Fairfield Family Business Going Strong For 90 Years

FAIRFIELD, CT — A focus on serving their customers in a range of capacities over the years has helped build the success of Collins Medical Equipment and Accessibility Solutions, located at 500 Kings Highway East.

The company, which began as a local pharmacy in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport in 1931, celebrated its 90th anniversary this month.

The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce co-hosed a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the business, which is still run and overseen by many members of the Collins family.

“We all have been blessed with a family business that is four generations strong and has provided all of us an opportunity to be successful through hard work,” said Chris Collins, general manager, “and to appreciate what we have and, therefore, each other.”

Chris’s grandfather, Thomas P. Collins, originally ran the classic-style corner drugstore on Fairfield Avenue, where a soda fountain and card table for visitors made it a hub in the neighborhood.

Chris said he was taught his work ethic through his father, Tom Collins Jr., and his brother, Jack Collins, the current owner.

“I learned how to run a business, how to treat people with respect and to appreciate them,” Chris said.

Tom Collins Jr., after serving in World War II and graduating from the University of Connecticut’s School of Pharmacy, took over the place for decades, after which he handed it down to Jack.

“Our success is the result of a simple philosophy my family has followed since 1931 — treat your customers with dignity and respect,” Jack said, “and provide them with a level of product and service they can’t find anywhere else.”

Jack, who, like his father, attended UConn’s School of Pharmacy, went on to say that in the healthcare industry in particular service is paramount, beyond materials and supplies.

“This level of service is meaningful,” he said, especially after the business sold its prescription department to CVS in 2002 and focused its full attention on home medical equipment and supplies.

At the same time, they relocated to their current location on Route 1, just east of Stop & Shop.

“In our business you seek us out usually during very vulnerable times,” explained Andrea Hance Collins, digital media specialist, “either when you’re recovering from a surgery or your parent wants to stay in their home, but they need some extra help to do so."

Consequently, she said, personal service is everything — something made easier by the family working together.

That includes Jack’s son, Bryan, director of sales and marketing; Thomas Collins IV, director of finance and operations; Peg Collins Crossin, clinical sales liaison; and Kay Collins, the bookkeeper.

The business is literally modeled on the concept of a family helping families.