COLLINS MEDICAL SUPPLIES CELEBRATES 90 YEARS OF FAMILY OWNERSHIP
September 10, 2021 at the 90th Anniversary Celebration
When I contacted Bryan Collins to set up this interview for the 90th anniversary of family-owned Collins Medical Supplies, he asked if he could dial in his dad, Jack (the 4th and 3rd generation Collins’ respectively). An insight into what it means to be a proud family company, one that has something to say about their history and their impact on the Fairfield community.
For the first time in the blog, we have two interviewees. Read and enjoy the multi-generational stories of Bryan and Jack Collins of Collins Medical Supplies.
What would you say makes Collins Medical Supplies unique in the Fairfield Community - aside from serving generations of Fairfield customers as a mainstay of the Town - for a decade short of a century?
Bryan: We’re unique for a couple reasons. In our line of business we’re really the only brick and mortar business in town. Our competition plays on a national scale. We’re competing against the internet suppliers and larger national companies.
The thing is, here at Collins we will make sure you find what you need in the store, understand it, feel it, understand it. Especially when you’re talking about medical equipment and supplies, you really need to feel it and touch it and make sure it’s right for you. We have custom fitters for a lot of our products, too.
And if we’re not able to find a solution for our customers, we’ll tell them where to go to get the best possible product for them, whereas if you walk into a Walmart or go online you’re likely to get something that doesn’t work for you. There’s less care, less of an invested personal touch, you know?
Tell me what 90 years of a continuous business in Fairfield means to you? Let alone a family business? What does that mean to you and how does that history inform your philosophy of “Caring for People Like Family”?
Bryan: Well it’s certainly proud of our accomplishment of servicing the community for 90 years. What does it mean to me? An overwhelming sense of pride and satisfaction working for my family. Knowing we have such a great reputation in the area and that we’re able to care for our customers like family. And hopefully I’ll have my kids working here soon, too – which would be the 5th generation of a Collins family member at the helm of Collins Medical Supplies.
Jack: If you consider what 90 years means for a family business is almost unfathomable. Most fail in the 3rd generation. I was lucky to grow the business with my brother, son, and nephew and take it to a place we’ve never seen.
The motto is something we started back in the 90s and it’s truly something we live by every day. There was a time we had a home infusion company, taking care of the sick and dying, having a nurse and pharmacist that would care for our customers like family and that’s the same approach we use today.
Everyone we hire has that same sentiment in mind; you really can live at home comfortably and safely if you have the right supplies. And you’ll see that motto come through every single day. I would like nothing more than Bryan’s kids to take us through the 5th generation.
Would you say it’s literally in the DNA of Collins’ Medical to uphold family traditions to the community, too?
Bryan: Yes. Absolutely. We’re a very big family and we love getting together, celebrating milestones and holidays. We give back to the community as well, sponsoring all sorts of things. We have a close relationship with the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce and many charitable organizations in the area.
Bottom line, if someone asks us to do something we’re there for it.
Jack: Collins has been the lifeblood of 7 families over these 90 years. I have 19 children and grandchildren and the vast majority of my parents and grandparents have drawn a paycheck over the years from the family business. My parents and grandparents, Bryan’s Family, Chris’ Family, my sister Peg, my grandparents, and my nephew Tom Collins before.
What were some of the pivotal moments in Collins’ history that you can pull a story from - or some that you may have lived through yourself? Some of the best and some of the toughest... and how did that change the way you maintained and grew?
Bryan: Two that came to my head right away. One, the transition with COVID early last year. It was a significant task, but because of the leadership of my uncle (Chris) and cousin (Tom IV) we were able to transition everybody to work from home and our Customer Service Manager Doug Little allowed things to run smoothly and have very little impact on our customers. We offer medical supplies, so our customers NEED these products. it was teamwork. now we’ve transitioned back into the office... and hopefully we get back to the other side even stronger - it’s not over. But I believe it.
My son had flooding in his school (4 1/2) and so I was stuck with him for the day - I had some home evaluations. I ended up calling the customer and asked if i could bring my son and he said no problem whatsoever and really he helped me close that sale. It's great to see that the people of Fairfield are so caring and welcoming.
Jack: When I graduated from the UCONN School Of Pharmacy in 1975 to join my Dad in business, there were four Pharmacies in Black Rock including Black Rock Drug Store which was directly across the street. I went to work one Sunday morning and there were fire engines and the smell of smoke all over the area. Black Rock Drug Store had a major fire overnight and we acquired their prescription files and customers. By the mid 80’s, we were the only Pharmacy in Black Rock.
Would you describe your employees? Who you hire and how they carry the company philosophy even though their last name may not be Collins? What kind of people do you look for? ... And to add - would you describe your customers? What makes them special, unique, or loyal?
Bryan: we look for people that will carry the same values that we do. people interested in working with a family company. 90 years and we’re still experiencing significant growth over the years. Over the years we’ve found ways to surround ourselves with people who are better and smarter than us... We love to hire first jobs.
Jack: It’s difficult to find people whose last name isn’t Collins that are as invested and passionate but we’ve been so lucky. Some employees have been with us for 20 years, some 10 years. We’ve been successful in finding folks who enjoy the passion of treating people like family and relationships that reflect that so we’ve been very fortunate.
Have you been able to maintain the neighborhood hub “corner drugstore” community connection that was so thoroughly established in 1931 by Thomas P. Collins Sr.? If so - how?
Bryan: Even though it may not be a corner drug store: we still have that mentality.
Jack: From ‘31 - ‘06 my grandfather and father lived in the community so it was a place where everybody knew each other’s names. People love to share stories from back in the day because they love to remember.
What does the future look like for Collins Medical Supplies?
Bryan: Fortunately it’s very bright. We’ve positioned ourselves with a vision of aging in place and making sure people are able to stay in their home rather than move to a nursing home - we have a shortage of nursing homes per capita - and people prefer to be in their homes. We make sure that people are safe at home, from bathrooms, stairs, entryways - anything. And with the aging boomer population we’ll hopefully continue on the path we’re on and keep up our growth.
I’ve got 3 kids, 7, 4 1/2, and almost 2. They know what I do - they’re there a lot, they’re in the car a lot. They love it. They want to be musicians, police officers, and firemen now. They can do whatever they want, but nothing would make me more proud than to see a 5th generation Collins at the helm of the business.
Jack: It’s very bright. Everyone knows that being at home is where you should be. It’s safer and happier and we provide all the products you’d need to stay at home so you can live a more comfortable and safe existence. And to supply Medicaid to people who really need it - consistently and happily. Everything points to sustained growth in the future for Collins Medical Supplies. And we’re thrilled for the next chapter.
