Donate

Pauline Long: One Consultant's Story of Connection

Pauline Long is the co-founder of MedsPLUS Consulting, established in 2018 alongside Dr. Jennifer Campbell in Birmingham, Alabama. Their mission is to engage, educate, and empower patients to lead their healthcare teams and improve health outcomes. MedsPLUS Consulting recently opened a new pharmacy and wellness center in downtown Birmingham. This center emphasizes hands-on patient care, including medication reviews, preventative screenings, and immunizations.

Pauline participated in the Rise Up program at NBIC. The program’s kickoff event in Nashville featured speakers and business owners, covering topics like financial management, business planning, emotional wellness, and mental well-being. Pauline reflects, “Not only regarding financials and business plans and things like that, but we talked about emotional wellness and mental wellbeing. As a business owner, you kind of put all those topics to the side often because you’re worried about profit and revenue.”

Throughout Rise Up’s bi-weekly Zoom meetings, Pauline and her team received continuous education on marketing, accounting, and legacy building. She found this support invaluable: “The most valuable thing is that they covered almost all aspects of owning a business. I always tell people I’m educated and trained as a pharmacist, but I am learning to become a businesswoman.” Additionally, “Through the financial sessions, we were able to get an understanding of our profit and loss statements and our balance sheets, and then hopefully, we will be able to forecast,” she says. The strong connections with cohort members also provided a supportive network for bouncing ideas and seeking advice. “It’s helpful to have a tribe where you can bounce ideas and things like that,” Pauline notes.

A significant mindset shift for Pauline was realizing the importance of working ON her business rather than just IN it. NBIC taught her the value of strategic planning and regular business meetings. “What I learned through NBIC and through Rise Up is we need to allocate time to work on our business,” she emphasizes. This shift led to dedicating her Mondays to strictly working on her business, focusing on immediate and long-term goals.

Looking ahead, MedsPLUS Consulting aims to open a traditional retail pharmacy within the next 3-5 years while continuing its consulting services. Pauline highlights the importance of positioning pharmacists to bridge the gap in primary care due to physician shortages. “We’re hoping to position ourselves to bridge that gap in healthcare so that as a nation, we don’t experience any downfall from the shortage of physicians,” she shares. Since joining NBIC, Pauline’s team has expanded. They hired their first full-time employee, a certified pharmacy technician, and three community health workers funded by a grant from Birmingham.

Pauline advises future entrepreneurs to seek business and emotional support, as entrepreneurship can be lonely. “I would say get connected for several reasons. The first is community: connecting with other entrepreneurs for business support and emotional support,” she recommends.

Pauline feels blessed to have transitioned from a pharmacy manager at Walgreens to running her own business, allowing her to impact people’s lives positively. “I feel like I’ve been able to take the best part of that job and create a business where I get to impact people’s lives,” she states. MedsPLUS Consulting continues to empower patients and bridge gaps in healthcare, fulfilling its mission with the foundational support of NBIC.

Ready to make an impact in your community but don’t know where to start? Take the BizQuiz and discover how NBIC can help.
Take the biz quiz
Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin

ABOUT NBIC

programs

get involved

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin

stay up to date

become a sponsor

Fill out the form below, and a member of our team reach out regarding your sponsorship.

Please Select Sponsorship Level:
Abigail DaSilva
Abigail DaSilva is the marketing coordinator at NBIC, channeling her passion and creativity to support the organization’s mission of leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs. A proud graduate of Tennessee State University, Abigail holds a degree in design, which fuels her artistic sensibilities and impeccable eye for aesthetics. Before joining NBIC, Abigail embarked on her own entrepreneurial journey alongside her brother, where she spearheaded the sales and marketing efforts of their own venture. This experience honed her skills in strategic promotion, customer engagement, and marketing media. Abigail has played a crucial role in the company, transforming their media marketing strategies, specifically towards a more video-driven approach. Recognizing the power of visual storytelling, she has created compelling content and innovative campaigns that have amplified NBIC’s reach and engagement, strengthening their online presence and impact. Outside of her professional endeavors, Abigail is an avid art buff, frequently visiting museums and exploring immersive experiences that combine technology and creativity. She also has a deep love for travel, shopping, and anything that allows her to utilize her creative mind. With her unwavering commitment and broad range of experience, Abigail is a valuable asset to NBIC. She remains eager to push boundaries, elevate engagement, and empower entrepreneurs through her exceptional marketing expertise.
Anne-Marie Tanner
Anne-Marie Tanner is the Programs Coordinator at NBIC. With a Master’s degree in strategic marketing from Midway University and a Bachelor’s degree in design from University of Kentucky, she brings a unique blend of business experience and creativity to her work. Prior to joining NBIC in March of 2023, Anne-Marie worked as a small business and startup consultant, where she gained valuable experience in guiding entrepreneurs through the challenges and opportunities of launching and growing their businesses. Her expertise in strategic planning and her ability to quickly grasp new concepts makes her a strong asset to the NBIC team. As the Programs Coordinator at NBIC, Anne-Marie manages multiple components, including Foundations, E-Myth, Framework, and Groundwork. Anne-Marie values collaboration and strives to align her work with the vision and expectations of her colleagues. Beyond her professional career, Anne-Marie has a wide range of hobbies and passions. She is an accomplished Olympic weight-lifter. Additionally, with her husband, she started a medical clinic in Martin, TN, a brewery and events center in Paris, TN, and an airbnb property. Their goal is not only to build successful businesses, but also to provide economic stability and job opportunities to as many people as possible. With her extensive background in business, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her commitment to personal growth, Anne-Marie Tanner is an extremely valuable asset to NBIC. Her diverse skill set and positive mindset make her a catalyst for success, both for herself and the new businesses she assists.
Saturnie Antoine
Saturnie Antoine has been a part of NBIC since November 2021, serving as the R.I.S.E. UP Program Manager. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and has obtained a professional certification in coaching skills. With a diverse background in corporate work spanning over 15 years, Saturnie has worked in various sectors. As the R.I.S.E. UP Program Manager, Saturnie oversees the entire program. Her responsibilities include structuring the curriculum, sourcing speakers, and organizing the launch campaign. Additionally, Saturnie provides personalized professional coaching to the program participants, offering guidance and support to help them scale their businesses to $1 million plus level. Since the commencement of the program in March 2023, under Saturnie’s leadership, R.I.S.E. UP has witnessed numerous accomplishments and successes. Additionally, the program’s focus on emotional intelligence has helped participants navigate internal challenges and overcome obstacles inhibiting their growth. Outside of work, Saturnie values personal time spent with her family and loved ones. Her true passion lies in her role as a professional coach, where she finds fulfillment in assisting women on their journey towards personal and professional growth. Saturnie’s commitment to her clients and her extensive experience, coupled with her excellent coaching skills, allows her to provide comprehensive support to program participants, enabling them to achieve their goals and reach new heights. Under Saturnie’s leadership, the R.I.S.E. UP Program continues to flourish and make a lasting impact on the lives of female entrepreneurs.
Leroy Cunningham
Leroy Cunningham currently occupies the role of Community and Capacity Building Manager at NBIC. He holds a major degree in Business Administration from Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, along with minor degrees in Accounting and Economics. Leroy’s prior engagement with business development consulting brings great strength to the NBIC team. He has worked at three of the largest market capitalization companies in the world – Emerson Electric, General Electric, and Berkshire Hathaway. In his current role as the Community and Capacity Building Manager at NBIC, Leroy wears many hats. One of his primary objectives at NBIC is to increase the number of small minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses qualified to undertake contracts from prime contractors and government entities. By fostering relationships with community partners and engaging with prime contractors and government entities, Leroy works tirelessly to bridge the gap and provide opportunities for these businesses to flourish. Additionally, Leroy dedicates his time to consulting with business owners, providing them with valuable insights and guidance. By helping businesses at their current stage and empowering them to reach their goals, Leroy greatly contributes to the growth and success of NBIC’s clients. Outside of work, Leroy indulges in his love for reading, sports, and travel. With his vast knowledge, dedication, and passion for community empowerment, Leroy is committed to making a meaningful impact at NBIC. His wealth of certifications and global business experience lends a unique perspective and expertise to NBIC’s initiatives, which will undoubtedly drive the organization forward.
Octavia Wilson-Simmons
Octavia Wilson-Simmons is the Program Coordinator at NBIC. With a background as a tank storage broker, Octavia acted as a vital liaison between storage terminals and cargo owners, facilitating contracts for the transportation and storage of products. Prior to NBIC, she also worked as a chemical operator at a chemical company, further enhancing her expertise in the industry.

Joining NBIC in early 2022, Octavia initially served as an assistant to Angela before transitioning to her current position as a Program Coordinator. In this role, Octavia plays a crucial part in various projects, including MNAA and Elevate 615. She also provides invaluable support to the team, assisting with grants and streamlining processes to ensure efficient collaboration and coordination.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Octavia is extremely family-oriented and cherishes family outings and spending quality time with her loved ones. Octavia is also a dedicated DIY enthusiast and seeks to immerse herself in various projects.

Octavia embraces the opportunity to collaborate with the NBIC team, support Angela, and contribute to the company’s mission. Having witnessed the growth of businesses firsthand gives Octavia special insight into the entrepreneurial world and the hard work that goes into operating and expanding your business.

With her extensive background in the oil industry and her unwavering dedication to assisting others, Octavia continues to make a positive impact within NBIC, among her peers, and within the entrepreneurial community as a whole.