As a small-town business, Clarkston Pharmacy offers personal service larger chains can’t, said Kathy Hannah, who owns the business with Debra Pullen.
“We’ve been fortunate to maintain staff who address customers by name. That’s important to us,” said Hannah, who lives in Davisburg. “We’re still a small town business ? customers like that.”
This month, they’re celebrating their 10th year on Main Street. They worked together 25 years ago at Perry Drugs, Hannah as pharmacist and Pullen as manager.
In 1999, Hannah was hired on with Clarkston Pharmacy part time after working with the St. John health system.
“I was tired of the drive to Detroit,” she said. “I thought perhaps there was a potential to become owner, maybe in 2-3 years.”
But within six months, the owners approached her to talk to her about signing over the business.
“She got a hold of me and asked if I’d like to be a partner,” said Pullen, Clarkston resident. “It’s worked well ? Kathy is an excellent pharmacist.”
“I knew Deb has strong roots in management,” Hannah said. “The pharmacy side was OK, but I needed strength in management as well. We have a great work ethic, both of us.”
With Baby Boomers getting older, needing assisted living and other long-term care services, the business looked good, Pullen said.
“The first four years were a lot of hard work and long days,” she said.
“It was hard work, but it was rewarding,? Hannah said.
They renovated and expanded the business four years ago.
“We’re holding our own, and keeping up the pressure to expand our base,” Hannah said.
For more information, call Clarkston Pharmacy, 5852 South Main Street, at 248-625-8030.