Sincerity has made Gilbert the 'gold standard.'

Drug Store News, Oct 20, 1997 by Rob Eder

"Multi-dimensional. "

"Always positive."

"Sincere." "Warm."

"Loyal."

Drug Store News recently played word as sociation with a number of high-profile members of the chain drug industry, in order to find out more about one of the industry's most recognizable faces, 1997's Retail Excellence Supplier Hall of Honors Award recipient Jerry Gilbert. Indeed, there are fewer who have contributed more to the chain drug industry in the four decades that Gilbert has been a part of it. Moreover, there are fewer still who would even dare to argue to the contrary.

"In this business, Jerry Gilbert is the gold standard," said Gillette vice president of business relations Scott Roberts. "He personifies sincerity, loyalty, sportsmanship ... There's nobody who does trade development like him. He has a remarkable faculty for being able to make the most casual of this acquaintances feel like the oldest of his friends."

Gilbert came to chain drug some 40 years ago. Fresh out of the University of Minnesota's business school, he joined Johnson & Johnson as a regional sales representative in the Sioux Falls, S.D., area. And so began a long and fruitful relationship with J&J and the industry at large, that has survived longer than many marriages.

In a manner of speaking, Gilbert and the chain drug industry have grown up together. During his career with J&J, Gilbert rose through the corporate ranks, serving in a myriad of sales and promotions, until finally heeding the trade relations call. When Gilbert tendered his resignation last New Year's Day, he did so on the stationery of J&J's vice president of customer relations, a position he had held since July 1, 1989.

Currently, Gilbert taps into his vast pool of expertise to provide freelance consulting services to the former company that had been his home through so many years.

And make no mistake, Gilbert did a lot more than simply get up and go to work every day for 40 years. Indeed, Gilbert's accomplishments and contributions to chain drug have been well-documented throughout the years. For the last 10 years, he has served the National Association of Chain Drug Stores faithfully, sitting on the group's advisory committee and chairing the yearly business programs at NACDS annual meetings. Certainly, it is no wonder NACDS chose to honor him with its highly prestigious Begley Award honoring that individual who best exemplifies the qualities of gentleness, humility and service.

In addition, Gilbert has been honored with the National Wholesale Druggists Association's Tim Barry Award, the General Merchandise Distributors Council's Lifetime Achievement Award and, just this past June, an honorary degree from the Long Island University College of Pharmacy.

"Jerry is a very warm and giving person who has dedicated his life to helping his company succeed, and in the process, has made the whole industry a better place to work in," offered Ron Demczak, Warner Lambert vice president of corporate trade relations. "I'm also proud to call him a great personal friend."

Certainly, few have contributed more to the chain drug business than Jerry Gilbert has in the 40 or so years the industry has been lucky enough to have him.