Secondhand Sessions

Light Bills | Bright Light

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 Stop burning money on outdated tech!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/

2026: Precedent is Irrelevant | Embrace the Doubt

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.

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.

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)

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.