George Browning, Owner: Browning’s Pharmacy and Health Care
What led you to become an entrepreneur?
My desire to live a successful life.
What are the most important factors contributing to your current success?
Persistence, desire, long-term goals. Being in the right place at the right time with goals you slowly learned that you could achieve if you continued to be persistent, worked hard, and always pushing your goal higher as you got closer to making the last goal. Fortunate in finding the right people to work with me moving our business into areas that they thought we should get into, which then opened another door we could explore for more business.
Who was your mentor and what did he/she teach you?
My father-in-law showed me how to accomplish things you haven’t tried. He was a cattleman in Webster, Florida who created a complete livestock supply [business] in a small town. His customers came from all over Florida because he treated them right with good, reasonably priced merchandise. He taught me to keep a good stock of merchandise that your customers wanted at a price everyone was happy with.
Pep Coleman taught me how to run a well-stocked pharmacy (called “drug stores” then). He exposed me to some financial and accounting issues that are needed, and he impressed on me the importance in taking care of your customers.
What is your business philosophy or some of the specific principles that guide you when making decisions relative to your business or your life?
Striving to be the best there is. Everybody is very important in your walk to developing a business – your customers, employees, salespeople, community, and church. Respect all the laws that affect a business and have your business be aware of all of them so they won’t violate one and put you in trouble with the authorities. Most of these are very simple. Hire people who like people and will look you in the eye, smile, and know their job is to help our patients and customers. Be honest in your business with everyone . . . and that isn’t always easy.
What important business or life lessons have you learned so far as a result of your career?
There is a good side of everybody you deal with, but sometimes it is hard to find. Eventually you learn to listen to what other people say before making a judgment. Regardless of how the economy is you can still be successful provided that you have run your business or life with reserves you can count on to survive the hard times.
What/who motivates you?
My wife, Jeannine.
What wisdom would you pass on to those getting started?
Do your own figuring (having help from others is okay) about what you want to do. Do get help from people in the field, either written or personal conversations. Develop a good relationship with a bank and know someone in the bank you can talk to. All you want is to have an assurance they will treat you fairly. From past experience they can usually get information about you as to whether you pay loans on time, overdraw accounts, and have a good record paying debts.
What personal characteristics helped you to succeed?
When I have a goal I am persistent in accomplishing it, even though it might take longer than I want. I like people. Sometimes, you learn to change what you are going after because you keep your mind open. This will allow you to have a more obtainable and longer lasting goal.
What resources and relationships were most helpful to you when getting started?
T. Noble Brown, my father-in-law.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Starting from a 330 sq. ft. pharmacy and expanding into a 27,000 sq. ft. building and having a rehab business in Orlando.
Is there one mistake or decision that you’ve made that you wish you could do differently?
Many!
