Marge McCoy, pharmacist, business owner, mother and wife, said her number one belief at work is that the staff at the pharmacy put the patient first.

“We are there to advocate for the patient and not to be bullied by insurance companies or pharmaceutical establishments,” she said. “We are the voice the patient needs.”

She said a lot goes on behind the scenes for patients from prescription interaction research to contacting doctors.  She calls her current crew stupendous. That crew includes her daughter Megan, who has essentially worked at the pharmacy her entire life.

“I didn’t go to preschool I went to the pharmacy,” said Megan, who is now a technician.

Marge’s son, Evan not only worked at the pharmacy but his life has impacted how his mother dealt with customers. Her interaction with customers facing medical needs changed when their son was born with critical lung issues. Marge told her son as he grew up, “I know it doesn’t help, but all the things I learned have helped with other people.”

In addition to her children, Marge credits her husband with success with the business. Marge and Rick McCoy met in pharmacy school and started working together in 1978. While living in Denver they owned two pharmacies. They will celebrate their 40th anniversary in May. Marge said because of how much time she has spent with Rick between work and home that they have actually been together for 100 years.

“He is truly my partner,” said Marge. “I wouldn’t be doing this without him.”

Her other love is interacting with the community.

Marge said some people come in just to talk or for a hug. She added that human interaction, among other things, is what is missed if you send out for your medications online – a tendency that is becoming more common in the digital age. Several years ago a workman came in with dust in his eyes looking for an eyewash. As he talked to Marge about his symptoms, she began to think he may have another issue and sent him to the medical center. It turns out that he was having a stroke.

Kimberly Lystrup, pharmacy assistant, has worked with the McCoys for two and a half years and has been inspired by their work ethic.

“Rick and Marge make me feel like I don’t even work for them because they are busy working so hard for the community it feels like we are all working for someone else,” said Lystrup.

As far as how times have changed for women in business, Marge said it used to be common for people to assume she worked in the cosmetics department.

“But those times have passed,” said Marge.

Now the pharmacy workforce is primarily female with four women and one man – Rick.

“The women keep this place organized. They run a tight ship,” said Lystrup.

The women at the pharmacy say that they not only work well together, but learn great amounts from Marge.

“She is an amazing teacher and role model with a huge amount of knowledge. You learn something very day,” said Kaylee Steinbruck, who has been a pharmacy technician for five and half years.