Daniel Hayes dreamed of being a pharmacist since he was 16 years old. (Spoiler: He became one—and he loves it!)
In summer 2022 Daniel Hayes became a pharmacist at Store 2153 in Biddeford, Maine. But this was more than a simple change in roles. He’d been working toward this job for a long time.
Daniel first joined Walmart about 12 years ago when he was 18 and got a job in the deli at Store 1788 in Scarborough, Maine. He later moved to other positions, working in produce and the meat department. But he had his eye on the pharmacy.
“My goal since I was like 16 years old in high school was to become a pharmacist,” Daniel says.
“My mom told me, ‘Just work really hard. Someone's going to notice at some point that you're working hard, that you have a good personality and that you're taking care of people, and you'll get an opportunity.’”
Wearing Many Hats
Daniel regularly checked in with the pharmacy to see if they had openings. One day, when he was 20, one of the pharmacists came to tell him a pharmacy cashier position had opened.
“It was intimidating at first, but I worked hard to learn as much as I could. I tried to ask questions and learn what I could—build a reputation with the patients and the customers as someone who cares.”
He eventually got an opportunity to move into a pharmacy technician role, but first had to pass a test to be certified. He was in college at the same time, studying for his bachelor’s degree in human biology. If that wasn’t enough, he was also working a second job as a server at a restaurant.
Once again, that drive to work hard was key—while other people might have turned on the TV after work to relax, Daniel was opening his books to study.
Daniel stayed at Scarborough as a pharmacy technician for several years before moving to a floating position that gave him a feel for other stores and the chance to meet other pharmacists. He eventually settled at Store 2153 during his last two years of college and stayed on as an intern while he was in pharmacy school.
A Long Journey
When he graduated in spring 2022, Daniel had to take two exams to get his pharmacist license. But the only place offering the exams in the timeframe Daniel needed—in July, so he could start working as the staff pharmacist at Store 2153 before the end of summer—was in Virginia!
He drove the 16 hours from Maine to Virginia one July weekend, then drove home.
Now 30, Daniel enjoys his new job as a full-fledged pharmacist, as well as the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.
Getting to know people—and supporting their health—is a big driver for Daniel. “I get to talk to hundreds of people every month. I get to listen to their stories,” he says.
“Probably my favorite part is just getting that one-on-one time. And I meet these people, I know them by name, I know their story, I know their medication profile. And I know how I can help to improve that medication profile.”
Achieving His Dream
Daniel says Walmart helped him fulfill his dream of becoming a pharmacist—a journey that he calls “unlikely.”
“I didn't come from an economically stable place growing up. My father passed when I was 13 years old, and I didn't have much money at home. Everything counted on a community that helped me to get to where I needed to go,” he shares. “Walmart management does a really good job of trying to be aware of where their associates want to go and not only encouraging them, but if they have the opportunity to provide some kind of support, they've always been there to do that.”
From the deli to a dream fulfilled—Daniel’s career at Walmart is something to celebrate! We appreciate you, Daniel!
Sam’s Club and Walmart pharmacists play an important role in helping our communities stay healthy. We’re celebrating each and every one of them for Pharmacy Appreciation Month 2022. Check out more stories from the pharmacy on WalmartWorld.com.
