Long-time Brodhead pharmacist announces retirement

By Cynthia L. Miller

Editor

BRODHEAD – Someone once told Doug Pinnow that he would know when it was time to retire. That time has come.

Long-time pharmacist Doug Pinnow will hang up the white shirt and tie that has been his standard uniform for the nearly 30 years he has owned and operated Pinnow Pharmacy in Brodhead. He will spend his last day at the pharmacy on Saturday, June 27.

Doug’s children will host a retirement party open to the public at Cardinal Lanes and Lounge on Saturday, June 27, beginning at 6 p.m. His family includes his wife, Lavonne, and their three children, Jeremy (Stephanie) Pinnow, Max and Jenna; Jodi (Craig) Kail, Madisyn and Paityn; and Amy (Lucas) Malcook, Landen and Chesney.

Doug stated that he did not anticipate retiring this early, but recent changes in the industry made him realize it was time “for the old dogs to leave and let the new ones move forward without worrying about bringing me up to speed.” A few months ago the Pinnows sold the pharmacy to Home Town Pharmacy, based in Rio, Wis. The company owns and operates nearly 30 pharmacies throughout the state. “They have a lot more resources and capabilities to move forward to enhance the pharmacy profession in Brodhead. I want nothing but the best for the new owners,” commented Pinnow.

As a teenager working as a stock boy at what was then Reis Pharmacy, Doug knew then that he wanted a job like that, where he could help people. “It was a great career – helping people out,” he stated. Working as an intern in college, moving back to Brodhead in 1978 and working with Bob Reis, and then buying the pharmacy in 1986 when Bob died, Doug has worked with three generations of people, first as children, then as parents, and now as grandparents. His family has all worked at the pharmacy over the years, and his daughter Jodi continues to work with the new owners.

Doug isn’t sure what retirement will bring for him, “I’m used to working all the time; I might be like a fish out of water.” One thing he is looking forward to is having more time to spend with his grandchildren, attending their events and activities. One role he is not retiring from however, is serving as Brodhead’s mayor, a position that he has been in for the past 12 years. “I enjoy the job and will continue until the time comes for a change for the city.”

Expressing his heartfelt sentiments, Doug concluded by stating, “I just want to thank everyone for their patronage and hope they continue to do so. I also want to thank all of the long-time employees. It has really been a family-like, group effort.”