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FAIRFIELD – The owner of Summit Pharmacy in Fairfield has announced that he will sell the business.
Bryan Vander Linden founded Summit Pharmacy in 2020, and on Wednesday, June 18, he informed his customers that he was relinquishing control of the business due to restrictions placed on him following some legal troubles. He announced that Woody and Erin Orne of Fairfield would assume ownership of Summit Pharmacy on or after Aug. 1.
“In order to position Summit Pharmacy to continue serving the Fairfield community for generations to come, we have made the heartfelt decision to sell the pharmacy,” Vander Linden said in a statement. “This decision was made out of genuine concern for our patients and our community. Over the past several months, we’ve faced limitations that have prevented us from billing Iowa Medicaid and dispensing certain medications, including controlled substances. These restrictions were directly tied to my ownership, and unfortunately, they have kept us from being able to fully meet the needs of some of our patients.”
In March 2025, Vander Linden pleaded guilty to diverting prescription pills for his own use, and was scheduled to be sentenced on July 28, facing up to four years in prison.
In May 2024, Vander Linden agreed to suspend his pharmacy license and not to enter Summit Pharmacy, though his attorney Elisabeth A. Tursi indicated that Vander Linden later entered an agreement with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy allowing him to resume his practice as a pharmacist subject to certain monitoring conditions.
Vander Linden said Summit Pharmacy will be in good hands with Woody and Erin Orne, and that they are “fully aligned with our values and vision.”
“Most importantly, they are committed to preserving everything that makes Summit Pharmacy special,” Vander Linden said.
Vander Linden said Summit Pharmacy customers don’t need to do anything, since their prescriptions and records will remain in place. He said that nothing about their day-to-day experience should change.
“You will continue to receive the same warm, personal service you’ve always received — from the same team you already know and trust,” he said. “Summit is in the process of restoring comprehensive access to all medications, including those currently restricted. This process will take time to be fully completed. Erin and Woody will continue to update the community as they work through this process. They are following the proper steps to ensure safety, compliance, and the highest standards of service.”
Vander Linden closed by saying that it has been an “honor and privilege” to serve Summit’s customers.
“I’m confident Summit Pharmacy is in the best possible hands for the future, and I’m excited to see it continue to grow and thrive.”
Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at [email protected]