Long’s Drugs was founded by Gene Long more than 50 years ago as a neighborhood pharmacy in downtown Columbia. Today, president Kenneth Long, Gene’s son, maintains the company’s traditions of providing excellent customer service and value while spearheading growth into surrounding communities. Long’s Drugs remains based in Columbia, with 20 locations throughout South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia and approximately 330 employees.
Keeping the family-owned aspect of the business, Ashley Long Ellis and Rebecca Long Gillespie, Kenneth’s daughters, are the third generation taking over the daily operations of the company, together with CEO Christi Epps. Christi is a native of Lexington and a graduate of U.S.C.’s College of Pharmacy. Rebecca, following in her father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, also graduated from U.S.C.’s College of Pharmacy. She is now the managing pharmacist and director of the Long Term Care Pharmacy and serves on the S.C. Board of Pharmacy. Ashley attended Clemson University and Wake Forest School of Law and serves as the company’s in-house counsel and director of human resources.
The company’s mission statement, developed by Long’s employees, is “To be the best service oriented company at providing pharmaceutical care for all patients.” Long’s employees truly strive to exceed this mission daily. They are devoted to the care of their patients and their needs. They greet you with a smile and leave you with a smile. Employees are educated on the importance of making a difference in their patients’ lives and the community.
Long’s and its employees actively participate in and raise funds for community events such as Special Olympics, National Alliance on Mental Illness, HIV events and cancer awareness groups. The company’s first core value is “Have a passion for people,” and that value was developed with patients and communities in mind.
The best part about Long’s is that you get great service at the same price (or better) than other drugstores. Patients have the same copay as they would anywhere. Long’s offers a $4 per month supply generic list equal to larger stores and employees will find you a coupon whenever possible to reduce copays. Plus, Long’s offers free home delivery.
When the price is the same and the pills are the same, what happens in the process of getting those prescriptions filled is what matters most. That’s called the “Long’s Experience.” Come experience the difference!
