Secondhand Sessions

Fearless isn't just the title of the new Season Two Episode, it is the absolute prerequisite for surviving and thriving in non-profit retail leadership today. In this raw return to Secondhand Sessions, highly anticipated by at least three other people, maybe, the six-month silence is broken with a deeply honest look at what happens after the ribbon is cut on a massive new project while we continue to navigate what life throws at us.

This episode confronts the heavy, often isolating reality of navigating structural deficits, cash-flow anxiety, and the immense personal toll of leading with your heart. By leaning into the distance-running analogy of "hitting the wall" at Mile 18, the episode reframes periods of intense struggle not as failures, but as the ultimate mental test of leadership. It is a powerful reminder that while the retail climate is unforgiving, no leader is running this race alone.

Key Takeaways for Leaders

• Expect the Hidden Weight of Scale: Ambitious growth inevitably pulls legacy challenges to the surface and creates unforeseen structural hurdles. This is the reality of the beast, not a reflection of failed leadership.

• When Exhausted, Focus on Form: When expansive growth is no longer viable and cash-flow constraints hit, leaders must shift inward. Focus on fractional diagnostics: celebrate small daily victories on the sales floor, protect the culture, and keep moving the needle one calculated step at a time.

• Embrace the Season: Being stuck in the mud is part of the journey of success. Enduring the turbulence builds the exact strength required for the next phase of leadership.

• Don't Carry It Alone: The weight of transformational change in a non-profit is too heavy to shoulder in isolation. Acknowledging the struggle out loud is the first step in building the community needed to break through the wall.

Save thousands of dollars operating your business at no upfront cost?

It sounds like a tall tale, but on this episode of Secondhand Sessions, I'm diving into the data to show you exactly how it’s possible.

I'm joined by Marcus Brodin from Future Energy Solutions for a deep dive into energy efficiency for thrift stores and nonprofits.

Full disclosure: This isn't a sponsored segment or a paid sales pitch—Secondhand Sessions is a non-monetized passion project. I don't endorse this company, nor did they pay for the content. I just want to share information with my friends.

In this episode, we’re breaking down:

The "No-Catch" Upgrade: Understanding the program that removes the financial barriers to modernizing your facility with zero upfront capital.

LED vs. Inflation: Why switching now is the ultimatehedge against rising energy prices and looming bulb bans.

The Visual Payoff: It’s not just about the utility bill—better lighting makes your treasures shine and helps your store lookspectacular.

Stop burning money on outdated tech! Tune in to findout how to flip the switch on your biggest overhead expenses and keep those savings right where they belong—in your mission.

https://www.feslighting.com/

Happy New Year! I’m kicking off 2026 with a raw, solo session recorded from the front seat of my car, looking at the doors of our brand-new 44,000+ sq. ft. ReStore.

This episode isn't just an update; it's a response to everyone who says "it can't be done." From spam emails telling me this podcast will fail, to industry consultants telling me my sales goals have "no precedent," I am leaning into the doubt. I'm sharing the story of how we opened our doors with zero advertising, no building sign, and managed to hit a nearly $11,000 weekday on word-of-mouth alone.

Buckle up—we’re setting a $1M mandate for Year 1, and I’m taking you along for the ride.

This special live podcast session, recorded in front of an audience of 200 Large ReStore operators, features Dwayne Spencer, CEO & President of Memphis Habitat for Humanity.

Join us for his powerful call to action for executive leaders to fundamentally rethink the role of their retail operations.

Dwayne and the host BJ Breish unveil how the Habitat ReStore is evolving from a mere revenue generator into a vital community asset and a multiplier of the organization's mission and heart.

Executive leaders, listen closely: The future of your thrift operation isn't just about sales—it's about community engagement, operational trust, and mission alignment.

Key Insights

• The ReStore is a Mission Multiplier, Not Just a Cash Register: Dwayne passionately argued that the ReStore's primary function is connecting the community to Habitat's mission every single day. Leaders must shift their mindset to see the dual bottom line—mission impact and profitability—as equally essential.

• Trust is the Foundation of Success: Dwayne detailed his personal journey and stressed the absolute necessity of building deep trust between leadership and operational teams. This trust starts with honesty, vulnerability, and openness, enabling the entire organization to collaborate effectively and thrive.

• Innovation and Engagement are Non-Negotiable: To address financial challenges and ensure sustainability, innovative strategies are needed. Furthermore, executives must actively work to engage board members in ReStore operations, turning them into passionate advocates who enhance support and resources.

• Collaboration is Key to Resilience: The overarching message was one of collaboration and togetherness. The long-term success of the ReStore—and the broader mission—relies on all parts of the organization, from the board room to the sales floor, working as one cohesive unit.

This session illuminated that the evolution of thrift stores like the ReStore is a blueprint for non-profit innovation: they are becoming essential strategic assets that deepen community ties while generating crucial revenue.

Are you ready to revolutionize your nonprofit thrift operation? Buckle up for an inspiring and insightful marathon session recorded live from the Vendor Hall at the Habitat for Humanity Large ReStore Symposium in Memphis!

Join me as I throw out the traditional interview format and take you on a walk-through adventure, interviewing a massive variety of vendors whose cutting-edge products and services are transforming what we do every single day.

This episode is a powerful call to action, emphasizing the critical role of sustainable practices, technology integration, and powerful vendor partnerships in driving growth and success. We dive deep into:

• The Power of Tech: Exploring innovative solutions for inventory management, point-of-sale, and streamlining logistics.

• Sustainable Impact: Discovering how manufacturing and sourcing can align with your mission.

• Optimizing Operations: Unpacking the evolution of donation logistics, efficient shipping, and effective merchandising strategies.

• Unlocking Growth: Highlighting exciting purchased product opportunities and the significance of strong community engagement to enhance the customer experience and boost your average ticket sales.

This giant conversation is a testament to the value of collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptation in the nonprofit sector. It's time to seize innovative solutions and drive your collective mission forward!

*** Vendor Links Coming soon ***

(Vendors please send me your contact information you would like displayed here)

All in 10 minutes.

In this special solo session, host BJ hits the pause button on the usual interview format for a critical pre-conference primer. The driving theme: while the Large ReStore Symposium (LRS) agenda is packed, its true value lies solely with the people—the listeners and leaders who drive the mission.

BJ gets candid about his own journey, detailing the "wonderful, magical world" of permitting delays while opening one of the country's largest ReStores. His hard-won lesson: stress-test your stress test and build financial contingencies for delays completely outside of your control.

In the midst of new store chaos another idea continues to spark an innovative challenge to the old model: Can we stop trying to run a mediocre trucking business while operating an exceptional retail business? BJ is fired up to find a solution to the "loss leader" status of free donation pickup.

Finally, the episode culminates in a special invitation to listeners attending the LRS in Memphis. BJ will be walking the halls with a recorder, asking one simple question: "What’s your story?" He argues that personal narratives—like how you fell in love with this work—are the most important resource, reminding everyone why we do what we do.

Thrift leaders, are you ready to drive data instead of trucks? Get ready for a revolution!

In this episode, we're announcing a groundbreaking deal with a company that’s harnessing the power of AI and comprehensive software to completely transform the non-profit thrift industry.

Forget what you think you know about Resupply—this is a new chapter. We're diving deep into how this cutting-edge technology is not only streamlining operations, but also lifting a significant operational burden from your shoulders. We're talking about a brand-new model of subsidized donation pickups—a trial we're set to embark on—and we're bringing you along for the ride. This is the beginning. You'll hear it here first, in real-time, as we document this journey through several episodes to come.

This isn't just a partnership; it's a mission of empowerment and growth. By leveraging AI, Resupply is giving each non-profit thrift organization the tools and data they need to make the best decisions, from optimizing donationpickups to increasing in-store efficiency. This is creating a model where you can finally focus on your core mission, while your retail operations become more efficient and impactful than ever before. Don't miss this episode and bepart of the transformation!

Our guest:

Paul Tocci

CEO & Founder

 E: [email protected] 
W: www.resupplyme.com

In this session, we uncover the incredible journey of John Kunzelman, manager of a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and a true pioneer in redefining what thrift truly means. Get ready to be inspired as John shares his leadership playbook for cultivating success far beyond the balance sheet. He'llreveal how he transforms a simple store into a powerful engine for change, from groundbreaking sales strategies that ignite growth, to the power of social media in fostering deep community engagement, and the invaluable role ofthe volunteers and staff who are the very lifeblood of these operations and the key to his success.

While selling goods and accepting donations are certainly part of what a thrift store does, John proves that what it is is about building relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and demonstrating that with the right leadership, a thrift store can become a cornerstone of community impact. Tune in to this "Secondhand Session" and discover how John'sunwavering commitment to people, innovation, and mission culminates in a powerful testament to the idea that thrift is so much more than just a store.

https://habitatsusq.org/restore/

John Kunzelman

[email protected]

Store Manager

 Aberdeen ReStore

1013 Beards Hill RD

Ste. 300

Aberdeen, MD 21001

In the face of unprecedented obstacles, have you built a team you'd "go to war with"? A team ready to confront any challenge, big or small, with resilience and unity? If you aspire to cultivate such a powerhouse team and are seeking data-driven insights to navigate the complex world of non-profit thrift, then you absolutely cannot miss this epic, vulnerable, and powerful session.

Join us for a conversation that inspired the Podcast, a truly impactful conversation with Angy Smith from Habitat LA, who shares her extraordinary journey in the non-profit thrift industry. While the devastating impact of wildfires on the community and the innovative responses to support those affected form a central theme, Angy's insights extend far beyond. She delves into the broader landscape of significant challenges in non-profit thrift, including the ongoing repercussions of the post-COVID era and the critical need for compassionate leadership during difficult decisions like workforce reductions.

Angy’s message to the thrift community is a testament to the power of a positive organizational culture and the imperative of adapting to evolving consumer needs. This conversation is not just about overcoming adversity; it's about building a robust, sustainable future for non-profit thrift as an indispensable community resource. Tune in for a session that will challenge your perspective and empower your team.

Contact Angy:

[email protected]

In this session, Greg Bradley, an expert in the thrift store industry with Recolor (a recycled paint company), shared invaluable insights into the unique world of thrift operations. He "Paints" a clear message: empowering operators is essential for growth.

Bradley highlighted the need for thrift store managers to feel equipped and encouraged to make decisions and embrace innovation within their programs. This autonomy allows them to adapt to evolving market conditions and community needs, ultimately driving success. He also discussed the strategic benefits of purchasing products to enhance store offerings, further empowering operators to diversify and grow.

The conversation covered the distinct challenges and opportunities present in both smaller and larger thrift stores, underscoring the importance of community engagement and collaborative strategies. For anyone involved in the thrift sector, from leadership to local community leaders, Bradley's insights provide a clear roadmap for fostering environments where operators can thrive, innovate, and expand their programs.

Contact:

Greg Bradley [email protected]

https://recolorpaints.com/