Forrest Adair: Celebrating 43 Years of Pharmacy Excellence

Forrest Adair, a name synonymous with personalized care and independent pharmacy services, recently concluded a remarkable 43-year career at Adair Apothecary in Laurens, South Carolina. In our interview with him, Adair reflected on the journey that led him to pharmacy, the challenges he overcame, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

Adair’s inspiration for a career in pharmacy came early. An uncle who was a pharmacist sparked his interest, and by age 14, he was working at Sadler-Owens Pharmacy in his hometown. That early exposure ignited a passion that would guide his professional life. “I worked in a pharmacy in Laurens as manager, and when it was sold to Rite-Aid in 1981, I decided it was time to open my own pharmacy,” Adair shared. Adair Apothecary was born from his vision of maintaining the independent pharmacy spirit. Over the decades, it became a vital part of the Laurens community, offering personalized care and services unmatched by larger chains.

Reflecting on his career, Adair cited owning his pharmacy and providing customers with the care they deserved as the most rewarding achievements. “Keeping the independent pharmacy spirit alive has been incredibly fulfilling,” he said. However, the road was not without challenges. Adair pointed to the increasing dominance of pharmaceutical benefit managers (PBMs) as a significant hurdle. “Dealing with PBMs, who dictate payment systems and copay fees, has been the biggest challenge,” he explained. Despite these obstacles, Adair’s dedication to his customers never wavered.

Forrest Adair’s commitment to the people of Laurens extended beyond prescriptions. “Over the years, I’ve built many lasting relationships with my customers,” he said. Known for going the extra mile, Adair’s independent pharmacy became a trusted cornerstone of the community. When asked about the evolving role of small-town pharmacists, Adair emphasized the unique value of locally owned pharmacies. “While the role of pharmacy has changed, independent pharmacies retain the autonomy to provide personalized care and services that big-box pharmacies simply can’t match,” he noted.

As Adair transitions into retirement, he admits it is a bittersweet moment. “I will miss my customers and the friends I’ve made over the years,” he said. However, he’s excited about the next chapter, which includes spending more time with his wife Jamie, traveling, and pursuing hobbies and projects. Adair also plans to keep a hand in pharmacy, working one day a week at Laurens Drug Company under the new owner, David Burroughs. “I’m looking forward to contributing in a different capacity while enjoying more personal time,” he said.

Adair expressed deep gratitude to his loyal customers. “Thank you for all your years of patronage to Adair Apothecary. It has been a true pleasure to serve you and your families for 43 years,” he said. Looking ahead, Adair hopes Laurens Drug Company will continue the tradition of friendly and professional service. To the next generation of pharmacists, his advice is simple yet profound: “Treat your customers with the respect they deserve.”

Summing up his career, Adair described it as “a dream come true.” His love for pharmacy and his commitment to his community have left an indelible mark on Laurens. As he embarks on this new chapter, Adair’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.