New boutique Mesquite pharmacy fills deep need

By JIM LUKSIC

The Progress

In early January, Mesquite’s Mesa Ridge Pharmacy owner Sam Wilde “quietly” opened to iron out imperfections involving the system, insurance, and so forth.

But the official grand opening of the independently-owned pharmacy at 340 Falcon Ridge Parkway is slated for Friday, March 15. The event will be replete with music, a drawing for give-away baskets, food and drinks, plus a 3 p.m. ribbon-cutting with local dignitaries.

“We will have plenty of snacks, samples, and refreshments for everyone who comes,” said Wilde, the business’ managing pharmacist who noted products in his retail section will be 15% off on March 15 as part of the celebration.

A resident of St. George, Utah, Wilde explained the Mesa Ridge boutique fills an obvious need in Mesquite.
“I frequently met patients from Mesquite who would travel to St. George just to fill their prescriptions,” Wilde said. “With a growing community here, I could see the demand for a well-run independent pharmacy to help people find solutions to their medication needs closer to home.”

The new spacious, bright, and clean facility set up shop – next to Mohave Dermatology – in a corner building that faces Falcon Ridge Parkway.

Wilde’s assistant KaDee Francis, who has been a pharmacy tech for 11 years (most recently at Smith’s supermarket), described the transition as going well.
“I like the personal aspect, and the fact it’s more independent,” explained Francis, a Mesquite resident. “At other locations, I was rushing more. Now, I feel that I have better relationships with the patients.”

That’s a sentiment with which Wilde concurs, pinpointing customer service as his company’s forte.
“We take pride in friendly and quick service for our patients,” he said, adding that when making recommendations, the best way to sell items “is to let the patients see the results.”

Among the available products at Mesa Ridge are high-quality vitamins and supplements to support “healthy organ function and sustain metabolic demands,” according to Wilde.

The owner, who has been in the industry since 2016, served as an intern at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, graduated from University of Utah College of Pharmacy, matched with a practice residency at St. George Regional Hospital – where he remained as an emergency medicine pharmacist until late 2023.

Wilde also worked in southwestern Utah at an independent pharmacy, where he developed a desire to start his own venture. Subsequently, Mesa Ridge Pharmacy came to fruition.

He explained why he likes contributing to Mesquite’s expansion: “I enjoy the medical industry because it allows me to play a small role in helping people meet their health goals, and as a bonus, it allows me to develop lasting friendships.”

As for challenging aspects of his livelihood, Wilde referred to fluctuating insurance coverage that impedes some individuals from procuring medication. Although the process involves “hoops to jump through” at times, he said, pinpointing solutions for patients is a team effort that proves rewarding.
“Various pharmacy staff members, medical providers and their clinics, and the patients themselves all play a role in piecing together these solutions,” he said.

When it comes to Mesa Ridge Pharmacy’s future, Wilde expressed confidence about offering additional services down the road but prefers to remain focused on the tasks at hand.
“For now, let’s just grow this pharmacy and make it last for many years to come,” he said. “My day is more joyous when I see friends walk through my doors.”

Mesa Ridge Pharmacy is open 8am to 5 pm Mondays through Fridays. For more information call (725) 253-0103