Secondhand Sessions

BJ Breish
  • 5.0 (4)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to Secondhand Sessions, a podcast dedicated to the non-profit thrift store community. Your host, BJ Breish, brings years of thrifting experience but admits to being a complete podcasting novice, making this a learning experience for everyone. This passion project aims to deliver genuine, unscripted conversations with leaders in the thrift industry, exploring their stories, insights, and visions for the future. The podcast's mission is to inspire, connect, and share resources to help thrift stores thrive in today's challenging retail landscape.

  1. 11/13/2025

    The Executive Guide | Thrift Meets Purpose (Live from Memphis)

    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.

    59 min

  2. 10/31/2025

    Vendor Hall Blitz | The Products & Partners Transforming Thrift

    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)

    2h 16m

  3. 10/13/2025

    Hindsight | Headway | "Hello" Memphis

    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.

    9 min

  4. 08/06/2025

    Drive Data | Not Trucks | Resupply (Part 1)

    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: paul@resupplyme.com W: www.resupplyme.com

    51 min

  5. 07/24/2025

    Finding True North | The People Factor

    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 JKunzelman@habitatsusq.org Store Manager  Aberdeen ReStore 1013 Beards Hill RD Ste. 300 Aberdeen, MD 21001

    1h 5m

  6. 05/29/2025

    Vision, Vulnerability, Resilience | The Unbreakable Angy Smith

    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: asmith@habitatla.org

    1h 23m

  7. 05/29/2025

    Empowering Thrift Operators | A Key to Growth and Innovation

    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 greg@recolorpaints.com https://recolorpaints.com/

    54 min

  8. 05/23/2025

    Beyond the Numbers | The CFO Advantage with John Garton

    In this conversation, John Garton, the Chief Financial and Operating Officer of Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey, shares his journey with the organization, his transition to consulting, and the unique challenges and opportunities within the nonprofit thrift store sector. John emphasizes that for CFOs, looking beyond the numbers is vital to helping operators navigate the challenging retail market. He highlights the critical importance of empowering thrift leaders, explaining how a CFO's strategic involvement can significantly impact an organization's mission and bottom line. Garton delves into strategic planning within the nonprofit thrift model and the profound impact of corporate donations on operations. A key highlight of the discussion is Garton's insights on employee motivation through bonus structures, detailing how thoughtfully designed programs can drive performance and foster an engaged workforce. He concludes with advice for new leaders, emphasizing the mission-driven nature of Habitat for Humanity and the importance of staying connected to that mission, while also highlighting the significance of community collaboration in the thrift industry. Contact John Garton, Johngartonconsulting@outlook.com.

    58 min
See All (14)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Secondhand Sessions, a podcast dedicated to the non-profit thrift store community. Your host, BJ Breish, brings years of thrifting experience but admits to being a complete podcasting novice, making this a learning experience for everyone. This passion project aims to deliver genuine, unscripted conversations with leaders in the thrift industry, exploring their stories, insights, and visions for the future. The podcast's mission is to inspire, connect, and share resources to help thrift stores thrive in today's challenging retail landscape.

Information

  • Creator
    BJ Breish
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © BJ Breish
  • Show Website
    Secondhand Sessions