Blaine Chastang never meets a stranger in the pharmacy he and his wife own. Manager of North Baldwin Pharmacy in Bay Minette, Ala, he loves his job and enjoys the people of the community, but never thought he would end up working in a drugstore.

Chastang, a Bay Minette native, went to Auburn University where he acquired a degree in Agricultural Economics. While attending school in Auburn, Chastang met the love of his life, Janet. After getting married, the couple moved around the country, from north Alabama to Pensacola and even to Oklahoma where Chastang shod horses. He worked in insurance for 13 years before buying the first North Baldwin Pharmacy location in 1997.

Chastang and his wife of 24 years run the business together. “Janet is the pharmacist and handles the medicine while I handle the insurance, counseling and public relations side of the business,” Chastang says. The Chastangs consider their pharmacy to be a community service. “We treat you like you want your mama to be treated,” Chastang says. “Our customers are truly like family to us.”

Chastang says “North Baldwin Pharmacy is the only pharmacy in town that will deliver locally and after hours for free. It’s just a great opportunity to help people. Our business doesn’t even feel like work; we have cried and prayed with our customers.” To Chastang it is not a job—it is a mission. Every bag customers receive from the pharmacy has John 3:16 printed on the front and a bible verse placed inside.

The Chastang family includes three children, twins Katelyn and Braxton, age 21, and daughter Fallon, age 16. They enjoy spending time on the water, deer hunting and raising horses together. The family also rodeos and ropes cattle in their spare time.

When asked about retirement Chastang says he plans to keep working. “I love the people and this is where I grew up, this is my home.”