Guardian Pharmacy Services Expands LTC Reach with Naples Pharmacy Acquisition
Guardian Pharmacy Services, Inc. (NYSE: GRDN), one of the largest and most forward-thinking long-term care (LTC) pharmacy providers in the United States, has announced a major strategic expansion with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art pharmacy facility in Naples, Florida. The launch comes in partnership with Guardian Pharmacy of Southwest Florida and reflects the company’s continued commitment to supporting the rapidly growing demand for specialized pharmacy services across the region.
With this new location, Guardian Pharmacy of Southwest Florida will significantly broaden its geographic reach, enhancing its capacity to serve a diverse array of long-term care communities. These include assisted living facilities, skilled nursing centers, behavioral health institutions, and group homes supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The new Naples facility complements Guardian’s existing pharmacy in North Port, together forming a robust regional network that spans from Sarasota down to Marco Island and inland toward Lake Placid.
Meeting the Needs of a Rapidly Expanding Market
Established in 2014, Guardian Pharmacy of Southwest Florida has experienced steady and substantial growth over the past decade. In just the last three years, the company has expanded its customer base by an impressive 15% annually, driven by increasing demand for its tailored pharmacy services and industry-leading medication management solutions.
The new pharmacy in Naples represents a calculated response to the area’s booming population, especially among retirees and aging adults who require consistent, reliable, and specialized healthcare support. According to U.S. Census data, Southwest Florida continues to be one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, with Naples in particular seeing a surge in new housing developments, senior living communities, and healthcare infrastructure.
“Naples is at the epicenter of growth in Southwest Florida, especially when it comes to healthcare and senior living,” said Jay Mandra, PharmD, President of Guardian Pharmacy of Southwest Florida. “By establishing a dedicated pharmacy in the heart of this community, we’re strategically positioning ourselves to not only meet the needs of our current LTC partners but also to expand into new areas, form new relationships, and deepen our collaboration with healthcare professionals across the continuum of care.”
Mandra emphasized that the new location represents far more than just physical expansion—it symbolizes Guardian’s commitment to community-based care, rapid delivery, and personalized medication management for residents in long-term care settings. “We’re not just delivering medications—we’re delivering peace of mind, clinical expertise, and continuity of care that improves outcomes and enhances quality of life for thousands of residents.”
Strengthening Service Delivery and Community Partnerships
Guardian Pharmacy of Southwest Florida-Naples will serve as a critical logistical and operational hub for the region, allowing the pharmacy to optimize delivery schedules, shorten turnaround times, and provide more immediate support to LTC facilities. In many long-term care environments, timely access to medication—particularly for complex conditions or behavioral health needs—can make a significant difference in treatment efficacy and patient comfort.
Under the direct leadership of Jay Mandra, the Naples pharmacy will be managed on a day-to-day basis by Tiffany Fernandez, PharmD, who will serve as the Pharmacist-in-Charge. Fernandez brings years of clinical and operational experience in long-term care pharmacy and is known for her commitment to excellence in both patient care and facility support.
“Our pharmacy team in Naples will be an extension of the relationships we’ve built over the past decade throughout Southwest Florida,” said Fernandez. “We understand the nuances of long-term care, and our pharmacists, technicians, and support staff are all trained to handle the clinical complexity, regulatory requirements, and personalized attention that these communities depend on.”
The new pharmacy joins a growing network of Guardian partner pharmacies across Florida, which now includes locations in Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Crestview, Orlando, Boca Raton, Tampa, North Port, and now Naples. This statewide footprint enables Guardian to share best practices, clinical resources, and operational efficiencies across all markets while maintaining a hyperlocal service model tailored to each community.
Local Focus, National Strength
As part of Guardian Pharmacy Services, Inc., the Naples facility benefits from the company’s unique business model, which emphasizes local autonomy supported by national scale. Each Guardian pharmacy operates independently under the leadership of experienced professionals like Mandra and Fernandez, enabling a strong focus on customer service, staff training, clinical customization, and long-term partnerships. This local leadership model is backed by Guardian’s centralized Corporate Support Team, which handles many of the back-office complexities that can otherwise hinder smaller, independent pharmacies.
From IT infrastructure and HR management to advanced data analytics, national sales, and payor relations, Guardian’s corporate team empowers its local affiliates to focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality pharmacy services and improving resident outcomes.
“By investing in local operations and supporting them with national capabilities, we offer the best of both worlds,” said Fred Burke, President and CEO of Guardian Pharmacy Services. “Our teams on the ground have the flexibility and authority to respond quickly to facility needs, resident emergencies, or clinical concerns, while our corporate backbone ensures they have the tools, technology, and compliance support needed to operate at the highest level.”
Burke noted that Guardian has been steadily expanding in Florida since it first entered the market two decades ago. “Establishing a pharmacy in Naples is a significant milestone, not just for Jay and his team, but for our broader mission to deliver unmatched service across Florida. Our long-standing reputation has been built on responsiveness, reliability, and respect for the unique needs of each LTC community we serve.”
Future Outlook and Continued Commitment
The launch of the Naples pharmacy marks a pivotal step in Guardian Pharmacy of Southwest Florida’s long-term growth strategy. It sets the stage for continued investment in technology, clinical staff, and infrastructure across the region. With growing pressure on healthcare systems to deliver efficient and person-centered care to aging populations, long-term care pharmacies are increasingly seen as vital partners in the broader continuum of care.
Guardian’s focus on relationship-building, innovation in medication management, and dedication to resident outcomes positions the company as a key player in addressing the healthcare challenges and opportunities of the future.
“Our mission has always been rooted in compassion, service, and clinical excellence,” said Mandra. “This new pharmacy gives us the opportunity to touch more lives, support more caregivers, and deepen our impact across Southwest Florida. We’re excited about the future, and we’re proud to be part of the Naples community.
