Community / Featured News / Forest Hills Gardens / News

Simon’s Pharmacy: A Small Business with A Huge Heart

by BQE Admin · December 23, 2024

Owner Musurmon Norkulov, Pharmacist Warren Lane, Manager Zokhidjon Turniyozov, Photo by Michael Perlman

A Pharmacy Fulfilling The American Dream since 2002

By Michael Perlman | mperlman@queensledger.com

“Our mission is to provide personalized, compassionate care, and convenience for our patrons,” said Musurmon Norkulov, owner of Simon’s Pharmacy at 101-17 Queens Boulevard, facing Federoff Triangle in Forest Hills. “We aim to be more than just a place to pick up prescriptions, but a reliable resource for health advice and affordable services.” The dedicated team of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and the support staff takes pride in being recognized as a friendly community-centered pharmacy since 2002, after adapting the space of a former fruit and grocery shop.

A diverse range of services consists of prescription medications, over-the-counter products, health screenings, and medication therapy management. Personalized counseling and support helps the clientele manage health conditions. Norkulov explained, “We take the time to understand individual needs and provide tailored advice. Unlike many larger pharmacies that have lines, we are able to offer a more personalized, family-oriented service.”

A large line of vitamins, cosmetics, creams and lotions, baby care products, herbal teas, diabetic and surgical supplies, household necessities, newspapers, and even a notary service and self-serve photocopying is available. Additionally, it is one of the few shops that sell greeting cards, available in languages including English and Russian, in order to embrace a diverse demographic.

Reminiscing opening day, nearly 23 years ago, Norkulov said, “It was a milestone moment for us, marking the beginning of a journey that allows us to serve and connect with our neighborhood. The inspiration behind Simon’s Pharmacy came from a desire to create a place where the community could feel truly cared for.” He noticed how larger chains were unable to provide the personalized attention and advice that residents desired, so opening an independent pharmacy in the spirit of Forest Hills traditional mom and pop shops was “a natural next step.”

Eddie Friedman & another patron give a thumbs up alongside manager Zokhidjon Turniyozov & cashier Turaev Salohiddin, Photo by Michael Perlman

Norkulov shared one of his earliest Simon’s Pharmacy memories, which dates to the grand opening. “We had a small ribbon-cutting ceremony, and I remember seeing customers walk in for the first time, excited to have a new pharmacy in our neighborhood.” Fast-forwarding to nearly 2025, he feels it is heartwarming to witness how quickly his pharmacy became part of the community’s fabric.

Inspirational and comforting stories harbor within the community. Norkulov explained, “A standout is a longtime customer who asked us for advice after struggling to manage her medications. After working closely with her and helping her find the right treatment plan, she thanked us for restoring her quality of life. Moments like these remind us of why we do what we do.”

Price points have long been reasonable, and what is truly priceless is the team’s generosity of spirit. Patrons are greeted by the amiable staff as if they were an extended family member. “We strive to keep our prices competitive and affordable,” said Norkulov. For example, generic prescription medications typically cost between $10 and $35, and over-the-counter items, such as vitamins and pain relievers are priced from $2 to $15. “We proudly offer discounts and special pricing for customers with financial needs,” he continued.

Raised in Uzbekistan and residing in Brooklyn, Norkulov feels that he has achieved a version of the American Dream. He visualized an improved life with career opportunities, and became a high achiever. “When I immigrated to the United States in the beginning of 2000, I never imagined that I would be able to own a business in a community that I now call home,” he reminisced.

Norkulov holds a Masters in Cardiology from Tashkent Medical Academy, and obtained additional certifications in the pharmaceutical field, with an aim of ensuring the best possible care for patrons from Forest Hills, Rego Park, and beyond.

A community cornerstone in midst of Queens Boulevard, Photo by Michael Perlman

“It has been a rewarding journey, filled with challenges and triumphs,” said Norkulov, who was a doctor in Uzbekistan. After immigrating, he began his employment as a dishwasher in a nursing home. His career pursuits continued as a home health aide, a taxi driver, a pharmacy technician, and then as the proud owner of Simon’s Pharmacy.

In the short-term, Simon’s Pharmacy aims to expand their range of services, such as by offering more preventive care options that include health screenings. In the long-term, the team strives to offer additional innovative solutions that improve the well-being of everyone from longtime to prospective patrons. They also aspire to improve healthcare by making it even more accessible, personalized, and community-focused. “By being a reliable resource for health information and medications, we can empower people to make informed decisions about their health,” said Norkulov.

When he is not working in the shop, he takes pride in serving the community by participating in a commendable humanitarian cause. He explained, “We are working on opening a new school for children in need of special care and personalized attention.” As a people’s person, he values sharing quality time with his family and community friends, and enjoys reading books. “These activities help maintain a healthy work-life balance,” said Norkulov.

Tradition remains strong. For approximately two decades, Long Island resident Warren Lane has been one of the pharmacists at Simon’s Pharmacy, and is always ready to serve the community. He obtained his license to practice pharmacy in 1969, after graduating from St. John’s College of Pharmacy a year prior.

“When I began working at Simon’s Pharmacy, I was happy to work with a very nice and professional staff, and that is one reason why I am still here,” explained Lane. “We have a lot of the same patients as we had when I started, so they appreciate how we are serving them.” Many clients speak Russian, but the staff proudly relates to everyone. “We translate the prescription labels into Russian, and make sure everyone understands how to take their medication,” he continued. In addition, Lane pointed out that the team determines what chain stores are charging, and one of their goals is to offer a more reasonable price on prescriptions.

The relationship among staff members has long translated into a welcoming communal experience. “You work in a place long enough, so the people who you work with become family. We participate in activities as families do, which include celebrating together,” said Lane. Holiday cards have been received, where patrons expressed their gratitude for assisting them.

Entering Simon’s Pharmacy, Photo by Michael Perlman

Since Lane’s childhood, he was career-driven, and greatly inspired by his father, Edwin Lane, who was a pharmacist at Lindsay Park Pharmacy in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He explained his earliest memories of the field from when he was 12, but today, much has evolved. “As a kid, I would make deliveries and watch my father, and I became interested. Back then, there was a lot more compounding than there is now. There are many more drugs today, and with that comes lots more knowledge. I remember watching my father mixing many ointments, and as a result, I had an interest in becoming a pharmacist.” At the time, Lane and his family resided in Little Neck.

He began pursuing his studies at age 16, and took a five-year course at St. John’s. That came with additional requirements. “I interned for my father in his store, and it wasn’t the kind of thing where I could say, ‘Because it’s my father, I am not coming in today. I’m going to the beach.’ An inspector would come in to make sure that I was there.” Another career path was teaching mainly biology to seventh graders at I.S. 318 and I.S. 71 in the New York City school system for nearly 30 years.

When Lane is not at Simon’s Pharmacy, he enjoys attending Broadway shows at least twice per month with his wife Luellen of 56 years. Her occupation is a pharmacy technician. “The best times are when our family is all together,” he said, and expressed pride in their two grandchildren. They also enjoy dedicating time to their friends. Reminiscing, he said, “My wife and I met when I attended pharmacy school. I had a friend from school, and he was also in business school with my wife. We were set up on a date.”

At 78, Lane looks forward to continuing to pursue his career path and sharing quality time. “My long-term goal is to see my children and seven and eleven-year-old grandchildren happy in what they’re doing,” he said. Between Simon’s Pharmacy, his family, and two school families, he certainly is a family man.

Norkulov, Lane, and the Simon’s Pharmacy staff at large are grateful for their ability to make a difference in the community for over a generation. Norkulov said, “I would like to thank our customers for their continued support over the years. Without them, Simon’s Pharmacy would not be what it is today. We are proud to be part of this community, and we look forward to serving everyone for many years to come.”

Simon’s Pharmacy can be reached at 718-997-7333 or via email at pharmacygreenchoice@gmail.com. Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 6 PM, Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM, and Sundays from 10 AM to 4 PM.