COMMUNITY PHARMACY STILL GOING STRONG

ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TObuilding your own pharmacy businessafter graduation? Is your entrepreneurialspirit urging you to takeon the challenges and rewards of openingyour own pharmacy and creatingyour own destiny? The role of theindependent pharmacy owner hasevolved and expanded over the years;today, an independent pharmacy has amyriad of opportunities with a widevariety of niche markets it may service.An account of the history of one pharmacy,Rye Beach Pharmacy (RBP) inRye, NY, demonstrates the generationalsuccess and rewards of independentpharmacy ownership.

RBP is a full-service pharmacy thatrecently celebrated its 60th anniversary.The pharmacy was originallybought by Marie and PharmacistDan GiaQuinto in 1946. This family-ownedpharmacy specializes inpatient counseling, compounding,bioidentical hormonereplacement therapy (BHRT),nutritional supplements, naturalhealth products, unique giftitems, custom-fitted orthotics,and other homecare products.

Dan and Marie GiaQuinto ranthe pharmacy from 1946 to1967—back then, it had a sodafountain and luncheonette servingburgers to shakes.

Bob and Dennis (sons ofMarie and Dan) both graduatedfrom pharmacy school from theState University of New York at Buffaloand began taking over the leadershipof the store.

In 1974, the old pharmacy was bulldozed,cleared out, and repaved as aparking lot so the newly completedRBP could open the next day. Originally,the pharmacy only took the firstfloor and basement space, while 3doctors occupied the second floor.Today, RBP's premises total more than7500 square feet, spread over 3 floors.The property won architecturalawards for its unique arches incorporatedinto the building. The interiorwas completely remodeledin 1996, continuing its traditionas a beautiful neighborhoodicon.

The staff now includesmore than 55 full-and part-timeemployees, with at least6 pharmacists onsite on anygiven day, plus 1 pharmacist(Rosella Menta) workingfrom home conductingBHRT consultations. Thepharmacy department islead by Steven Dershowitz,RPh, and has been the cornerstoneof the store for the past 6years.

RBP's natural product departmentis run by Ronald May, RPh, who isavailable in the aisle for any herbaland product information requestedby our patients. RBP strongly believesin a proactive approach of vitaminsand nutrition to achieve one's optimalhealth.

RBP also has a state-of-the-art prescriptioncompounding lab, equippedwith a Class 10,000 clean room, laminarflow hood, powder hood, capsulemachines, ointment mills, electronicbalances, and an unguator. Peter Perfito,RPh, runs the lab and manages thecompounding specialists that focustheir whole day in the lab. Currently,RBP focuses on customized medicationsin BHRT, veterinary needs, andpain management, which includesservicing the New York Rangers,Knicks, and Liberty.

The GiaQuinto family wants tothank all their employees who madecustomers feel special and becamepart of the Rye Beach family—withoutyour individual efforts, we wouldjust be another pharmacy.

Mr. Kenneth GiaQuinto is the vice presidentof operations at Rye Beach Pharmacy.Mr. Robert GiaQuinto is the ownerand president of Rye Beach Pharmacy.