44 Years of “Chutzpah,” Care, and Quality at Country Vitamins

In the heart of Corvallis, Oregon, sits a health and wellness staple that has defied the odds for nearly 44 years. Country Vitamins, led by owner Pat Sardell, is more than just a supplement store—it is a testament to the power of evidence-based health, unparalleled customer service, and a little bit of “naive Chutzpah”.

The Irony of Inspiration

While many business owners cite a specific “what” that inspired their journey, for Pat Sardell, it was a “who”. Her mother, a devoted follower of health pioneers like Adelle Davis, insisted on a regimen of “un-coated horse pills” and brewer’s yeast during Pat’s childhood.

As an “impudent adolescent,” Pat begged her mother to stop sharing “supplement solutions” with friends, fearing her family would be seen as “health food fanatics”. Today, the irony isn’t lost on her: she now spends her days as a retailer sharing those very solutions with her community.

A Legacy Built on Determination

In the Fall of 1982, Pat and her husband packed their worldly belongings, three young children, a dog, and a cat into a U-Haul and headed north from Southern California. They opened Country Vitamins with no formal business plan—just a wealth of knowledge and a drive to succeed.

Decades later, they remain in the same location, serving generations of families. The store’s success is rooted in four core tenets:

• Premium Products: Stocking only the finest quality available.
• Research-Backed Information: Providing truthful, evidence-based guidance.
• Competitive Pricing: Ensuring wellness is accessible.
• Unparalleled Service: Treating every patron with kindness and compassion.

The Dr. Ohhira’s Difference

A key part of the Country Vitamins success story is their partnership with Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics. Although Pat initially hesitated due to the price point, a few samples changed everything. The feedback from staff and customers was immediate: people found significant relief from occasional indigestion and gut issues.

“We HAD to bring it in,” Pat says, noting that it has been a favorite ever since. Customers are particularly fascinated by the traditional three-year fermentation process involving natural ingredients, low lighting, and classical instrumental music.

The “Panicked Traveler” Story One of Pat’s favorite testimonials involves a customer who traveled out of state and realized he’d forgotten his Dr. Ohhira’s. He was so concerned about suffering from acid reflux that he sought out a local source immediately after his flight landed.

The In-Store Experience

Walking into Country Vitamins, you won’t find a sterile, clinical environment. Instead, patrons are greeted by:

• Lush Greenery: Many plants adorn the tops of the shelving units.
• Soothing Atmosphere: Calm instrumental music plays throughout the store, mirroring the peaceful environment in which Dr. Ohhira’s formulas are prepared.
• Highly Trained Staff: The team participates in weekly trainings and webinars to ensure they remain the most informed resource in the community.

Pat’s Wellness Wisdom

When she isn’t acting as office manager or recording radio commercials, Pat is a firm believer in her own wellness routines. Her top tip? Probiotics before bedtime, often paired with magnesium and sleep supplements.

She also emphasizes that not all probiotics are created equal. “The probiotics we sell in the natural products industry are so much more comprehensive than the ones found in mainstream grocery stores,” Pat explains. She points to Dr. Ohhira’s as the “powerhouse” for gut health because it is a pro- and post-biotic that is non-GMO, 100% vegetarian, and hypoallergenic.

Visit Country Vitamins

Whether you are a long-time “health fanatic” or just beginning your wellness journey, Pat and her dedicated staff are ready to empower you.

Location: 919 NW Circle Blvd #E, Corvallis, OR 97330 Phone: 541-757-3170