Management Team
Mel Solochek, Chair
Solochek became interested in pharmacy after his first visit to his neighborhood drugstore as a young child. A self-proclaimed “people person,” Solochek’s friendly, caring and easygoing manner augmented his love for working with people in a professional atmosphere. Since receiving his degree in Pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he served as an independent pharmacy owner for more than 19 years. For the past 21 years, Solochek has officiated as secretary for the Pharmacy Buying Group of America (PBGA). He also helped co-found the Wisconsin Independent Pharmacy Buying Group (WIPBG) and presently serves as secretary.
Solochek decided to step in and create some change after he watched close friends and customers pay excessive prices for brand name prescription drugs. Confident in his ability in administrating and making wise business decisions, he combined his brainpower with Spector and Plavnick to form USGenerics.
Solochek is very close with his family and loves spending time with his children and grandchildren. In his spare time he also enjoys gardening, cooking and going to the movies.
Jerry Spector, Chief Operating Officer
An intelligent man with a strong sense of community, Spector has always enjoyed meeting new people and assisting others. When he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a degree in Pharmacy perfectly suited his philanthropic nature as well as his strong communications skills. After being employed by a pharmacy chain for more than 12 years, Spector decided to open his own store, which he ran for 23 years.
As co-founder and president of the Wisconsin Independent Pharmacy Buying Group (WIPBG), Spector is no stranger to influential pharmacy organizations. He was the former President of the Federation of Pharmacy Networks (FPN), which brings together more than which brings together more than 21 pharmacy buying groups, or a total of 11,000 independent pharmacies across the country. For the past 21 years, Spector has served on the Board of Directors, and as president and manager of the Pharmacy Buying Group of America (PBGA). Upon meeting Solochek and Plavnick, Spector’s leadership and consensus building skills helped him form his next endeavor, USGenerics.
Spector’s giving disposition is apparent through his activity in a number of local charities. A proud father of three, Spector also enjoys golfing, sports, reading and traveling.
Ken Plavnick, Chief Financial Officer
With a lifelong interest in science and medicine, it seemed only natural for Plavnick to study Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Upon graduation and after deciding he wanted to break out on his own, Plavnick became an independent pharmacist for a span of more than 40 years. Plavnick went on to become an owner of five pharmacies.
Plavnick repeatedly witnessed customers pay extreme prices for prescription medications, as a result, he decided to utilize his creative and entrepreneurial spirit to take action. After meeting Solochek and Spector while forming the Wisconsin Independent Pharmacy Buying Group in 1984, Plavnick became an integral part in founding USGenerics.
Plavnick is presently treasurer of Wisconsin Independent Pharmacy Buying Group (WIPBG) and for the past 21 years, has served on the Board of Directors, and as treasurer and manager of the Pharmacy Buying Group of America (PBGA).
His interests outside of pharmacy involve golfing, exercising and spending time with his family. Five grandchildren and a wife of 49 years keep Plavnick on his toes.
