Member Spotlight: Browning's Pharmacy and Health Care — A Legacy of Service, Family, and Unwavering Commitment

Published in Member Communities on March 04, 2026

For more than six decades, Browning’s Pharmacy and Health Care has been a trusted, community-driven partner in providing essential home medical equipment, respiratory care, complex rehab, pharmacy services, and retail health products. As a longtime VGM member, dating back to 1987, Browning’s continues to embody the values, resilience, and passion that define the heart of the HME industry. 

This spotlight comes at a particularly special moment, as VGM celebrates 40 years of supporting HME providers nationwide, including dedicated members like Browning’s who have been with the organization since nearly the very beginning. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the industry, elevating patient care, and ensuring providers have the support they need to thrive. 

At the core of everything Browning’s does is their mission statement: 

“To enrich the quality of life of our patients and their caregivers by providing essential home medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.” 

This commitment shows up not just in the services they offer, but in the way they treat every single customer who comes through their doors. 

A Rich History Built on Knowledge, Adaptability, and Heart 

Browning’s first opened its doors in 1962 as a pharmacy offering basic OTC products. Today, the business is known across the community simply as “Browning’s,” a testament to its longstanding presence and the trust it has earned over generations. 

With a 27,000-square-foot building with about half of it used by their showroom, a thriving retail environment, and multiple product lines and locations, Browning’s has continuously evolved to meet the needs of their patients, from newborns to adults. Their ability to adapt has helped the business remain strong even as the HME landscape becomes more complex. 

“Our goal is always to do things right the first time we touch it,” states Colleen Hunter, President of Browning’s. “We have so much history and employees with great knowledge, even though I say we still learn something new every day.” 

Their strong sense of legacy is reflected in the people behind the business. Many employees have been with Browning’s for decades, including two who recently retired after 41 and 19 years of service. Hunter herself has been with the business since 1995 and now works alongside her husband, Jim (Vice President), and their daughter, Morgan (RT and CPAP Manager). 

“We are like family, as a lot of us have known each other for so long,” says Hunter. “Employees remember when I was pregnant with our daughter, Morgan, who now works for us.” 

Standing Out Through Exceptional Customer Care 

Browning’s remains intentionally personal through their customer service, treating it with the same importance as the equipment itself. 

“Even though we only get paid to provide equipment, we believe the customer service aspect is what sets us apart from others,” states Hunter. “We take the time to educate our patients and to make sure they are comfortable with their medical equipment.” 

This people-first approach is one reason Browning’s holds such a meaningful place in the community. They serve multiple generations of families and continue to build relationships rooted in trust, compassion, and genuine connection.  

As Hunter shares, “Customers come in who know our family from being in the community for so many years, and I get to help people my age now with their parents/loved ones.”  

Browning’s impact goes far beyond equipment. It’s generational. 

Adapting to an Ever-Changing HME Landscape 

Like many providers, Browning’s has faced constant industry shifts, including insurance reimbursement challenges. Their approach to staying resilient centers on product diversification and quality. 

Their offerings include: 

• Retail health and wellness 
• A full pharmacy 
• Custom rehab 
• High-end respiratory 
• Incontinence supplies 
• General DME 

Retail innovation has become one of their strongest opportunities for growth, supported by daily trend analysis and thoughtful product curation. Their showroom thrives because they constantly monitor buying trends, reorder strategically, and keep the sales floor fresh. 

“Every morning, I review receipts from the day before to see what's selling and what items people are buying together,” explains Hunter. 

This hands-on leadership approach keeps the business responsive and ahead of customer demand. 

Values Shaped by Family Leadership 

Much of Browning’s success traces back to the example set by its founder, Hunter’s father. His work ethic, professionalism, and emphasis on treating people well continue to shape the culture today.  

These values helped Hunter navigate her own journey as a CPA in public practice to the CFO of Browning’s. After learning more about the business and being mentored by her father, she eventually became CEO/owner when her father retired. 

The lesson Hunter has learned as a leader in the industry? 

“Listen and learn.” 

A Partnership With VGM Since 1987 

Browning’s has been a pillar in the VGM membership community since 1987, just one year after VGM first opened its doors. 

Throughout that time, Browning’s has leveraged numerous VGM services, including: 

• VGM Forbin for website hosting and compliance 
• VGM Education for compliance and education 
• The van Halem Group for compliance and auditing 
• Industry expertise and support from numerous VGM leaders and member success team members 

“[I have worked with] so many great people over the years,” Hunter reflects.  

Their long-standing connection to the VGM community is a testament to the mutual trust and shared mission that both organizations value. 

Looking Ahead: Continued Service, Continued Passion 

As Browning’s prepares for the years ahead, their focus remains on serving its community with integrity and compassion. They will maintain their robust retail systems, diversify their offerings, and lead with the same values that have guided them for 64 years. 

A Community Pillar With a Purpose 

When asked about her “why” for working in the HME industry, Hunter responded: 

“It is a great feeling to be able to help our community. People don’t know all the products they could be using to make their life or someone else’s life easier. I encourage people to come into our store so we can discuss their needs and to visually look at options that might be helpful.” 

From family leadership to exceptional customer care, Browning’s Pharmacy and Health Care embodies the very best of the HME industry. Their story reflects what it means to stay grounded in mission, rooted in community, and committed to delivering care with a human touch. 

And as VGM celebrates its 40th anniversary, partners like Browning’s serve as a powerful reminder of how far the industry has come and how bright the future can be when organizations grow together. 

TAGS

1. member spotlight
2. vgm