Self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur and pharmacist Michael Miller opened his second independent pharmacy in the Pasadena area with the aim of providing quality care that is hard to come by in this day and age. The pharmacy, with its vintage style friendly service, becomes a unique addition to a city that continues to see fewer of this type of owner-managed businesses as corporate chains prevail.
We treat our customers like people, not numbers, said Miller, pharmacist and owner of Michaels Pharmacy, and he means it.
The new and appropriately titled Michaels Pharmacy is his latest venture that has the neighborhood buzzing.
Millers past experience owning various pharmacies throughout his 40-year career includes local staples such as the Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena, which he sold in 2005, and the popular Websters Community Pharmacy in Altadena, which he and his wife have owned since 2010.
Were excited to serve the local community and patients in the area. The opportunity came up and it worked out perfectly, explained Miller.
What makes this pharmacy special is its one-stop-shop business model that offers more than just filling prescriptions.
Michaels is equipped with an extensive gift shop that sells delicious sandwiches and treats for the hungry customer in addition to offering custom compounding, immunizations and durable medical equipment.
It really is a full-blown independent pharmacy with a highly curated gift department. It is a unique retailer in this community, because you really get a higher level of customer care, said Michaels Pharmacy Consultant Aubin Wilson.
Michaels Pharmacy exists through a partnership between Miller and fellow pharmacist Ragie Aboulhosn, who worked at Millers then-owned Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain in South Pasadena as a soda jerk in his teenage years.
Aboulhosn eventually pursued a Pharmacy career at USC and has now come full circle by partnering with his mentor over two decades later.
Ive always envisioned myself working in the community. Thats where my roots are. I started with him and it was always about taking care of patients, said Aboulhosn.
Customer service and going the extra mile is key in this line of work, according to Miller. His experience owning the historic Websters Community Pharmacy in Altadena with its legacy of 90 years of service has allowed him to see first hand what keeps customers coming back for generations.
Its a sense of community and trust people put into us. We strive to be there for anything, at any step of the way. I want to bring that to this area of the city with Michaels, said Miller.
Dont let the old school vibe of Michaels fool you. This pharmacy is up to date with the latest technology for the 21st century customer.
Even though the idea of an independent pharmacy may seem like a dinosaur to some people, these guys are doing things that are really cutting edge. Theyre committed to being at the forefront of modern pharmacy, said Wilson.
The Health Mart mobile app has been implemented at Websters Community Pharmacy with much success and plans to integrate it at Michaels are underway.
With a click of a button customers will now be able to request a prescription refill, receive refill reminder messages, view their prescription history, and connect with the pharmacy staff around the clock.
Its the natural progression of our mission to be an accessible, friendly, and honest local business who puts its customers first, explained Miller.
Michaels Pharmacy is located at 960 E. Green Street, Suite 152 and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.