By Harvey Sorum
Correspondent
Are both of you natives of Fluvanna County? If not, why did you choose to live in Fluvanna County?
We moved to the area in 2013 from Richmond for the sole reason of becoming owners of Jefferson Pharmacy. We knew very little about Fluvanna County before we moved here but are so happy that we did. We felt welcomed from the very beginning and really love the small town feel of the community that we live in.
Tell us a little about yourselves and your families.
Jonnie was born and raised in Richmond, VA and graduated from Huguenot High School in 1998. He then attended Richmond Technical School to learn various trades. He began working at Buford Road Pharmacy in 2004.
I was born and raised in Iowa. After graduating from Drake University College of Pharmacy in 2007, I moved to Virginia to complete a post-grad residency program through Virginia Commonwealth University and Buford Road Pharmacy. I stayed on at Buford Road Pharmacy as the clinical services director and through my time there, my passion for owning my own pharmacy grew.
Buford Road Pharmacy also holds a special place in our hearts as this is where Jonnie and I first met. We got married in 2012 and have two boys, Holden (8) and Levi (6) who attend Fluvanna County Public Schools.
You are the owners of Jefferson Pharmacy. When did you open your doors for business?
Jefferson Pharmacy opened its doors in March 2009. At that time, Jonnie and I both worked at Buford Road Pharmacy in Richmond. Our business partner, Ron Davis, owned both Buford Road Pharmacy and Jefferson Pharmacy. Our desire and goal was to one day own and operate an independent pharmacy. Ron believed in us and offered us the opportunity to become partners of Jefferson Pharmacy in April 2013.
You’re both owners and managers. How do you share responsibilities?
Teamwork makes the dream work! Jonnie is our front-end manager and buyer. He gets the credit for all of those great displays, gifts, home décor, and fresh flower arrangements! My responsibilities include being a pharmacist first and foremost. I also ensure that we follow pharmacy rules and regulations, focus on the expansion of clinical services and take care of HR responsibilities.
Our business partner and pharmacist, David Williams, focuses on the store’s business operations and financials.
We also wouldn’t be where we are without our wonderful staff. They help ensure that our customers have the best experience possible when they visit our store.
What are your goals in life?
To live life to the fullest! Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff.
Any hobbies?
Being involved in our boy’s activities, attending concerts, UVA sports, traveling, gardening, woodworking, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings. We love spending family time together! Jonnie also enjoys volunteering his time to help build houses for Fluvanna Habitat for Humanity.
What was the most important event in your life?
I would say the most important event in my life has been moving to Virginia to pursue my pharmacy career. I remember dropping my mom off at the airport after she moved me out here and wondering if I had made a huge mistake. I moved to a new place and knew no one. But quickly realized it was right where I was supposed to be. It has led me to so many wonderful people, career opportunities and of course to meeting my husband!
Any regrets?
No regrets!
