2004 Year in Review

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Luke and Bill

Fitzgerald Pharmacy 1857

Luke VanderBleek is shown with previous owner Bill Adams at the counter of one of Morrison’s two oldest “Golden Businesses,” Fitzgerald Pharmacy. Founded by W. L. Coe, this store began in 1857, long before pharmacists became highly-trained medical professionals. Adams bought the business from Robert Fitzgerald in January 1981. On August 1, 1992 Adams sold his property, and VanderBleek became a managing junior partner. Exactly five years later, he became the sole owner.

VanderBleek sees himself as a health care provider, rather than a retailer. Ninety-five percent of his revenue comes from the pharmacy counter; he maintains an inventory of $250,000 in pharmaceuticals. The purchase of a second pharmacy in Prophetstown was designed to limit expansion costs (by sharing one management team) and competition in surrounding communities.

A local pharmacy is a “destination” business, he says, meaning people shop in other stores where a pharmacy is located. This aids the economy within the community.

“Business does not exist to employ,” VanderBleek believes, but rather to serve. He offers great customer service, convenient hours, access at home if needed, and a personal relationship with his customers.

by svavra
2004-11-23 10:09:38