New owners ... same goals

Monday, March 24, 2008

Some people make New Year's resolutions.

South Putnam High School graduates Ben and Amanda Laney resolved to continue serving Putnam County residents with their pharmaceutical needs. Ben and Amanda bought Cloverdale Drugs on Jan. 1 of this year from previous owners Jack and Karen Newsom.

Located at 235 South Main Street in Cloverdale, Cloverdale Drugs is said by some to be the oldest continuos pharmacy in Putnam County. It was opened in May of 1973 and moved to its current location in 1977.

Ben started working for the Newsoms as a senior in high school and continued through the summers while he attended Purdue University.

"This has been such a blessed opportunity. I like working for myself and having the contact with the people in town," says Ben.

People can drive from quite some distance to get the service they expect from the Cloverdale pharmacy.

"Ben is good at remembering people's names. By recognizing our customers we are able to connect with them on a more personal level," says Amanda.

Ben adds, "We will continue to serve Cloverdale and our customers in the same fashion as Jack and Karen did."

In regards to the challenges of being a pharmacist, Ben and Jack both agreed that dealing with insurance is a part of the job that isn't easy and is very time consuming. Karen says, "They dictate to you want can be done."

To show the difference since when Jack graduated from Butler University in 1966, times have changed.

"Only 15 percent of business back then was third party, now 90 percent is third party and price is determined by insurance," says Jack.

Karen says they use to be able to soak the bottles the medicine came in, wash then out and reuse them time and time again.

Jack says, "It was part of recycling."

Cloverdale Drugs has 2,500 square feet of not only medicines and pharmacy type products but frames, holiday decor and lots of retail items. Cards, gift items and candy are also available. Karen says, "We are thankful for 35 years of being in business and the support of Cloverdale and the surrounding areas."

Ten employees help the store service customers. Three have been there more than 20 years.

"We had wonderful employees who have stayed on to help Ben and Amanda," says Karen.

Besides Ben and Amanda, employees include: Stephanie Beasley, Amanda Browning, Margie Larkin, Angela Long, Rebecca Nees, Shauna Rossok, Laura Stephens, Lavonne Whitkanack and Dale Bush.

Ben likes being able to offer more of a personal touch, where people can actually talk to an actual person if someone has a question.

Jack and Karen are enjoying their retirement, which has included some babysitting and in upcoming road trip to watch the Chicago Cubs during Spring Training.

"It's been kind of nice not having a routine," says Karen.

Ben admits he would gladly go fishing more often if given the time, but as Amanda points out, "he is purpose-driven individual and he is all about the customer and their healthcare."

Ben adds, "We ask how everyone is doing, because we care and we provide the service you might expect but not get from other places. If you ever have any questions, just pick up the phone and call or come in."

Cloverdale Drugs is located at 235 South Main Street in Cloverdale. New Spring store hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Call the store at (765) 795-4100 to order that refill or for any pharmacy questions. Be sure to tell Ben and Amanda you heard the Buzz.

Beth Arnold is a freelance contributor to the Banner-Graphic. Contact her at buzz aboutbizzness@yahoo.com.