# Michael Rea

> Michael Rea is a pharmacist, entrepreneur, and the founder and former CEO of Rx Savings Solutions. He started the business in 2008 and led it through its 2022 acquisition by McKesson for $600 million upfront plus up to $275 million in contingent consideration. He left in fall 2023 and works with Brandy Rea through their family foundation, supporting nonprofit projects including housing and inclusive public spaces.

- **Role:** Founder and former CEO at Rx Savings Solutions; co-founder of the Michael & Brandy Rea Family Foundation
- **Organizations:** Rx Savings Solutions, Michael & Brandy Rea Family Foundation, Walgreens, OptumRx
- **Education:** Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Pre-pharmacy coursework; no degree verified, University of Minnesota Morris
- **Known for:** Built Rx Savings Solutions from a manual service into an acquired software company., Named Kansas City Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019 by UMKC’s Regnier Institute., Named co-inventor on U.S. patent US8799018B1, granted in 2014.

## Career timeline

- **2007** — Earned a Doctor of Pharmacy from Creighton University.
- **2008** — Founded Rx Savings Solutions, initially working on the service alongside his employment.
- **2012** — Left his day job in spring to work full time on Rx Savings Solutions.
- **2014** — Secured a State of Kansas contract; U.S. patent US8799018B1, naming Michael Rea and Douglas Besch as inventors, was granted on August 5.
- **2017** — Rx Savings Solutions announced an $18.4 million funding round led by McCarthy Capital.
- **2019** — Received the Kansas City Entrepreneur of the Year award from UMKC’s Regnier Institute on November 15.
- **2022** — Led Rx Savings Solutions as CEO when McKesson acquired it on November 1 for $600 million upfront and up to $275 million in contingent consideration.
- **2023** — Left Rx Savings Solutions in fall after 15 years as CEO.
- **2025** — The family foundation’s $1 million contribution to Haven on Main in La Crosse was publicly reported in July.
- **2026** — The family foundation supported Brody Rea’s Boundless Playground in Overland Park, which held its ribbon cutting on October 13.

## Achievements

- Built Rx Savings Solutions from a manual service into an acquired software company.
- Named Kansas City Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019 by UMKC’s Regnier Institute.
- Named co-inventor on U.S. patent US8799018B1, granted in 2014.
- Led the business through its acquisition by McKesson in 2022.
- With Brandy Rea, established a grant-making family foundation and supported housing and recreation projects.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Brody Rea’s Boundless Playground held its ribbon cutting October 13 in Overland Park; the Rea family foundation was a project partner.
- **2026-04** — Michael and Brandy Rea participated in the April 9 groundbreaking for the playground.
- **2025-07** — The family foundation’s $1 million donation to the Haven on Main housing development in La Crosse was reported.

## Links

- Website: https://www.reafamilyfoundation.org/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rea-7036564b

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/michael-rea
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-25