With the opening of his newest pharmacy, Burt’s Pharmacy Moorpark, Robert “Robbie” Leark, PharmD, now owns five pharmacies in Ventura County. Robbie, who joined WSPC as a regional leader in 2013. He got his start in independent pharmacy at age 16 as a delivery driver. He went on to learn every aspect of ownership while attending the University of La Verne and USC School of Pharmacy. Robbie was selected to pilot a program with USC School of Pharmacy and AmerisourceBergen to keep independent pharmacy thriving. He has served on the board of CPhA Academy of Pharmacy Owners since 2013.
“Our job is to fill a void or need for our community. If the community doesn’t support you, you’re out of business. You have to get out into your community and listen to what is needed.”Robbie services five communities in Southern California through Burt’s Pharmacy Newbury Park, Plaza Pharmacy in Thousand Oaks, Burt’s Pharmacy Westlake Village, Cabrillo Pharmacy in Ventura, and Burt’s Pharmacy Moorpark, his newest location.
Robbie noticed that the Moorpark community did not have an independent pharmacy to service their needs. He believes that it is important to find what is missing in a community and fill that gap. Because of this, each location offers different services based on the community they serve and size of the store.
Robbie says “Our job is to fill a void or need for our community. If the community doesn’t support you, you’re out of business. You have to get out into your community and listen to what is needed.”
Pharmacy manager of Burt’s Pharmacy Moorpark, Travis Schimmer, PharmD, shared the same ideas about community. Travis says “Our goal is to offer exceptional service through this pharmacy.” He went to school and lives in Moorpark, so he believes strongly in serving his local community.
With the opening of this new location, Robbie is excited for the future of his stores and independent pharmacy as a whole!
