Corey Malstrom has purchased Arrowhead Pharmacy from Chris and Terri Goettl and the Goettls’ business partner. Before becoming a pharmacist Malstrom was a schoolteacher who taught biology in the Twin Cities, and he also worked for Johnson & Johnson. A graduate of Detroit Lakes High School, Malstrom said he enjoys moving to a small town, and he said he looks forward to meeting the people of Cook County.
On October 13 Corey Malstrom took ownership of the Arrowhead Pharmacy in Grand Marais. He was a hard man to catch because he loves to make deliveries to his customers and he was in and out of his shop constantly.
“I love meeting new people. Making new connections. Right now I’m a bit overwhelmed. But it’s a good overwhelming,” said an exuberant Malstrom with a laugh.
Malstrom, who was born on a farm outside of Fargo, North Dakota, spent his teenage years in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and graduated from high school there following his parents’ move off of the farm.
“After high school, I attended Hamline University and graduated with a degree in biology. I taught biology for 7-8 years, and I truly loved teaching, and I loved the kids, but I was in a big school district, and it didn’t seem very personal. I knew I needed a change. I had already been pursuing my master’s degree in biology when I applied at Johnson & Johnson in health care sales. Johnson & Johnson was an excellent company to work for. I guess I was there for about 10 years before I was laid off. During my time with Johnson & Johnson I was sent to Duluth and worked from there. After being laid off in 2010, I needed to come up with a new plan. Thinking about it, every pharmacist I had worked with really enjoyed his or her job. When I looked into the University of Minnesota Duluth Pharmacy school, I was surprised to learn that they are ranked number one in the country. It’s a highly respected program. Duluth is a satellite school, so some of your classes are taken at the University of Minnesota. Both schools have excellent teachers.
“After I graduated I moved home for a time to take care of my mother who was in ill health. When that came to a natural conclusion, I accepted a pharmacy job in Redwood Falls for one year, but I wanted to get back to Duluth. Subsequently I learned that the pharmacy in Grand Marais was for sale and here I am.”
Due to the tight housing market, Corey will keep his apartment in Duluth for the time being, traveling back on the weekends and staying in Grand Marais during the week.
“All of the current staff except one person are staying on to work,” said Malstrom.
Pharmacists Jill Kort and Deidre Muggley are both continuing their employment at Arrowhead Pharmacy. Malstrom said, for now, he would advertise for a technician who can also fill in on the floor and at the register when the mad rush of the summer season ends.
“I was looking to purchase an independent pharmacy. I enjoy the relationships between patients and pharmacist. This, I hope, will be where I finish out my career. Living in Duluth, I traveled up and down the shore occasionally, so I know a little bit about Cook County.”
When asked about hobbies, Corey responded, “I love to ski downhill. I enjoy spending time with my brothers and sister, so I go to visit as often as I can. I also like to take vacations and go pontooning. And frankly, I like to stay home and read. I guess if you asked me this question 20 years ago my answers would have been very different.”
At some point, Corey is going to rename the pharmacy “Northshore Pharmacy.” But for the time being it will be Arrowhead Pharmacy. Stop in to say hi, said Corey. “I want to meet the people of Cook County, from Schroeder to Grand Portage and the residents at the end of the Gunflint Trail and everywhere in between, come in and let’s get to know each other.”
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