Employee Spotlight: Dylan Loland, Pharmacy Tech at Mac’s Townsend
Employee Spotlight: Dylan Loland
Name: Dylan Loland
Role: Pharmacy Technician
How long have you worked with Mac’s Hometown Pharmacies? I joined the team at Mac’s Townsend in November of last year. I moved back from Florida in 2023 to be closer to my parents, who live in Wears Valley.
What inspired you to work in the pharmacy field, and what do you enjoy most about your role? Before pharmacy, I worked as a FedEx driver, but after a short stint—and one totaled truck—I realized that driving wasn’t the right fit for me. I wanted a career with more purpose, so I transitioned into healthcare. I started as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens, and was eager to experience the contrast between a large pharmacy chain and a community pharmacy. I enjoy helping people get the medications and care they need while learning something new every day.
Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had while working at our pharmacy? There are a lot of memorable moments! Since we’re in a big tourist area, summers are especially busy with visitors who come to hike, bike, and tube. We see plenty of sprained ankles, bug bites, and sunburns, so we stay stocked with first aid kits, ankle bandages, Benadryl, and bug spray. It’s always rewarding to help people enjoy their vacations safely.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone considering a career in pharmacy? Patience is key. Dealing with insurance can be one of the most frustrating parts of the job—between prior authorizations, coverage issues, and helping patients understand their benefits, there’s a lot of back-and-forth. But if you’re willing to put in the effort and stay patient, it’s a rewarding field where you can make a real difference in people’s lives.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work? What are your hobbies or interests? I love spending time outdoors, especially hiking and biking. Some of my favorite spots include River Rat tubing, and exploring the local Treemont hiking trails. I also enjoy visiting Anakeesta and, when I get the chance, my favorite adventure is whitewater rafting in North Carolina. I also have my Yorkie, Zack, who just turned one in March—he enjoys walks on the townsend bike path.
If you could recommend one product from our pharmacy that you believe everyone should try, what would it be and why? I highly recommend the nausea bands. Drug-Free! No Drowsiness! Suitable for all Ages! AND No Side Effects!! If you’re looking for a natural remedy to combat motion sickness, I highly recommend Sea-Bands. They’re a simple, non-invasive, and drug-free solution that alleviates nausea without causing drowsiness or other side effects. The bands work by applying pressure to the Nei-Kuan (P6) acupressure point on your wrist, a method that’s been clinically proven to help relieve nausea and vomiting.