Hello everyone! Let’s celebrate this Friday with another edition of the Employee Spotlight Series! This week, we would like to introduce you to Rich Bucher! Rich is the VP of Pharmacy Services with SpendMend Pharmacy and has been a part of the team for 15 months. When asked why he looks forward to coming to work, he states, “Collaborating with colleagues daily to find and implement cost reduction and optimization strategies is fun and not only benefits our clients, but also healthcare as a whole.” It was great getting to know Rich better, and learn about his life outside of work! Rich enjoys spending his free time outdoors! Specifically, his most loved outdoor activities include cycling, snowboarding, and pickleball. Rich picked up mountain biking in college, and his favorite trail to cycle is in Park City, Utah! Make sure to read the full interview to read about how cycling led to Rich’s encounter with a bear! Rich’s favorite part about snowboarding is that it is outdoors, and can be a group activity or an individual sport! A fun fact about Rich is that he is a patent attorney. His interest was peaked when he met an attorney who was able to explain how law, software, and healthcare/pharmacy all intertwined! What a great way to get the best in both worlds with a career! Another fun fact about Rich is that his go-to music to listen to during work is classic rock! His favorite artists are Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. His favorite album is The Dark Side of the Moon! Rich was able to even go to a Foreigner concert last year!
Rich does a great job with his role at SpendMend, and we appreciate all that he does! Jasmine Muniz-Cadorette, 340B Consultant, said “Rich (aka “Bucher”, “Rich #2”, or, my personal favorite, “El Diablo”) is an extraordinary leader. Somehow, he manages to achieve superhuman levels of productivity whilst making time to be available for everyone on the team, whether it be to check in about life or to brainstorm/troubleshoot a work-related problem. He is always there to remind us that life is best lived with balance. It is an absolute privilege to be working with and learning from Rich.” Thank you for your dedication to the team, Rich!
Interview with Rich:
What is your role at SpendMend?
VP Pharmacy Services
How long have you been with SpendMend?
15 months
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
During the process of Turnkey Pharmacy Solutions deciding to become a SpendMend company
What 3 words would you use to describe SpendMend?
proactive, diligent, trustworthy
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
Collaborating with colleagues daily to find and implement cost reduction and optimization strategies is fun and not only benefits our clients, but also healthcare as a whole.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
In College, I worked at a planetarium and got to operate the start projector for shows.
What is one fun fact about you?
I’m also a Patent Attorney. I was working in pharmacy informatics at Intermountain when we were considering implementing a new EMR system and met an attorney who helped explain how law, software, and healthcare/pharmacy are all intertwined. I became really interested.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
If anything, classic rock as background noise.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
Mostly outdoor activities like cycling, snowboarding, and pickleball. I’ve been mountain biking since college. Park City in Utah is my favorite trail/place.
Any fun stories or experiences you could share about mountain biking?
We got stalked/chased by a bear when riding at Mt. Spokane … the bear was not huge but it freaked me out. Basically, the bear escorted us out of the meadow she was in.
What’s your favorite thing about snowboarding?
It is outdoors and is both a group activity and an individual sport, and everyone can do it together at their own skill level/pace.
Do you interact with
Clients & Potential Clients
What was the best compliment you’ve ever been paid by a client or supplier?
When getting in an Uber after an audit, my client warned the driver that if we did not make it safely to the airport on time she’d personally hunt him down.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
Knowing that the solutions we provide help our clients expand their limited resources and provide more patient care.
What is your favorite in-house event? (specific potluck, chili cook-off, bring your kid to work day, etc.)
chili cook-off
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
Helping to lead our pharmacy team through the transition with SpendMend while continuing to expand our services and service offerings.
What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?
Continuing to help clients find ways to expand the care they provide compliantly and at a lower cost.