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Sunil Patel
Having been a front-line Pharmacist for over 25 years and having done everything possible, from cleaning the yard, emptying bins, delivering, making and drinking cold coffee, etc… Hence I appreciate the very hard work all pharmacy staff do. I consider us all “Angels” in society and we should all be proud, no matter your role!
"It is my opinion we have never been valued for our commitment to the NHS and our communities. I have two things in life that I consider have changed me completely. One is a teacher called Mrs Holt and the other is Community Pharmacy. When reading my life story below I hope you will realise Pharmsmart is my contribution and thanks to Community Pharmacy and you all".
A Journey of Resilience and Determination
Born in 1965, Sunil Patel’s life story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. His early years were marked by significant challenges. At the age of three, Sunil was sent to India after his mother contracted tuberculosis. For five long years, he had no contact with his parents. Returning to the UK at the age of eight, he faced an abusive household and relentless bullying at school. These harsh experiences shaped him into an angry and insecure child, filled with resentment towards the world.
When he was 11, in a desperate attempt to change his son's trajectory, Sunil's father enrolled him in a private school. Unfortunately, after just one year, Sunil was asked to leave. He then attended a school fraught with racial hostility, where he struggled to form friendships and failed all his exams. Despite these setbacks, Sunil attended college, initially driven by the social scene rather than academics.
It was at college that Sunil met Mrs. Holt, a biology teacher who would become a pivotal figure in his life. For the first time, he experienced genuine care and support, which sparked a dramatic change in his attitude towards his studies. With her encouragement, Sunil resat his O’levels twice, eventually passing in Maths, English, Biology, and Computer Studies. Determined to succeed, he pursued A levels with a newfound sense of purpose.
Despite receiving being rejected by 19 pharmacy schools, Mrs. Holt's unwavering support helped Sunil secure a place at Leicester Polytechnic. This period of his life was transformative; he discovered a world filled with amazing people and developed a philosophy of working hard and playing hard. Though he missed graduating with first-class honors by just one percent, his time at Leicester Polytechnic was marked by significant personal growth.
Sunil modestly considers himself not to be clever but fortunate to be blessed with a high amount of determination and a very simple logical brain. He feels that these two attributes alongside hard work allows anyone the platform to be a success.
Achievements and Daily Life
Today, at 58 years old, Sunil Patel is the proud owner of three pharmacies and the founder of Pharmsmart. Pharmsmart was created not just as a business, but as a support system for individuals in the pharmacy industry. His journey came full circle when he unexpectedly reunited with Mrs. Holt 20 years later in a Tesco store. Overwhelmed with emotion, he realized that her kindness had saved him from a potentially destructive path.
Sunil's typical day starts at 7 am, managing a flood of emails and WhatsApp messages. His personal phone number is available to all his customers, reflecting his commitment to following in Mrs. Holt’s footsteps by helping everyone he encounters. Much of his day is spent connecting with people, offering assistance, and solving problems. His natural ability to connect with others stems from his belief that everyone is fundamentally the same inside.
Among his proudest achievements is the development of a strong, capable team. One notable story is that of Fareen, who came to his pharmacy at the age of 17 with limited skills and poor English. Over 30 years, she has grown into his partner and best friend, running the pharmacies single-handedly and ensuring the staff are well taken care of. Her transformation into a skilled communicator and businesswoman stands as a testament to Sunil’s mentorship.
Overcoming Challenges and Industry Insights
Sunil's career has been filled with numerous challenges within the pharmacy industry. However, his determination and logical approach have enabled him to navigate these obstacles successfully. He remains optimistic about the future of the industry, emphasizing the importance of embracing changes, particularly the shift towards service income and leveraging digital transformation.
He is particularly excited about the potential of digital integration and data sharing across different products and the NHS. He believes that making better use of existing data and adapting to social media marketing streams will drive significant advancements in the field.
Personal Philosophy and Future Plans
Despite never having read an entire book, Sunil relies on his eyes, ears, and common sense to make decisions. He balances his work with occasional family movie nights and a regular Friday evening "lads night out." Although he acknowledges the need for a better work-life balance, his passion for work and the positive outcomes he creates make it a central part of his life.
Looking ahead, Sunil is focused on developing "smart" products tailored to the pharmacy industry. These products aim to reduce work, wasted time, and stress, providing HR and compliance tools that are both specialized and cost-effective. His advice to aspiring professionals is to research extensively, consult with many people, and commit fully to their chosen path with hard work and positivity.
For Sunil Patel, the purpose of life is to achieve contentment, both materially and emotionally, leading to true happiness. He believes that time is the most precious commodity and should be used wisely according to one's beliefs. His journey from a troubled childhood to a successful career is a powerful reminder of the impact of kindness and determination.
A Message to Aspiring Professionals
Sunil’s story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone facing adversity. His life demonstrates that with resilience, determination, and the support of a few key individuals, anyone can overcome their circumstances and achieve greatness. He encourages aspiring professionals to remain positive, work hard, and most importantly, to help others along the way.
Sunil Patel’s journey illustrates the incredible impact that one person’s support can have on another's life. If you are inspired by Sunil’s story and want to learn more about his work or seek advice, don't hesitate to reach out. Connect with Sunil Patel at Pharmsmart.co.uk or call him at 07957456547 any time of the day or night, seven days a week. Whether you are seeking guidance, looking to innovate in the pharmacy industry, or simply need a mentor, Sunil is always ready to help and support you on your journey.
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