Couple injects $1M ‘financial good’ from RxSS exit to startup special needs initiative; they hope it’s a blueprint for KC

Michael and Brandy Rea built and successfully exited one of Kansas City’s fastest-growing health tech companies. Now the Rx Savings Solutions founders share a new prescription for impact: creating inclusive housing for adults with disabilities.

Shifting from entrepreneurship to philanthropy, the Michael and Brandy Rea Family Foundation contributed a $1 million lead gift to support Haven on Main, a first-of-its-kind affordable housing complex in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin.

The project is designed to provide a supportive living environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive alongside non-disabled residents. The idea hits home for the couple, whose 14-year-old son Brody is autistic. 

“Our support for this vital initiative is rooted in hope, and not just for our son but for every family searching for a better future,” said Michael Rea, a past UMKC Entrepreneur of the Year honoree whose Rx Savings Solutions was acquired by McKesson Corporation in 2022.

Their personal experiences navigating a system lacking in long-term, supportive housing options sparked a national search for better solutions, and ultimately led them back to Michael’s hometown region in the Midwest.

“I grew up in a small town in Northeast Iowa called Lansing, about 35 miles from La Crosse,” said Michael. “It was really cool to see a project we felt so comfortable with happen to be kind of in the backyard of where I grew up.”

Rendering of Haven on Main, a first-of-its-kind affordable housing complex in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin; courtesy image

A haven of support and care

Haven on Main will include 70 universally designed units, with 59 reserved for income-qualifying residents, and offer specialized support services, community space, and green energy systems to eliminate utility costs. 

It’s the product of a collaboration between Couleecap, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty, and Haven for Special People, a nonprofit formed by parents of adult children with disabilities.

“For special needs parents, one of the biggest concerns we have is: ‘What’s going to happen to our child when something happens to us?’” said Brandy Rea. “Supportive housing is a real problem, so being able to establish that, especially close to Mike’s hometown, is really incredible.”

The Reas were drawn to Haven on Main not just because of its mission, but because it met what they see as three essential pillars for long-term success: the right mission, a capable operating team, and a strong, sustainable financial structure.

“Often, projects are missing one of those three things,” Michael explained. “What we really liked about the Haven project is that it has all of them. We’re hopeful it’s a model we can replicate.”

The couple said they plan to keep a close eye on the progress of Haven on Main, which is scheduled to break ground this fall and complete construction by the end of 2026.

“If something did happen to us,” Brandy added, “we’d be grateful knowing our son could transition into a loving, supportive community like Haven on Main,  maybe even be close to family in the La Crosse area.”

The Rea family: Stella, Michael, Carson, Brody, and Brandy Rea; courtesy photo

Solving the missing piece

Long before their philanthropic pivot, the Reas were already building with purpose. Michael founded Rx Savings Solutions (RxSS) in 2008 with Brandy serving as general counsel. Together, they pioneered transparency in the pharmacy space, ultimately scaling the company to serve over 17 million members and more than 50 Fortune 500 companies.

When RxSS was acquired by McKesson, the couple immediately began putting their financial success toward their long-standing goal of serving the special needs community, they said.

“We talked about this when we had no money and a lot of debt,” Brandy recalled. “If the company did well, we wanted to pay that forward and help people like our son. It’s been so rewarding to see that dream come true.”

Their foundation has already funded job training initiatives for adults with disabilities in Kansas City, including programs to help them gain employment in hospitals and food pantries.

“We’re really proud to be part of the Kansas City special needs community,” Brandy said. “It’s thriving in so many ways, but housing remains the missing piece. That’s what we hope to change.”

Paying It forward 

The Reas funded their foundation by transferring company stock prior to the RxSS sale, a decision they said was intentional and mission-driven.

“We’re trying to take the financial good that came from the sale and re-inject that back into the community,” said Michael. “It’s cool to see an idea play out the way you envisioned it, and then actually be able to write the checks and fund projects that are in need of support.”

And while Michael is “kicking around” ideas for his next software venture, for now, the Reas are focused on family and giving back.

Stella, 9, Brody, 14, and Carson Rea, 12, with Elmo; courtesy photo

“Our kids are 9, 12, and 14, and they still want us around,” Michael said with a laugh. “So we’re trying to stay present, and do what we can to help others.”

And if all goes according to plan, Haven on Main will be just the beginning, with hopes to bring the model home to Kansas City.

“It really is meant to be a blueprint,” Brandy said. “We want this to show what’s possible, and we want to help bring it home.”