What everyone wants to know about me
My name is Chuck. My wife, Rose & I live in Springfield, IL with our pet cat, Tiger. We are proud parents of 3 children, Len, Chuck, Jr., and Robin; and 2 grandchildren, Garrett and Chloe. We also have a wonderful son-in-law, Mitch and very beautiful and talented daughter-in-law, Mila. We lost a granddaughter, Ashley, several years ago, due to birth complications. She was only a week old when she died. She will always be in our memories and prayers. My wife, who suffers from MS and colon cancer, had complications with the chemo therapy she was getting and we almost lost her a few years ago. Luckily, she pulled through. Family time is very precious, cherish every moment.
Besides operating a business, I also work full time at a local, nationally known, pet store. My interests and hobbies are wide and varied. Of course, I like to spend every possible moment with my family, especially the kids and grandkids. But, when I have a little extra time, which is hard to come by, I enjoy exploring family history (genealogy) and antiquing.
Donating Blood
I am real big on blood donations as you will see in all my listings, no matter what media I use. Several years ago when we lost our granddaughter, Ashley, the short week that she was alive in the hospital, she had two or three blood transfusions. It was after she died that I started donating blood on a regular basis. Shortly after I started donating, I found out that I was a member of 6% of the entire population of the United States that has a negative factor in my blood which is ideal for preemies. So, all of the blood I donate goes to a preemie pediatric unit at a local, regional hospital. You see, there really is a silver lining in every cloud. If it hadn’t been for the loss of our granddaughter, consequently, me giving blood, the countless babies that might not have survived otherwise. Something to think about it, isn’t it. There are hundreds of blood banks around this great country of ours that need blood. It doesn't take very long, less than an hour, doesn’t hurt that much either. Go ahead, roll up your sleeve, and give a pint to save a life. I do, every 56 days or so. When the blood bank calls, I'm there.
Business Information
History/background
I started Countrystore International in January, 2006. Then, a tornado hit our home about two months later. With that devastation and then finding out about my wife’s cancer shortly afterward, my business plans were put on hold. It’s been a rough five years since the tornado. But, we bought a home and my wife’s cancer is in remission, so, I thought it was time to put my business plans on full steam ahead and go forward.
I absolutely love the old fashioned country stores of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s. And, the prices, remember a loaf of bread for 25 cents or a gallon of gas for 40 cents, I do. With the economy as it is today, I wanted to bring back the country store charm. While, there's not a lot I can do about the prices from yesteryear, I vow to always strive to keep the prices as low as possible for my customers with the most economical shipping methods possible.
Customer Feedback
Feedback is very important to any business, be it an online store or brick and mortar establishment, we are no different. No matter what kind of problem a customer has, we will address those issues in a very thorough and expeditious manner. We will bend over backwards to earn a customers positive, 5-star rating with each and every sale. If there is a problem, simply let us know so we can correct it.
