Community Pharmacists

Forrest J. Young

CEO

University of Minnesota
In practice since 1997

“I wanted to follow in my Grandpa Young’s footsteps to become a pharmacist and own a pharmacy in Wausau. I’ve lived here my whole life and enjoy being involved with the community. Along with helping people with their health care, an especially rewarding part of my job is the relationships I have developed with my coworkers over the years. I’m married to Debby, and have two great kids. Away from my job, I enjoy sports, especially Brewers baseball, and have a great time coaching my kids.”


Jon Smith

President/COO

University of Wisconsin-Madison
In practice since 1995.

“I’ve practiced in hospital, community, and nursing home pharmacy environments. Over the decades, health care has become immensely complicated and often very difficult to navigate. I’ve seen it from every point in the process.

Our job is to make the transition to home, perhaps with a new medication or diagnosis, as easy as possible. Yet we still hope to know you as a neighbor.

In my current role, I’m dedicated to providing a mutually safe, approachable, and caring environment for our clients and our team. We work hard every day to preserve the legacy of family-owned, independent pharmacies.”

In addition to pharmacy, Jon is an avid woodworker, animal enthusiast, and high school science teacher. His wife, Michelle, of over 25 years raised their son and daughter on their hobby farm in the Town of Pine River.


Michelle Smith

Pharmacy Manager
Wausau – Bridge Street Location

University of Wisconsin-Madison
In practice since 1996.

Michelle has over 20 years experience in community pharmacy practice. Having worked in Wausau for nearly 10 years prior moving to a Tomahawk opportunity, Michelle was excited to move back in the Wausau area in 2016.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to serve many of the same great Wausau customers in a setting as professional and welcoming at Young’s Drug Store.”

 ”I love taking care of families. Helping moms with sick kids, daughters with aging parents, or wives with those stubborn husbands is why I love coming to work. You should be able to pick up a prescription, get the information you need, smile, and know your pharmacy truly cares about you.”


Brian Stieber

Pharmacy Manager
Wausau – Grand Avenue Location

University of Wisconsin-Madison
In practice since 1981.

“I literally grew up in my father’s pharmacy in Marathon, and still call Marathon home. I’ve been in community pharmacy practice my entire professional career and welcome as much pharmacist to patient interaction as possible. I take great pride in getting to know my customers and their families and never take their loyalty to my pharmacy for granted. 

One of the most important aspects of being a community pharmacist is being accessible to answer questions from your customers. At Young’s Drug Store we take the time to address those questions and concerns. We are never too busy to try and improve the healthcare of our customers. 

Outside of the pharmacy, I have three children who enjoy live sporting events, I am heavily involved in the music ministry of my parish, and I love going to shows at the Grand Theater.”


Taylor Waidelich

Staff Pharmacist

Midwestern University – Downers Grove, IL
In practice since 2011.

“I began my pharmacy career in 2004 as a technician. Since then, I have deeply rooted myself in pharmacy practice, grown my knowledge for the betterment of my patients, and continually sought to provide top-notch customer service.  I graduated pharmacy school in 2011 and have had the privilege to serve a vast and diverse patient base across three states (IL, MI, & WI).  For the last 10 years, I have specialized in pharmacy management and take great pride in building strong and lasting relationships.

I’ve worked for various companies over the years but am proud to now work for Young’s pharmacy.  They are a true hometown pharmacy and their caring, knowledgeable staff always seeks to send you home with a smile.  I happily serve both the Wausau and Merrill areas as a staff pharmacist for Young’s and if we haven’t yet met, I hope to make your acquaintance soon.

When not practicing pharmacy, I dabble in music as a singer/songwriter and in the arts as a painter, woodworker, stained glass artist, photographer and videographer.  I often can be seen riding my bike or kayaking in the summer and snowboarding Granite Peak in the winter.  If it’s a getaway, I’m scuba diving.”


Rick Strasser

Pharmacy Manager
Merrill Location

University of Wisconsin-Madison
In practice since 2019

“I am originally from the Wausau area and I have always had a strong interest in science and learning.  This led me towards pursing pharmacy.  I wanted to bring my knowledge and skills back to my home community.  During my rotations in pharmacy school, I spent twelve weeks with Young’s learning the in-and-outs of their operations.  I’ve always appreciated the friendly and accommodating atmosphere that Young’s provides for their employees and customers.

In my free time, I enjoy golfing and bike riding in the summer and curling in the winter.  I have an older sister as well as other family in the area with whom I enjoy spending time.”