
Tell us a little about yourself (Family, kids, pets, etc)
My family originates from Henderson and this has always been home no matter where we have lived. We knew that once all our education was finished this was where we wanted to call home. My wife, Brittany Butler, and I have been married for 10 years and have 6 children together and are expecting our 7th in February. (Carter 12, Aurora 9, Athena 8, Azalea 6, Caspian 4, Cassius 2). We have 2 goldendoodles, 2 cats and 2 guinea pigs that just had their first litter of 3. We are a deep rooted Catholic family and love that we can send our children to Holy Name School. Our children are the “Why” in everything we do. We work hard and teach them that hard work does pay off with the right attitude. I had very humble beginnings and climbed to the top on the principles that I teach my children. Our goal in life is to raise a close family that not only take care of each other but helps others as well. I have always been called to serve and to help those in need, and I felt like being a Pharmacist and opening my own business was the best way to accomplish that.
Did you always know you wanted to be a pharmacist?
No. I have always loved animals and was set on being a veterinarian since I was a child. I was a waiter at a restaurant for my first job, and a pharmacist couple (Rick and Ginny Clements) were regulars and eventually offered me a job in the pharmacy. I worked for them for over a decade learning the ends and outs and even the business aspects of how to operate a successful business. Somewhere in that time my passion grew for the job, and I decided this was what I was called to do and set out on the educational journey it took to make this a reality.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? What is most challenging as a pharmacist?
I love the fact that I get to work around like minded individuals and take care of people in their times of need. It is very rewarding when people know that you are the one that they can call on, and you will always show up to assist in any way you can to make a situation better. Being an owner, I can open my store any time I need to make sure my patients are taken care of. By doing this, it will bring patient care to an entirely different level than Henderson has ever seen. This is the way pharmacy should be, and others are taking notice and it will shape the way patients in Henderson receive care.
The most challenging part has to be staying abreast with all the clinical knowledge. We are constantly learning, innovating and challenging each other to push the boundaries of what has been the status quo here for so long. It takes an enormous amount of time and effort but the level of care we provide will always be worth it.
What is it like working and running your own pharmacy?
If you like to work you don’t mind it. I have always given 110% and made all of my previous jobs my own, so this is just the same except I don’t have to ask for permission to do what I feel is right.
Where did the idea originate from to offering additional services outside of pharmaceuticals to your storefront? (Home decor, gifts, ice cream shop, etc).
My wife actually had the idea, and as we were renovating the old Frank G Schmitt building, we noticed we had WAY more room than we needed and we could offer something different here. The idea was to bring back quality care that was once the pillar in pharmacy, and in doing so, led us to just bringing the fashioned feel of a pharmacy as well. We have many stop in and reminisce with our old photos of the town or their experiences here in the store with Hazel.
How do you balance family life and being a family-owned hometown pharmacy?
This is always a struggle with any business owner. Working many hours for corporations, I felt like I was missing out on too much so I made the leap to make it better. In doing so, you will see my children in the store periodically. Any of my late night runs to and from the pharmacy to take care of an urgent care/emergency room discharge, you will see them with me. Make the business a family affair, and you can blur the lines some to make a new normal and it’s no longer all work, it’s family time as well.
What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a pharmacist?
Do it! Make sure your heart is in patient care and don’t look back.
Share Your Comments & Feedback