Pharma Tech Outlook: Specials Magazine

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, Strive Compounding Pharmacy is redefining the role pharmacies can play in people’s personal health journeys. Founded with a bold vision to prioritize patients’ unique needs over cookie-cutter solutions and to create memorable patient experiences, Strive is a mission-driven pharmacy committed to quality, service, innovation, and challenging the status quo. As a 503A compounding pharmacy, it not only aligns with but also enables the broader movement of people taking ownership of their wellness. Strive achieves this by offering a wide variety of pharmaceutical products, including but not limited to hormone therapy, weight loss, longevity, sexual health, skincare, and more. Strive was born from a realization: people aren’t one-size-fits-all—so why should medicine be? One of Strive’s co-founders learned about compounding during pharmacy school and gravitated toward the more personalized model. The other co-founder, a pharmaceutical sales rep, grew tired of selling a drug that treated the side effects of another drug. Their passion for doing things differently complemented each other’s strengths and illuminated a path to make a meaningful difference in healthcare. And that’s exactly what they’ve done. In just seven years, Strive has grown from one location in Gilbert, Arizona, to eight pharmacy locations and licensure in all 50 states—an incredible feat for any pharmacy—becoming one of the largest compounding pharmacies in the nation. Interestingly, “growth” was never Strive’s primary goal, as it typically is for many businesses. The goal was to do something different, do it well, and do it consistently. The value Strive delivers to both healthcare providers and their patients has generated significant brand awareness, resulting in rapid growth. While other compounding pharmacies have plateaued, Strive has continuously found ways to scale while exemplifying compliance, quality, transparency, and service. Aligned by Purpose, Driven by Service “One of the primary contributors to our success is the dedication to speed of service without compromising quality,” says Matthew Montes de Oca, Chief Clinical Officer. “Unlike many traditional compounding pharmacies, which can take a week or more to deliver medications, we’ve optimized our processes to ship most compounded prescriptions within one to two business days.” This commitment to fast, reliable service is not merely a convenience—it’s a necessity in a healthcare landscape where patients cannot afford to wait. Zach Shurtleff, Vice President of Marketing, emphasizes that Strive’s value proposition extends far beyond speed: “Speed is critical, but it’s just the beginning,” he explains. “We’re also committed to transparency, personalized service, and high-quality products. We want our partners—physicians, clinics, veterinarians, and other healthcare providers—to feel supported every step of the way.” Strive’s broad reach, paired with a personalized, high-touch service model, allows it to serve as both a national provider and a locally responsive partner. Education also plays a central role in Strive’s mission. Recognizing that many healthcare providers may not be fully aware of the options and benefits of compounding, Strive has built a robust infrastructure to provide clinical support and education. Its team regularly engages with physicians to help them understand how compounded medications can enhance personalized care. “We view education as a two-way street,” says Montes de Oca. “We’re constantly learning from our partners—what’s working, what’s needed, and what can be improved. At the same time, we share our expertise to help them make informed decisions about treatment options. It’s a collaborative relationship.”