A Local Pharmacy Legacy
From a corner drug store in Redding to a family of companies, our story is rooted in a tradition of service and shaped by the people and values that guide us.
Friesen Group began in 1957 with a single corner drug store in downtown Redding, California, founded by the Owens family. Known for personal service and care, the pharmacy quickly became a trusted part of the community, where patients were treated like neighbors and relationships were built on trust and compassion.
In 1965, pharmacist Royce Friesen joined the team, bringing his dedication and commitment to patient care. In 1970, he purchased the existing pharmacies, marking the start of a new chapter. Under his leadership, the organization expanded to multiple locations and services, always maintaining the same personal approach to care that defined its beginnings.
This foundation in service, integrity, and community connection continues to guide Friesen Group as it grows into a family of companies serving diverse healthcare and community needs.
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Evolving with Purpose
From its beginnings as a single retail pharmacy in Redding, Friesen Group steadily grew across Northern California, expanding its services to meet the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers.
Under Royce Friesen’s leadership, new locations were added, along with medical equipment, infusion therapy, long-term care, respiratory services, and real estate development — each step reflecting a commitment to personalized care, innovation, and community support.
Over the decades, the organization became one of the most diversified locally owned healthcare providers in the region. In 2022–2023, the company entered a new phase of its evolution, rebranding as Friesen Group and unifying Owens, Wellscript, Lifemed, and J3 under a single vision. While the name evolved, the mission remained the same: to empower people, support communities, and deliver meaningful, high-quality services.
Today, Friesen Group continues to grow and innovate, building on its foundation of service, integrity, and commitment to the communities it has served for generations.
1957
Owens is Founded
Owens Pharmacy is founded in downtown Redding, California as a community corner drug store.
1965
Joins Owens Pharmacy
Royce Friesen joins Owens Pharmacy as a pharmacist.
1970
Purchases Owens Pharmacy
Royce Friesen purchases Owens Pharmacy, beginning a new era of leadership and growth.
1974
Owens Healthcare Formed
A pharmacy management company, Owens Healthcare, was formed to manage the now expanded four pharmacies.
1985
Infusion Services
Infusion services, now known as Wellscript, was established.
1990—
2010s
Retail Expansion
Expanded retail pharmacies at twelve locations throughout Northern California.
1991
Long-term Care Transition
Long-term care pharmacy services transitioned from retail locations into specialized closed-door pharmacies, establishing a focused entity now known as Lifemed.
1999
A New CEO
John Friesen, son of Royce Friesen, becomes President and CEO, continuing the family legacy while leading the organization through a period of expansion and innovation.
2003
J3 is Formed
Real estate development company, named J3, to focus on asset, property, and construction management.
2019
Retail Pharmacies Sold
Retail pharmacy locations are sold to CVS, allowing the organization to focus on specialized healthcare services.
2022—
2023
Owens Rebranded
Owens Healthcare is rebranded as Friesen Group, unifying its companies under one shared identity.
Today
Growing Friesen Group
Friesen Group continues to grow its family of companies while honoring its legacy of service and community commitment.