In 2014, Kris and Walt Thompson bought Lake Country Drug from long-time owner, Bob Lapinski, but there is a more history behind this transition. Both Kris and Walt are Isle natives, graduating from Isle High School. Both Kris and Walt’s families owned area businesses over the years. After high school Kris went off to college, first in Brainerd and later to the University of Minnesota Pharmacy School for a total of 6 years of higher education. The UofM only accepted 100 candidates per year for that school, and Kris was one of them. Graduating in 1997, she interned and/or worked at various pharmacies, hospitals and a nursing home, including Lake Country Drug. Following that, she worked at the Mille Lacs Health Care System pharmacy for 16 years.
Kris’s father always encouraged her in business and when Bob Lapinski first talked with Kris about taking over the drug store, she was initially hesitant. Being a self-employed business owner would be a big change, but her dad’s encouragement years before spurred her on to explore further. The rest is history.
Kris is a Registered Pharmacist and Walt continues as a pipe fitter in the Twin Cities. Kris’ vision for the drug store involves many things, including changing with the economic times around the Big Lake while remaining competitive in the local retail market. She added better quality Children’s toys, like Melissa and Doug, as well as craft yarns and quality sweatshirts and souvenir items. She reduced the greeting card inventory in favor of better selection and higher quality too. Some future plans are to relocate the pharmacy within her building and restructure the aisles for a better customer shopping experience.
The Thompsons are active in the Isle area community, including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our goal at Thompson’s Lake Country Drug is to provide our customers and community with the best possible service, selection and pricing possible. We desire to be aware of and respectful of our culturally diverse community and its unique opportunities. With this in mind, we will be able to face each new day and its challenges with strength and compassion.
