ROBERTSDALE, Alabama --- Dennis Stastka is no stranger to hard work.

At age 60, the Robertsdale native and resident still comes arrives at work early every day at his office at Stastka Insurance Agency in Robertsdale, most days putting in 12 to 14 hours, and travels extensively to meet with clients.

"I love to work," he said. Even when he's not working, he loves to work.

"Someone once asked me what I do when I'm not working," he said. "My answer to that would be ‘work.' Maybe I'm not working to make money, but I'm still working. I'm working in the yard or working on projects, or working as a volunteer."

For 40 years, Stastka has worked to serve people in the insurance industry, first with Gilbert Insurance in Robertsdale, then with Tom Rusk in Foley before opening his own insurance agency back in Robertsdale in 2000, opening his office on Highway 59 in 2004.

But, 40 years ago, Stastka never dreamed of the life he is living today.

"I was working with my uncle in construction and we were doing a job for Mr. (Jimmy) Gilbert when he stopped me one day and asked me to come to work for him," Stastka said. "I didn't want a job where I would be inside all day. I am an outdoors person and that's where I saw myself."

But his uncle pulled him aside and urged him to take the job.

"He said, ‘(construction work) is a hard way to make a living, and if you really want to make something of yourself, you need to take the job,'" Stastka said.

So, in 1971, Stastka went to work for Gilbert in Robertsdale.

"I think he took a liking to me from watching me play football (at Robertsdale High)," Stastka said. "He saw me as someone who had a lot of determination and self-motivation, which is something you really need to succeed in this business."

Gilbert, who was a founding member of the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and one of the earliest members of the Robertsdale Rotary Club, also encouraged Stastka to get involved with his community, urging him to join the Chamber and the Rotary Club.

"He told me the price you pay for living in the community is community service," Stastka said. "But I learned through the years that it really wasn't a sacrifice for me. I enjoy doing it."

And through the years, Stastka has taken that advice to heart. He serves on the board of the Hope Foundation, Women's Care Medical Center, International Missions Association, Alabama Sheriff Boys' Ranch, and East Central Baldwin County Water Authority. He has also served on the Baldwin County School Board and Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. He is an active Rotarian, and was awarded the first ever "Spirit of Baldwin County" award in 1993.

He also serves as deacon of Bethel Baptist Church in Robertsdale and has served in several capacities for his church.

Stastka credits his family for providing "motivation to get up and go to work every day."

He and his wife Joan will celebrate their 39th anniversary Feb. 10. They have three daughters, Lisa Hardy, Jaime Neuschwander and Denise Mann, and eight grandchildren.

Stastka also credits his parents, Jerry and Dorothy Staskta for instilling in him family and Christian values.

"I would not be where I am today without them," he said.

Recently, Stastka was honored as Man of the Year by the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

"It was certainly a pleasant surprise," he said. "I have eight grandchildren and six of them knew about it. I don't know how they kept it from me."