Case Studies

How ILS Built Thought Leadership that Boosted Engagement and Delivered $1M in Pipeline

Challenge

Inventory Locator Service (ILS), the largest online aviation aftermarket, faced significant challenges in establishing industry thought leadership in a highly technical B2B space. Despite the company's market position, brand awareness and engagement with target accounts remained below desired levels. The aviation aftermarket industry, characterized by long sales cycles and complex decision-making processes, required educational content that could position ILS as a trusted advisor rather than just a marketplace platform. Without a structured thought leadership program, ILS was missing opportunities to engage prospects earlier in their buying journey and differentiate from competitors in a meaningful way.

Solution/Approach

Developed and executed a comprehensive thought leadership strategy with three integrated components:

  1. Industry Insights Program:
    • Created strategic content calendar addressing key industry challenges and innovations
    • Developed data-driven market reports leveraging ILS's unique industry position and data
    • Established consistent publishing cadence across multiple formats and channels
    • Implemented subject matter expert identification and development program
  2. Multi-Format Content Ecosystem:
    • Redesigned blog strategy with targeted personas and buying stages in mind
    • Developed webinar series featuring industry experts and thought leaders
    • Created educational newsletter delivering exclusive insights and analysis
    • Produced "Quick 6" blog series addressing common industry pain points
  3. Engagement Amplification System:
    • Implemented strategic content distribution across owned, earned, and paid channels
    • Developed targeted follow-up sequences based on content engagement
    • Created sales enablement materials connecting thought leadership to solution offerings
    • Established measurement framework tracking content impact through the buying journey

Results/KPIs

The brand development initiative delivered significant measurable impact across key metrics:

  • Content Performance:
    • Increased blog traffic by 226% year-over-year
    • Generated 28% more Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs) from content touchpoints
    • Contributed over $1M in marketing-influenced pipeline
    • Improved content engagement metrics across all formats
  • Webinar Program Success:
    • Conducted 8 industry webinars with steady growth in attendance
    • Averaged 127 attendees per webinar, exceeding industry benchmarks
    • Secured participation from recognized industry experts from major aviation companies
    • Achieved 43% average attendance-to-registration ratio, well above industry standards
  • Newsletter Engagement:
    • Produced 10 editions of quarterly industry newsletter
    • Grew subscriber base from 1,200 to 3,700+ industry professionals
    • Achieved 24% average open rate, exceeding industry benchmarks
    • Established newsletter as a critical top-of-funnel engagement channel

Key Learnings

This initiative demonstrated that effective thought leadership in a highly specialized B2B context requires a balanced approach between technical depth and accessibility. The most valuable insight was that integrating sales team input in content development significantly increased the practical utility and conversion impact of thought leadership assets.

For future initiatives, the critical success factor was our commitment to data-driven content performance measurement. By establishing clear attribution models and content engagement scoring, we transformed thought leadership from a brand awareness activity to a quantifiable pipeline driver. This measurement approach allowed us to continuously refine topics, formats, and distribution strategies to maximize both engagement and conversion outcomes.

Specific Areas

Newsletter
  • 10 Editions completed with consistent quarterly cadence
  • Number of Subscribers grew from 1,200 to 3,700+ targeted industry professionals
  • Average Open Rate of 24%, exceeding industry benchmark by 7 percentage points
Webinars
  • 8 Webinars conducted with increasing attendance trends
  • Average Number of Attendees: 127 per webinar (43% attendance rate)
  • Big Name Guests from well-known companies including Boeing, Airbus, major airlines, and MRO providers
Blogs
  • "Quick 6" Blogs series established as regular feature addressing common industry challenges
  • Number of Published Blogs: 42 in 18 months, with consistent bi-weekly cadence
  • Average Traffic increased 226% year-over-year, with 18% higher time-on-page
How ILS Overcame Indexing Barriers to Increase Organic Leads by 142%

Challenge

Inventory Locator Service (ILS), the largest online aviation aftermarket, faced critical technical SEO challenges impacting our digital visibility and lead generation capabilities. Analysis of Google Search Console revealed that over 40% of our critical product and category pages were experiencing indexing issues, resulting in substantial missed organic traffic opportunities. The primary issues included crawl budget inefficiencies, duplicate content problems, and legacy URL structures creating indexation conflicts. With organic search representing a vital customer acquisition channel, resolving these technical SEO issues became essential to improving visibility in aviation industry search results and supporting our broader digital marketing objectives.

Solution/Approach

Implemented a comprehensive technical SEO strategy focused on three key pillars:

  1. Indexation Optimization Framework:
    • Conducted comprehensive site audit identifying all indexing issues and prioritizing by impact
    • Developed structured XML sitemaps organized by content type and priority
    • Implemented canonical tag strategy to address duplicate content issues
    • Created crawl path optimization to direct Googlebot to high-value pages
    • Developed Google Search Console monitoring system for indexation issues
  2. Technical Infrastructure Improvements:
    • Implemented schema markup for product inventory and organization information
    • Optimized page speed performance across mobile and desktop experiences
    • Created systematic URL structure and redirection framework
    • Resolved render-blocking resource issues affecting crawl efficiency
    • Implemented hreflang tags for international sections of the site
  3. Content Accessibility Enhancement:
    • Developed content hierarchy with clear taxonomic relationships
    • Created internal linking strategy prioritizing critical conversion pages
    • Improved content categorization and product organization
    • Resolved JavaScript rendering issues affecting content visibility
    • Implemented log file analysis to identify and resolve crawl errors

Results/KPIs

The technical SEO initiative delivered substantial measurable improvements:

  • Indexation Performance:
    • Increased indexed pages from 62% to 94% of critical content
    • Reduced duplicate content issues by 81%
    • Decreased crawl errors by 73%
    • Improved crawl budget utilization by 47%
  • Organic Search Impact:
    • Increased organic search traffic by 83% year-over-year
    • Improved average position for targeted keywords by 6.2 positions
    • Enhanced click-through rates on search results by 37%
    • Expanded non-branded search visibility by 94%
  • Business Impact:
    • Generated 142% increase in organic search leads
    • Improved organic traffic-to-lead conversion by 28%
    • Reduced paid search dependency for key product terms
    • Contributed to over $300K in marketing-attributed pipeline

Key Learnings

This initiative demonstrated that technical SEO fundamentals remain critical even in highly specialized B2B industries where content quality and domain authority are often emphasized. The most valuable insight was that resolving technical indexation issues created immediate performance gains that amplified the effectiveness of all other content and SEO initiatives.

For future technical SEO initiatives, the critical success factor was our data-driven prioritization approach. By quantifying the potential impact of each technical issue before allocating resources, we maximized ROI and achieved rapid performance improvements. This methodical approach to technical SEO provides a model for any complex website facing similar indexation challenges, proving that systematic technical optimization can deliver substantial business value even in specialized B2B contexts.

Specific Areas

  • Problem: 40% of critical product and category pages experiencing indexing issues due to crawl budget inefficiencies, duplicate content problems, and legacy URL structures
  • Solution: Implemented comprehensive indexation optimization framework, technical infrastructure improvements, and content accessibility enhancements
  • Content Actions: Developed structured XML sitemaps, canonical tag strategy, schema markup implementation, and internal linking optimization
  • Results/KPIs: 94% of critical content indexed (up from 62%), 83% increase in organic search traffic, 142% increase in organic search leads, contributed over $300K to pipeline
How LinkedIn Paid Ads Campaign Cut Acquisition Costs by 44% and Generated $1M+ in Pipeline

Challenge

Inventory Locator Service (ILS), the largest online aviation aftermarket, faced critical challenges in expanding our digital presence and lead generation capabilities in a highly specialized B2B market. Traditional outbound efforts yielded inconsistent results with high acquisition costs, while our LinkedIn presence lacked strategic focus and measurable outcomes. The aviation aftermarket industry presents unique targeting challenges due to its niche audience, specialized job functions, and complex buying committees. We needed to establish an effective LinkedIn paid strategy that could efficiently reach decision-makers at target aviation organizations, generate qualified leads, and measurably contribute to pipeline growth.

Solution/Approach

Developed and implemented a comprehensive LinkedIn paid advertising strategy with three core components:

  1. Audience Architecture Framework:
    • Created multi-tiered targeting approach based on company type, size, and role
    • Implemented account-based targeting aligned with sales priority accounts
    • Developed custom audiences using ZoomInfo data enrichment
    • Established lookalike modeling based on high-value customer profiles
    • Implemented progressive profiling strategy to refine audience segments
  2. Content Engagement Strategy:
    • Developed content matrix aligned to different buyer journey stages
    • Created vertical-specific content addressing unique industry pain points
    • Implemented A/B testing program for creative formats and messaging
    • Established conversion-optimized landing pages with clear value propositions
    • Deployed strategic retargeting based on content engagement behaviors
  3. Performance Optimization System:
    • Built comprehensive tracking infrastructure connecting LinkedIn to HubSpot
    • Implemented multi-touch attribution model to measure campaign impact
    • Established weekly optimization cycles for bids, budgets, and audience refinement
    • Developed ROI-based reporting connecting campaign metrics to pipeline value
    • Created A/B testing framework for continuous improvement

Results/KPIs

The LinkedIn paid campaign strategy delivered exceptional performance across key metrics:

  • Awareness & Reach Metrics:
    • Generated over 5 million impressions to targeted aviation industry professionals
    • Increased LinkedIn follower count by 330% (from 2,400 to 10,320)
    • Improved engagement rate by 47% compared to industry benchmarks
    • Achieved 41% lower CPM (cost per thousand impressions) than industry average
  • Lead Generation Performance:
    • Delivered 300+ qualified conversions from LinkedIn campaigns
    • Reduced cost-per-lead by 44% compared to previous digital acquisition efforts
    • Improved lead-to-opportunity conversion rate by 37%
    • Generated $1M+ in marketing-attributed pipeline
  • Campaign Optimization Results:
    • Increased click-through rates by 62% through continuous creative optimization
    • Reduced cost-per-click by 28% through audience refinement
    • Improved landing page conversion by 53% through UX enhancements
    • Established predictable acquisition model for future planning

Key Learnings

This initiative demonstrated that even in highly specialized B2B industries, social media advertising can deliver substantial business impact when executed with precision targeting and content alignment. The most valuable insight was that LinkedIn's effectiveness increased dramatically when we shifted from product-focused messaging to industry challenge-based content that positioned ILS as a strategic partner.

For future digital initiatives, the critical success factor was our commitment to full-funnel measurement beyond initial conversion metrics. By connecting LinkedIn campaign data to pipeline and revenue outcomes in our CRM, we transformed perception of paid social from a brand awareness channel to a quantifiable revenue driver. This measurement-focused approach provides a model for any B2B organization seeking to demonstrate clear ROI from social media investment.

Specific Areas

  • Objective/Goals: Expand ILS digital footprint, establish thought leadership position, and generate qualified leads from aviation industry professionals through targeted LinkedIn advertising
  • Content: Developed multi-format content strategy including case studies, industry reports, product demonstrations, educational webinars, and vertical-specific solutions aligned to different stages of the buyer journey
  • Results/KPIs: 5M+ impressions, 330% follower growth, 300+ conversions, $1M+ pipeline contribution, 47% higher engagement rate, 41% lower CPM than industry benchmarks
Transforming Regional Retail Identity to Drive a 31% Revenue Boost

Challenge

A key client of Highland Media Group faced significant brand positioning challenges in a highly competitive market. As a regional retailer with ambitious growth goals, the client struggled with inconsistent brand messaging, outdated visual identity, and limited digital presence. Their brand recognition among target demographics was poor (estimated at <20%), and their positioning failed to effectively communicate their unique value proposition. With increasing competition from both national chains and digital-native competitors, establishing a distinctive and compelling brand identity became critical to their continued market viability and growth potential.

Solution/Approach

Executed a comprehensive brand transformation initiative with three integrated workstreams:

  1. Strategic Brand Positioning:
    • Conducted competitive analysis across regional and national competitors
    • Performed in-depth customer research to identify key purchase drivers and brand perceptions
    • Facilitated stakeholder workshops to define core brand pillars and differentiation strategy
    • Developed unified brand messaging framework with customer-focused value propositions
  2. Digital Brand Experience Overhaul:
    • Redesigned website architecture based on user experience best practices
    • Developed responsive design system ensuring consistent brand presentation across devices
    • Created compelling visual storytelling elements highlighting brand uniqueness
    • Implemented SEO-optimized content strategy to improve digital discovery
  3. Multi-Channel Brand Activation:
    • Developed integrated social media strategy across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
    • Created content calendar with platform-specific messaging and creative
    • Implemented paid digital campaigns promoting new brand positioning
    • Designed email marketing sequences reinforcing brand values and offerings

Results/KPIs

The brand development initiative delivered significant measurable impact across key metrics:

  • Digital Engagement:
    • Average session duration: +42%
    • Pages per session: +37%
    • Bounce rate reduction: 29%
    • Mobile conversion rate: +53%
  • Social Media Growth:
    • Follower growth: +162% across platforms
    • Engagement rate: +38% improvement
    • Brand mention volume: +207% increase
  • Business Impact:
    • In-store traffic increased by 27% following brand relaunch
    • E-commerce conversions improved by 33%
    • Customer acquisition cost reduced by 24%
    • Overall revenue increased by 31% year-over-year

Key Learnings

This initiative demonstrated that effective thought leadership in a highly specialized B2B context requires a balanced approach between technical depth and accessibility. The most valuable insight was that integrating sales team input in content development significantly increased the practical utility and conversion impact of thought leadership assets.

For future initiatives, the critical success factor was our commitment to data-driven content performance measurement. By establishing clear attribution models and content engagement scoring, we transformed thought leadership from a brand awareness activity to a quantifiable pipeline driver. This measurement approach allowed us to continuously refine topics, formats, and distribution strategies to maximize both engagement and conversion outcomes.

Specific Areas

Newsletter
  • 10 Editions completed with consistent quarterly cadence
  • Number of Subscribers grew from 1,200 to 3,700+ targeted industry professionals
  • Average Open Rate of 24%, exceeding industry benchmark by 7 percentage points
Webinars
  • 8 Webinars conducted with increasing attendance trends
  • Average Number of Attendees: 127 per webinar (43% attendance rate)
  • Big Name Guests from well-known companies including Boeing, Airbus, major airlines, and MRO providers
Blogs
  • "Quick 6" Blogs series established as regular feature addressing common industry challenges
  • Number of Published Blogs: 42 in 18 months, with consistent bi-weekly cadence
  • Average Traffic increased 226% year-over-year, with 18% higher time-on-page
How an eCommerce Migration Increased Online Revenue by 217% Amidst a Pandemic

Challenge

A key Highland Media Group client, a well-established regional retailer with primarily brick-and-mortar operations, faced urgent market pressure to develop a robust eCommerce presence. Their existing online storefront suffered from an outdated platform with poor user experience, limited payment options, and no integration with their inventory management system. This resulted in abandoned carts (37% rate), low conversion (1.2%), and frustrated customers. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for this digital transformation, as physical store traffic declined dramatically. The client needed a comprehensive eCommerce solution that could be implemented quickly while maintaining brand consistency and providing a foundation for future digital growth.

Solution/Approach

Led a comprehensive eCommerce transformation initiative with three interconnected workstreams:

  1. Platform Migration & Integration:
    • Conducted thorough requirements analysis and platform evaluation
    • Implemented modern eCommerce platform with integrated inventory and order management
    • Developed seamless integration with existing point-of-sale and fulfillment systems
    • Created custom API connections to synchronize inventory across channels
  2. Customer Experience Optimization:
    • Designed intuitive user journey with simplified navigation and checkout process
    • Implemented responsive design ensuring consistent experience across devices
    • Developed personalized product recommendations based on browsing behavior
    • Created streamlined checkout with multiple payment options and guest checkout functionality
    • Implemented abandoned cart recovery automation
  3. Conversion Rate Optimization:
    • Established comprehensive analytics framework to identify conversion bottlenecks
    • Implemented A/B testing program for product pages and checkout flow
    • Developed targeted email marketing sequences for cart abandonment and post-purchase
    • Created strategic upsell and cross-sell opportunities throughout the customer journey

Results/KPIs

The eCommerce migration delivered substantial improvements across key performance metrics:

  • Revenue Performance:
    • Increased online revenue by 217% within first three months
    • Achieved 33% improvement in conversion rates
    • Reduced cart abandonment by 16%
    • Grew average order value by 24%
  • Customer Experience Metrics:
    • Mobile conversion increased by 47% with responsive design
    • Customer satisfaction scores improved by 28 points
    • Reduced checkout time by 62%
    • Page load time improved by 43%
  • Operational Efficiency:
    • Reduced manual order processing time by 74%
    • Decreased inventory reconciliation errors by 91%
    • Automated previously manual processes for order fulfillment
    • Created scalable foundation supporting 300% growth in order volume

Key Learnings

This initiative demonstrated that successful eCommerce migration extends far beyond platform selection to encompass the entire customer journey and operational infrastructure. The most valuable insight was that incremental optimization after launch was just as critical as the initial implementation, with continuous improvements driving significant performance gains.

For future eCommerce projects, the critical success factor was our data-driven approach to user experience design. By establishing clear measurement frameworks and continuously refining the customer journey based on behavioral analytics, we transformed the eCommerce channel from a supplementary sales channel to the primary revenue driver during a critical business period. This integrated approach to eCommerce development demonstrates how digital transformation can fundamentally reshape business models when executed with both technical precision and strategic vision.

How GSH Used Strategic Paid Media to Lower CPA by 44% and Accelerate Non-Profit Growth

Challenge

Good Shepherd Pharmacy (GSH), a non-profit membership pharmacy, faced significant challenges in cost-effectively growing their member base through digital channels. As their marketing agency partner, Highland Media Group was tasked with developing a paid media strategy that would reach eligible community members while maintaining an affordable cost per acquisition. GSH had limited marketing budget as a non-profit, facing high competition for healthcare-related keywords, and strict regulatory limitations on pharmaceutical marketing. Additionally, we needed to effectively communicate GSH's unique membership model to audiences unfamiliar with alternative pharmacy access options.

Solution/Approach

Developed and implemented a targeted, multi-channel paid campaign strategy:

  1. Audience-Centric Targeting Framework:
    • Created custom audience segments based on medication needs, income levels, and insurance status
    • Leveraged lookalike audiences derived from current successful members
    • Implemented zip code targeting to focus on underserved areas with limited pharmacy access
    • Developed demographic and interest-based audience models for each platform
  2. Channel-Optimized Creative Strategy:
    • Developed platform-specific creative formats highlighting member testimonials and cost savings
    • Created educational content explaining the membership model and qualification process
    • Implemented A/B testing framework for headlines, images, and call-to-action elements
    • Built landing pages optimized for conversion with clear value proposition communication
  3. Performance-Based Budget Allocation:
    • Implemented cross-channel attribution model to accurately measure performance
    • Developed real-time budget reallocation based on cost-per-acquisition metrics
    • Created dayparting and audience scheduling to maximize efficiency
    • Established conversion value modeling to prioritize high-potential members

Results/KPIs

The campaign delivered exceptional performance metrics while maintaining cost efficiency:

  • Member Acquisition Metrics:
    • Reduced average cost-per-acquisition by 44% compared to previous efforts
    • Increased conversion rate from ad click to completed application by 212%
    • Improved quality of leads with 27% higher membership activation rate
    • Generated over 400 new member applications within campaign period
  • Campaign Performance:
    • Achieved 31% lower CPM (cost per thousand impressions) than industry benchmarks
    • Delivered 5.3x return on ad spend based on first-year membership value
    • Maintained consistent performance scaling from $2,000 to $4,000 monthly budget
    • Established predictable acquisition model for future growth planning
  • Long-term Impact:
    • Campaign-acquired members showed 23% higher retention rates
    • Developed sustainable acquisition channel supporting GSH's growth from 1 to 1,100 members
    • Created replicable campaign framework for future membership drives
    • Generated valuable first-party data for ongoing marketing optimization

Key Learnings

This campaign demonstrated that even with regulatory restrictions and limited budgets, healthcare organizations can achieve significant growth through highly targeted paid media. The most valuable insight was that authentic storytelling featuring real member experiences dramatically outperformed more clinical or feature-focused messaging.

The critical success factor was our rigorous testing and optimization approach. By continuously refining targeting parameters, creative elements, and landing page experiences based on performance data, we transformed a traditionally high-cost acquisition channel into a sustainable growth engine for a non-profit organization. This performance-based approach to campaign management is applicable to any organization with limited marketing resources seeking to maximize impact.

Implementing a Customer Success Framework that Grew Membership by 1,100% in Two Year

Challenge

As a startup non-profit membership pharmacy serving vulnerable populations, Good Shepherd Pharmacy faced significant challenges in maintaining member retention and engagement. With limited resources and a mission-critical need to demonstrate sustainable impact, we struggled with inconsistent member communication, lack of structured feedback mechanisms, and limited visibility into membership satisfaction drivers. Many members would join but become inactive after initial prescriptions, creating high churn rates and threatening our financial sustainability. Without a formal customer success framework, we risked failing both our members and our mission of providing affordable medications to underserved populations.

Solution/Approach

Developed and implemented a comprehensive member success strategy with three interconnected components:

  1. Member Health Journey Framework:
    • Created segmented member personas based on health needs and medication requirements
    • Developed personalized onboarding experiences for each member type
    • Implemented proactive check-in protocols at key membership milestones
    • Designed specialized support pathways for members with complex medication regimens
  2. Value Demonstration Program:
    • Developed personalized savings reports showing each member's medication cost reduction
    • Created health outcome tracking for members with chronic conditions
    • Implemented medication adherence monitoring and support system
    • Established regular impact communication highlighting both individual and community benefits
  3. Community Engagement System:
    • Created member ambassador program to strengthen community connections
    • Developed health education workshops and support groups
    • Implemented member feedback loops influencing service improvements
    • Established recognition program celebrating member health achievements

Results/KPIs

The structured sales approach delivered exceptional growth for our non-profit pharmacy:

  • Exponential Growth:
    • Membership Growth: Increased from 1 to 1,100 monthly memberships within first 2 years
    • Revenue Growth: Achieved 900% increase in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)
    • Reduced Churn: Reduced churn rate from 24% to 8%
  • Customer Success Impact:
    • Member Satisfaction: Attained industry-leading 92 Net Promoter Score (NPS)
    • Referral Program: 43% of new members came through existing member referrals
    • Community Impact: Provided over $1.2M in medication cost savings to members

Key Learnings

This initiative demonstrated that member success in a non-profit pharmacy context extends far beyond traditional customer service to become a comprehensive health support system. The most valuable insight was that focusing on measurable health outcomes and tangible financial benefits created a powerful value proposition that drove both retention and word-of-mouth growth.

For future member success initiatives, the critical factor was our authentic community engagement approach. By positioning members as partners in our mission rather than simply recipients of our service, we created deeper connections and higher engagement. This community-based success model can serve as a framework for any organization serving vulnerable populations where both individual support and community connection are essential elements of the value proposition.

How Structured Sales Strategies Delivered 900% Revenue Growth for Good Shepherd Pharmacy

Challenge

As a startup non-profit membership pharmacy, Good Shepherd Pharmacy faced significant challenges in establishing a sustainable sales process. We lacked a structured approach to convert prospective members into paying subscribers, with inconsistent messaging and no clear value proposition articulation. Without standardized membership acquisition procedures, our small team struggled to effectively reach eligible community members, resulting in slow growth and unpredictable revenue. Establishing a systematic sales approach was critical to sustain our mission of providing affordable medications to underserved populations.

Solution/Approach

Developed and implemented a comprehensive three-tiered sales strategy focusing on community impact:

  1. Membership Value Framework:
    • Developed clear messaging that quantified average medication savings
    • Established tiered membership options to address different financial needs
    • Created simple comparison tools showing cost savings versus traditional pharmacies
  2. Community Outreach Program:
    • Formed strategic partnerships with local healthcare providers and community organizations
    • Established a referral program incentivizing member advocacy
    • Implemented regular community health events to increase visibility
    • Developed targeted local advertising campaigns highlighting member success stories
  3. Conversion Process Optimization:
    • Created simplified application procedures with clear eligibility guidelines
    • Established consistent follow-up protocols for prospective members
    • Implemented tracking systems to measure conversion rates and acquisition channels
    • Developed targeted remarketing strategies for interested but unconverted prospects

Results/KPIs

The structured sales approach delivered exceptional growth for our non-profit pharmacy:

  • Start Up Growth:
    • Membership Growth: Increased from 1 to 1,100 monthly memberships within first 2 years
    • Revenue Growth: Achieved 900% increase in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)
    • Member Satisfaction: Attained industry-leading 92 Net Promoter Score (NPS)
    • Referral Effectiveness: 43% of new members came through existing member referrals
    • Community Impact: Provided over $1.2M in medication cost savings to members
    • Operational Efficiency: Reduced average membership conversion time from 14 days to 3 days

Key Learnings

This initiative demonstrated that even non-profit healthcare organizations benefit tremendously from implementing structured sales processes. The key insight was that clearly articulating tangible value (medication cost savings) rather than just emotional appeals substantially increased conversion rates.

The most significant success factor was our community-centric approach, leveraging local partnerships and member testimonials to build credibility and trust. This grassroots marketing strategy proved more effective and cost-efficient than traditional advertising channels. For future initiatives, maintaining this authentic community connection while scaling operations will remain critical to sustaining both member growth and fulfilling our mission of affordable medication access.

Streamlining Fulfillment to Achieve 68% Fewer Stockouts and a 92 NPS Score

Challenge

Good Shepherd Pharmacy faced significant operational hurdles in its medication fulfillment process, directly impacting our ability to serve our membership base efficiently. As a non-profit membership pharmacy delivering affordable medications to underserved communities, we struggled with manual prescription processing, inconsistent inventory management, and fragmented coordination with healthcare providers. This resulted in extended wait times for members (averaging 72 hours), frequent stockouts of critical medications, and administrative overhead that limited our ability to scale. Streamlining our fulfillment operations was essential to maintain member satisfaction and fulfill our mission of providing affordable medication access.

Solution/Approach

Implemented a comprehensive fulfillment process redesign focusing on three core components:

  1. Medication Access Workflow:
    • Developed standardized prescription intake protocols across all channels (digital, phone, in-person)
    • Created simplified verification procedures with local healthcare providers
    • Established prioritization system for time-sensitive medications
    • Built medication synchronization program for members with multiple prescriptions
  2. Inventory Management System:
    • Implemented demand-based forecasting for high-volume medications
    • Established strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical suppliers for improved pricing
    • Created automated reordering thresholds based on historical usage patterns
    • Developed emergency sourcing protocols for specialty medications
  3. Member Experience Enhancement:
    • Redesigned pickup and delivery options to improve accessibility
    • Implemented proactive communication system for prescription status updates
    • Created simplified medication education materials for members
    • Established consistent follow-up procedures for adherence and refill management

Results/KPIs

The redesigned fulfillment process delivered substantial improvements across multiple metrics:

  • Fulfillment Efficiency: Reduced average prescription fulfillment time from 72 to 24 hours
  • Inventory Optimization: Decreased medication stockouts by 68% while reducing inventory carrying costs by 17%
  • Member Satisfaction: Contributed to our industry-leading 92 NPS score
  • Operational Savings: Reduced administrative overhead by 31%, redirecting resources to member services
  • Member Health Outcomes: Improved medication adherence rates among members by 43%
  • Business Growth: Supported scaling from 1 to 1,100 monthly memberships in the first 2 years
  • Retention Impact: Increased membership renewal rate from 76% to 94%

Key Learnings

This initiative demonstrated that operational excellence in medication fulfillment is not just about efficiency but directly impacts our members' health outcomes and our organization's sustainability. The most significant insight was that member-centric process design, particularly around communication and education, drives both satisfaction and medication adherence.

For future initiatives, the critical success factor was our balanced approach to technology and human interaction. While we implemented various system improvements, we maintained personalized service elements that were essential to our vulnerable population. This hybrid approach ensured we improved efficiency without sacrificing the human connection that differentiated our pharmacy model and will continue to guide our operational improvements going forward.