Meet Kyle & Orlando Palmer
Occupation: Kyle serves as Co-Owner and Director of Community Outreach Services,
and Orlando serves as Co-Owner and Pharmacist
Organization: Parker’s Pharmacy
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Tell us a little about your Baton Rouge Story. What brought you to Baton Rouge?
Kyle:
I was born and raised in North Baton Rouge. During my early years, I recall being a part of BREC sporting programs; playing basketball and baseball, spending my summers with neighbors at the YMCA, playing basketball at Sports Academy, and much more. As I grew older, I fell in love with music and began to teach myself how to play the drums. My mother would take us to Southern University’s football games and I remember standing in amazement watching the band at half time. As I began high school my focus was on my education and basketball. After graduating from high school, I accepted a full athletic scholarship to pursue my degree and play basketball at Montana State University of Billings. I later transferred to Rocky Mountain College, where I received a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. After residing in Montana for 10 years, my wife and I decided to move back home to be with family. In addition, my brother and I worked on a business plan that would allow us to make a positive impact in the community.
Orlando:
Baton Rouge is home. Born and raised. After high school, I left Baton Rouge to pursue a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy. My professional career took me to Atlanta, GA. I have been a licensed pharmacist for over 14 years. When my wife and I started a family, we decided to relocate back to Louisiana to be closer to family and friends. The birth of my daughter, Parker, was the catalyst for my business venture. I pondered “where could I make the biggest impact on the overall health of a community?” The answer was clear. Collectively with my brother Kyle, we decided to relocate back to Baton Rouge after 10 plus years of being away. Our goal is for Parker’s Pharmacy to establish deep roots within the Baton Rouge community. As our immediate families start to grow, we want to grow and improve our home town of Baton Rouge.
Tell us more about how you’re involved in Baton Rouge.
Kyle:
My job at Parker’s Pharmacy is to connect with people and organizations in the Baton Rouge Area that are positively impacting their communities. Currently, I am a part of Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome’s millennial committee, I am involved with It Takes a Village BR, The CEO Mind Foundation, and I am a member of BRAC. I look forward to joining other organizations in the near future and volunteering with students.
Orlando:
As owners of Parker’s Pharmacy, we are dedicated to becoming THE pharmacy provider of choice for the entire city of Baton Rouge. We look forward to serving the community’s health care needs while investing our time and resources back into the community.
What is your dream for Baton Rouge?
Kyle:
My dream for Baton Rouge is to personally make a positive impact within the city as it continues to grow. Living away from Baton Rouge for 10 years and moving back has shown me the growth the city has made thus far – I love it! I’m very enthusiastic about being a part of Greater Baton Rouge!!!
Orlando:
To drastically contribute to improving health outcomes in the community.
What would you say to someone considering a move to Baton Rouge?
Kyle:
Baton Rouge is a one-of-a-kind city that you must give a try. The people, culture, food, sporting events, live music and so much more makes you love the city.
Orlando:
Come down for a visit so that I can show you around town!
What is your Baton Rouge favorite?
Kyle:
- Place to eat: Papa’s Soul Food or Waffle House
- Place to hang out: Perkins Rowe – hanging out with my wife
- Place to capture the perfect Instagram pic: Byan Group’s office downtown. Located on a top floor of the building. Great spot to snap a photo.
- Place to people watch: Downtown BR
- Place to network: BRAC events
- Way to give back: Give of my time, talent, and resources to those in need
- Event: Before I moved from Baton Rouge my favorite event was the Sprite 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament. Not sure if it still goes on; however, I would love to bring it back.
Orlando:
- Place to eat: City Pork Brasserie & Bar
- Place to hang out: Downtown BR
- Place to capture the perfect Instagram pic: Tsunami
- Place to people watch: Any local casino
- Place to network: BRAC events
- Way to give back: Mentoring the youth of Baton Rouge
- Event: Baton Rouge Blues Festival
With significant job growth, a bustling arts scene, delectable cuisine, abundant outdoor activities and more, the Capital Region attracts talent of all ages, including young professionals. Whether straight out of college or looking to establish their own business, more and more young professionals are choosing to lay their roots in Baton Rouge.
Each month, BRAC highlights one of these young Baton Rouge Area movers and shakers in the Young Professional Spotlight.