Larry’s Letter
Amongst all our good fortunes we had a tragic event happen this year in our RDC family, the very
untimely death of Robin Willmott. Robin has been a friend and advocate for all of us. He was a fierce
competitor and a tireless champion on behalf of Quality Care, RDC and Independent Pharmacy.
Robin came to Legend Pharmacies of Greater New York in the late 80’s. We had 5 members back then
and 780 when he passed. We went through many highs and a few lows but it never affected Robin’s
incredible spirit. To the very end he stayed in touch with those he loved and he let us know he loved us.
Every day I think of Robin, as do many, and I miss him and treasure the time we had together.
......
$2.1 BILLION in sales!!! RDC is on fire! Everywhere we go there are great comments about our
reputation. We have been so loyal to Independent Pharmacy and its continuation and success.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy owners everywhere in our market are well aware of the level of RDC’s
commitment – and as the word continues to spread we almost always are given respect and time to tell
our story. I believe when we open our new distribution center in the next two months we will be in for
an unbelievable opportunity to show what we can do and grow dramatically in new markets.
We have been planning this new distribution center for well over two years. It has come together
beautifully and as we meet today we are in the midst of inventorying the building. Our staff has been
hired, our technology is in place and it is state-of-the-art. Our people are ready and we are itching to
ship our first orders the week of July 13th. We will start slowly, to work on the inevitable bugs, but we
will come up to speed quickly.
We had a huge challenge to connect our existing technology to the new equipment installed in New
Jersey. To date it appears as though our IT department is doing a great job and we will be up and going
pretty much on schedule. Believe me when I say we have the state-of-the-art equipment in place. Our
Board recently met at the new building to inspect the operation and came away very impressed and
excited about what we will be able to do there. As a matter of fact, if we can effectually handle the
logistics of shipping $2 billion in sales to Ohio, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Long Island, Metro
New York, and New Jersey - with limited technology and 55,000 square feet in Rochester - IMAGINE
what we will do with this new 106,000 square foot warehouse in the heart of the Metropolitan Eastern
seaboard.
I pinch myself when I see what we have done. When I think back to North Goodman Street just 14
years ago and see the difference in how we operate today I just can’t believe how blessed we have
been. Now to be moving into a whole new dimension is just awesome.
We must stay humble and grateful for what we have and what we have accomplished. We have
scratched the surface but not anywhere’s near what we can do. Our goal is to change a lot of
Pharmacies over to RDC and offer them a transfusion that comes from a committed partner who
understands the needs of its customers and responds to those needs.
We are incredibly fortunate to have a Board of Directors that is so intent on helping make a difference
for their chosen class of Pharmacy – the Independents. We spend, hours and hours of the Board’s time
trying to help our customers, strengthening our members businesses, and always looking for ways to
make the profession stronger. Our support of Independent Pharmacy is unequaled in the industry, from
NCPA to State Associations to local organizations - not just in those types of settings but also in bringing
in an excellent Specialty Program, a program on Pharmacy Succession, a new e-Prescribing program to
drive more scripts to local Independents, new fixture and store design programs, and the industry’s best
generic program, GIA, which is winning the day for RDC in the battle for generic business. NO ONE big or
small can compare with RDC when it comes to programs to help its members without the smoke and
mirrors used by its competitors. A handshake is our contract!
Lastly but most important to me and to you, our employees are the best! Our Board is equally
concerned with the quality of and welfare of the company’s staff. We enjoy the best working conditions
with the best benefits we can hope for and fair wages for all.
We understand you can purchase your needs from others at the same prices but the difference is our
commitment to you - to get you that product the best way you want it and with all the follow-up you
need. I am very proud of what we stand for, you! I am looking forward to our best years ever!
Larry Doud,