Engleking pharmacy offers a personal touch
When Ryan and Tina Engleking opened Engleking Rx in Marengo, they knew that establishing a personal touch with customers was critical to its success. That was the model they had followed at their Mitchell pharmacy that was established in 2017, and it has succeeded beyond their expectations.
Ryan Engleking knew he wanted a career in pharmacy early and from college on he knew he wanted his own pharmacy.
He grew up in Hardinsburg and became interested in becoming a pharmacist while a student at West Washington High School. He graduated from Butler University in 1998 and worked in a chain pharmacy for the next several years.
“From the beginning I had a desire to open my own pharmacy,” he said. That grew as he saw more decisions moving to corporate level.
“The patient-centered approach has always been important to me,” – Ryan Engleking
“The patient-centered approach has always been important to me,” Engleking said. He thinks that can be accomplished more easily at smaller, independent pharmacies.
While owning his business was a goal, the timing was not right earlier. “We were busy with the kids and all. Sometimes life just gets in the way and you have to postpone plans,” he said.
“Then in 2016, my wife and I talked it over and decided to look into making the dream come true.”
Children Adam, now 21, and Jalyn, now 19, were about grown. (Adam is a student at Butler University and Jalyn is studying at Purdue University.)
“It just seemed right to move ahead,” he said.
After researching, the Englekings decided on Mitchell for the first pharmacy. After four successful years there, they began looking at other opportunities.
“We hadn’t thought about expanding until about a year and a half ago,” he said. Inspired by the success at the Mitchell pharmacy, the Englekings began considering growing. Again, they looked at the surrounding area to find a need for the service.
Marengo looked like a good community in which to locate, he said.
“We saw that Crawford County residents had only one choice for pharmacy care – a national chain – unless they drove out of the county.” – Ryan Engleking
“We saw that Crawford County residents had only one choice for pharmacy care – a national chain – unless they drove out of the county.”
In June 2020, the Englekings bought the former First Savings Bank building at the four-way stop in Marengo. The facility is easily accessible and offers drive-through service. After extensive remodeling, they opened their doors to the public in July. The grand opening was Sept. 3.
“We have been received well in the community,” Engleking said. “We were welcomed and people seem to be excited that we located here.”
Engleking feels he has a staff that is right for the Marengo area. Abe Ingle is the pharmacist and store manager. He has been working in the Corydon area since 2004.
“We are pleased to have Abe on board. His core values fit perfectly with ours. He is serving the customers well.”
“We are pleased to have Abe on board. His core values fit perfectly with ours. He is serving the customers well.”
Ingle is assisted by Susan Brown, of English, who has been a pharmacy tech for 21 years, and Tatum England, of Valeene, tech-trainee.
“They are a good fit. A lot of people know them, or know of them, or know their families.”
“My wife has played a critical role in the business,” he said. Tina, a former elementary school teacher, manages the office. “She was supportive in the decisions to open both pharmacies.”
The couple has been a good team.
“We are lifelong friends,” Engleking said, having met at church when they were 7 years old. “We were attracted to each other through the years – but never at the same time.” That changed when they were home on a college break in 1994. “We started dating and the rest is history, as they say.”
Engleking believes a small, privately owned pharmacy can offer superior service and sees that as a growing national trend.
“We can make decisions based on the local environment and serve patients holistically. Not every individual needs the same kind of service. We know medical care can be complicated. We want to make it as easy and convenient as possible.”
“We can make decisions based on the local environment and serve patients holistically,” he said. “Not every individual needs the same kind of service. We know medical care can be complicated. We want to make it as easy and convenient as possible. And I enjoy interacting with customers and patients.”
Engleking Rx is a full retail prescription store and offers over-the-counter medication and supplies. Vaccinations and testing for COVID-19, strep throat, shingles and flu are available, along with vitamins and supplements (including supplements for dogs). Also, home health care products such as wristbands, walkers and crutches are stocked. •
The pharmacy is located at 125 W. Old Short St. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The phone number is 812-365-0001. For more information, visit englekingrx.com.
Story by Sarah Combs // Photos by Jerrah Photography
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