Gateway Pharmacy of Clare | gatewaypharmacyclare-meet-our-team

Meet The Team

John Gross

Owner / Pharmacist

John Gross is the owner and pharmacist behind the J Gross Pharmacy Group, a network of six locally owned, independent pharmacies serving communities across Michigan. John and his wife, Lisa—both 1986 graduates of Clare High School—live in Farwell, Michigan, where they enjoy time with their four children and eleven grandchildren.

A 1992 graduate of Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, John began his career in big-box and chain pharmacies, spending 12 years in those settings before pursuing his vision of restoring personalized, community-focused care. In 2004, he opened Gateway Pharmacy of Clare, the first of three independent pharmacies he established in Clare County. He later launched Eagle Pharmacy of Farwell (2011) and Harrison Family Pharmacy (2015). Today, these locations represent half of the pharmacies in Clare County—and the only locally owned options.

John expanded the J Gross Pharmacy Group to other regions, acquiring Flint Family Pharmacy in 2019 and Swartz Creek Pharmacy in 2020. Most recently, in April 2025, he opened Beaverton Family Pharmacy in Beaverton, Michigan. These six pharmacies reflect John’s unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care, strong community engagement, and the preservation of independent pharmacy.

Beyond his business endeavors, John is deeply committed to his community. He has served on the Farwell School Board since 2012, is clerk at his local church, and is an active member of the Farwell Downtown Development Authority (DDA). John also spent 10 years coaching the local high school bowling team, has been involved with the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce, and has helped organize local events. In addition, he supports numerous charitable organizations throughout Clare County. In recognition of his contributions, John received the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Clare Rotary Club in 2016.

John is a member of multiple pharmacy organizations, including Michigan Independent Pharmacy Association (MIPA), Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA), National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), American Pharmacists Association (APhA), American Pharmacies (APRx), and Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency (PUTT).

A nationally recognized advocate for independent pharmacy, John is the founder and Executive Director of MIPA, which was instrumental in passing Michigan's first legislation for PBM reform. He also serves the MPA on the Government Affairs Committee, Pharmacy Viability and Access Task Force, Independent Pharmacy Council, and as a board member of the Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists (MSCP). Nationally, he has served on NCPA’s National Legislation and State Legislation Committees and currently sits on the American Pharmacies board of directors.

John’s leadership and advocacy have earned him numerous honors, including the MPA Community Pharmacist of the Year Award (2020) and the American Pharmacies Advocacy Leadership Award in 2021, 2022, and 2025. Respected as a trusted voice for independent pharmacy, John continues to lead efforts to protect patient access and the viability of community pharmacies across Michigan and the United States.