent pharmacies can have, not just on individual lives, but on entire communities.