Sandi Bryant, 48Fairview, N.C. Worked for: An independent pharmacy, as a manager
Started in 2009: Americare Pharmacy Consultants, a long-term care pharmacy service.
Bryant differentiated from the competition by providing services that weren't available elsewhere, like assistance to elderly patients in reviewing their bills and education programs for nursing home staff on medication administration.
Start up costs: $300,000
Revenue in 2011: $3.2 million
Salary in 2011: $150,000
Her advice for you: "Do your research to figure out how to make your business different from the competition. Come up with a plan to offer things that other businesses in your industry aren't offering."
NEXT: Find a niche
