105 Leading with Humanity and Compassion with Gina Schaefer | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Gina Schaefer, the Co-Founder and CEO of A Few Cool Hardware Stores, a chain of ACE hardware stores located in the Greater Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia DMV region. Gina talks about her journey founding the hardware store, her commitment to shopping local, and providing opportunities to many who don't often get the first chance in our communities.   


Some highlights:
-Why Gina Schaefer chose to shift from software to hardware!
-The valuable lesson in hiring a returning citizen and employees from a drug rehabilitation program.
-How online retail affected Gina's business and what they did to stay competitive.
-What drives Gina Schaefer in advocating to raise the federal minimum wage.
-Advocating for women and starting a women in retail group. 
-Gina Schaefer talks about writing her book "Recovery Hardware."


Mentioned:
Chick-fil-A
Zingerman's Delicatessen
Michael Gerber – Author, E-Myth 
Bo Burlingham – Author, Small Giants



Connect with Gina Schaefer:
Gina Schaefer on LinkedIn
Gina Schaefer on Twitter



Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:
MahanTavakoli.com


More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 
PartneringLeadership.com



Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:
Mahan Tavakoli Website
Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn


Partnering Leadership Website