Did you know that over 80% of the U.S. population lives within a 10-mile radius of a Goodwill store or location?

Live from the NRF Big Show in NYC, Natalie speaks to the CEO of Goodwill, Steve Preston. He discusses the organization's strategic priorities, why the perception of thrifting is evolving, and the impact of digital. Steve also shares his views on what's driving the surge in the resale market today and how Goodwill's proximity to the customer allows for deeper community engagement.

Bio:

Steven C. Preston is the president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International, which provides services to 154 local, independent Goodwill organizations which together represent the leading provider of workforce training and development. In 2022, Goodwill served more than 2.1 million people which range from lighter touch services to extensive training, career navigation and job placement support.

Preston has served in numerous operational and financial leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. He headed two federal agencies during times of national crisis, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Small Business Administration (SBA); led successful turnarounds as the CEO of two private corporations, Oakleaf Global Holdings and Livingston International; and served as the CFO of two Fortune 500 companies during times of significant change and restructuring, Waste Management and ServiceMaster.

Preston served as HUD Secretary during the housing crisis of 2008, representing the federal agency on the board of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). During his tenure, HUD dramatically increased Federal Housing Administration and Ginnie Mae capacity to meet exponentially rising demand. Under his leadership, the agency also expanded its ability to assist victims of natural disasters, advanced the rebuilding of mixed-income neighborhoods in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, and improved financial literacy programs.

From 2006–2008, Preston served as Administrator for the SBA. In addition to multiple small business services, the SBA provides disaster loans to homeowners and businesses. Following Hurricane Katrina, Preston spearheaded a reform agenda to expedite financial support to disaster victims and make the agency more responsive to customers, accountable for results, and efficient in the delivery of services. During his tenure, the SBA launched and advanced programs to expand entrepreneurship opportunities for veterans and military families, for people located in areas with high rates of poverty and unemployment, and for people who were facing various life challenges.

In his private-sector roles, Preston gained significant experience expanding into new product and geographic markets, leveraging technology for both client and efficiency benefits, improving employee engagement and restructuring operations.
Preston graduated with highest distinction from Northwestern University and holds an MBA from The University of Chicago. He has served on numerous boards or in other capacities for organizations supporting the needs of people with disadvantages, especially in urban centers. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the
Partnership for Public Service and the Board of Trustees of Wheaton College.
He and his wife, Molly, live near Washington DC and have five children — Anna, Madeleine, Gibson, Eleanor, and Steven Jr.

Resale Revolution with Goodwill CEO Steve Preston

Retail Disrupted