St George Local Business Awards Business Person of the Year is Tony O’Connor of O’Connors Pharmacy at Oatley.
Tony has been involved with O’Connor’s Pharmacy for 30 years and the business has been at its Frederick Street premises since 1959 when it was opened by Tony’s parents, Terry and Lorraine.
Tony now runs the business with his wife, Gillian, who is also also a pharmacist.
“I had a good mentor and teacher in my father which has helped me in my career,” Tony said.
This is the third St George Local Business Award for O’Connor’s Pharmacy.
They won the Best Pharmacy category in 2006 and the Longest Serving Business category in 2012.
A father of four, Tony, 56, said he has seen lots of changes in the area since he first started helping out in the pharmacy as an eight-year-old.
“Some customers tell me they can remember me as a little boy coming into the shop,” he said.
“I’ve seen people who were kids now grown up and bringing their kids in. I’ve seen families grow.
“I stick to my rule of being friendly, honest, caring and customer-orientated. The clients are my focus. That’s why I’m here.
“Pharmacy is an ever-evolving business, both retail and professional.
“Rather than just being product-based we are constantly retraining in response to changing trends and the needs of the community.
“For example, I’ve just become accredited as a pharmacist vaccinator.”
Tony has some advice to anyone thinking of a career as a pharmacist.
“You have got to work hard and do long hours. I work six days a week including Saturday and Sunday,” he said.
“There’s a lot of ongoing learning and you have got to be personable, friendly and available for people.”