A COMPANY KNOWN BY ITS PEOPLE
A Message From Co-Founder, Dick Gygi
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You’re known by the company you keep.” Well, I’ve always believed the heart of a company beats strongest through its people. That’s why at ThriftSmart, we boast over 130 years of combined expertise in the thrift business within our leadership alone. But it’s not just our experience that sets us apart; it’s our unwavering commitment to our mission and the deep faith that guides us.
Here at ThriftSmart, we’re not just about being thrifty and smart shoppers. What
truly makes us unique is the love weshare and the hope we bring to those served by our charity partners (1 Corinthians 13:8). It’s a vision so clear and so deeply ingrained in every one of us, from the front lines to the back office, ensuring we’ve got just the right person in every role. We’ve set clear priorities, fostering an environment where trust, open communication, and personal responsibility aren’t just encouraged—they’re the norm.
Patrick Lencioni once said, “The single greatest advantage any company can achieve is organizational health…rooted in trust, communication, and accountability.” I couldn’t agree more. A healthy team learns, grows, and gets smarter together, making us not just a business, but a community.
But here’s the thing—teamwork isn’t just a feel-good concept. It’s a deliberate strategy that we’ve woven into the fabric of ThriftSmart. By investing time and energy into nurturing our team dynamics, we’ve turned collaboration into our superpower.
And the beauty of it all? This foundation of mutual love and trust doesn’t just make us more efficient
and decision-savvy; it makes every day more enjoyable. It’s the secret sauce that makes working here not just a job, but a joy.
Don’t just take my word for it, though. Ask Rhonda, Joshua, Haydee, Eric, or Paiwand. They’ve each ventured out only to return to the ThriftSmart family, drawn back by the unique spirit of camaraderie and purpose we share. Their journeys are a testament to the powerful bond we’ve built, one that I’m incredibly proud of.
In essence, ThriftSmart is a reflection of its people—dedicated, passionate, and united in purpose. We’re not just a company; we’re a community, driven by a mission to make a difference. And that, my friends, is what truly defines us.
132 YEARS OF SERVICE
And Counting…
At the heart of ThriftSmart’s success is our incredible team. Each member brings their unique skills, passion, and dedication to our mission, making our workplace not just a store, but a community where hope and love flourish. Today, I want to shine a spotlight on some of the remarkable individuals who make ThriftSmart the vibrant, thriving place it is.
Dick R. Gygi – With 18 years under his belt, Dick has not only been a cornerstone of ThriftSmart but also
a visionary leader whose faith and commitment have guided us through every challenge and triumph.
Martha Vivanco – For 17 years, Martha’s unwavering dedication has been instrumental in weaving the rich tapestry of our ThriftSmart family, her warmth and enthusiasm lighting up every corner of our store.
Bruce Krapf – Bruce’s 16 years of service have been marked by an incredible knack for innovation and a heart as big as his ideas, helping us grow smarter and stronger every day.
Rhonda Fergus and Joshua Inman – Each with 12 years of dedication, Rhonda and Joshua embody the spirit of teamwork and community. Their journeys reflect the essence of ThriftSmart, with paths that led them away but hearts that brought them back home to us.
Haydee Romero Cruz – Haydee has been with us for 11 wonderful years, her vibrant spirit and compa
ssionate soul making her an indispensable part of our ThriftSmart family.
Ruben Rodriguez – Celebrating a decade of service, Ruben’s commitment and hard work have been pivotal in bringing our mission to life, touching the lives of those we serve.
Jacquelyn Marquez – In her 8 years with us, Jacquelyn has shown that true strength lies in compassion and collaboration, her contributions echoing through our community.
Pari Shamil – Pari’s 7 years at ThriftSmart have been marked by an unwavering dedication to our values, her effortshelping to bridge cultures and communities within our walls.
Eric A. Yocum – Eric’s 6 years with us have been characterized by innovation and leadership, driving us forward while keeping our mission at heart.
Juan Pablo Marquez, Jaqueline Aguilar-Mendez and Paiwand Duski – With 5 years each, Juan Pablo, Jaqueline and Paiwand have brought fresh perspectives and relentless energy, enriching our ThriftSmart tapestry.
Each of these individuals, with their unique journeys and shared passion, contribute to the very soul of ThriftSmart. They are the embodiment of our belief that a company is truly known by the people it keeps. Together, we’re not just a team; we’re a family, committed to making a difference, one day, one donation, and one sale at a time.
Ginger Scheid
My name is ginger and I have been a dedicated shopper at thriftsmart. I have my own small ministry that I run out of my van. I buy warm clothing, small mattresses, sleeping bags, blankets and coats for the people on our streets that camp year-round. I have spent well over $1,000 in the past few weeks in your store purchasing these things for the homeless. I was there on August 31st closing time and earlier I had brought a baby mattress up to the front to hold until I got ready to check out. I asked the security guard who was standing there if he would make sure it was held for me and gave him my name to put on it. He said that would be fine and he would take care of it. I continue to shop but when I got ready to check out the baby mattress was gone. I asked the cashier where it was and she replied that they did not hold items at the front. I asked her when did this start because I had just been in there two days earlier and had them hold things for me at the front. And she repeated again that they did not hold items at the front it cost confusion and they put these items back. So I repeated when did this begin and then decided to just go to the back and look for the mattress on my own. I found it and went back to the front to buy it. And I asked for her name. She said do you want to talk to a manager I said no I’ll just talk to Bruce. She said then that you were not supposed to put items up in the front without letting someone know that you wanted it to be held for you. So her wording completely changed from we don’t do that to you have to tell somebody first. I said I did I told the security guard. She said you have shop here long enough that you should have known that it wasn’t the security guard you were supposed to tell you’re supposed to tell one of us. I said if that’s the case then why did the security guard agree to take care of it for me. And she just kept saying over and over and over you should have known better than to tell the security guard. She would not quit repeating that. I said but he said he would take care of it and then the security card came over and he agreed that he had said he would take care of it. But she kept saying I should have known better than to tell him. I said well then why didn’t he tell me I should have told a cashier instead of telling me that he would take care of it. She then said she was calling Rhonda I said I don’t want to talk to Rhonda I’m going to talk to Bruce. Then the security guard started saying I couldn’t take care of it I was doing my rounds. So now he’s denying any responsibility for having told me it was okay. I kept trying to defend my case but this girl would not stop talking and now the security guard was talking to defending himself. It was two against one at this point. And about the time Rhonda arrived at the front the security guard was demanding that I leave immediately. To get out of the store and to get out of the store now. I tried to say something to Rhonda but the security guard stepped between me and her and told me to leave. He escorted me to the door in a most unfriendly way. I was so hurt and humiliated. When the security guard agreed to take care of it I had no way of knowing that that was not the procedure no matter how long I had shop there. I don’t read minds. He should have told me then and there to tell one of the cashiers and I would have happily have done so. Instead I was being thrown out by the very man who had agreed to help me. I came home and cried for an hour with tears in my eyes and I’m knot in my throat. There was no reason for that cashier to blame me for something the security guard agreed to do. There was no reason for the security guard to throw me out I’m a 67-year-old 5’2 woman and I posed no threat. I simply wasn’t going to be blamed for something that I had no fault in doing. He knew he had messed up when he agreed to tag the mattress for me and neglected to do so. And the cashier was just plain mean. And Rhonda wasn’t allowed to even hear any of it because I was thrown out the moment she got there. I’m not your normal shopper. I don’t just buy for myself. I buy for at least 50 other people who need our help. I read your words about the family environment of thriftsmart and the dedication to a just cause and purpose. I failed to see how treating anyone the way I was treated fits into that. Unlike you and your ministry the money that I spend comes directly out of my own pocket. And I have so enjoyed shopping at thriftsmart all these years. But I will not allow myself to be treated that way. I’ve noticed a change in the way the employees treat people. Recently me and my friend were there and we saw a little 99 cent figurine in the case and it was a unicorn which my friend is crazy about. And we asked to purchase it. We were told no it was a display item and could not be sold even though it was priced and on display. Rhonda was called and she also refused to sell it for the same reason. Now I could understand if it was a $20 item and it had been specially selected to be in the display case for decoration purposes. But we’re talking about something that was worth less than a dollar. And customer satisfaction meant so little that it couldn’t possibly be parted with by thriftsmart employees. And to add insult to injury while removing the price tag off the tiny little item one of the employees broke it into two pieces. This kind of behavior hardly reflects the words that I read in your statement. A tiny little trinket couldn’t be parted with. And then I am totally humiliated by being thrown out of the store just a few days later. I know customer service has declined greatly in my lifetime but what happened to just good old humankindness. For two employees to gang up on a senior citizen and physically expel her from the store like she proposed some kind of threat was unconscionable. I cried for close to an hour after I got home. There were tears in my eyes and are knot in my throat and unless something dramatically changes I will not set foot in that store again. If Christian values are what you are all about then I can’t see it anymore. All I did was ask the wrong person to hold something for me and instead of telling me to ask someone else he said yes. I’m going to miss thriftsmart because I loved shopping there. But I’m not going to let somebody treat me like dirt and hurt me so badly. Thank you for listening. Goodbye Ginger
Ginger Scheid
I got a text back from Bruce the manager of the store. And he implied that it was all my fault. And I was asked to find somewhere else to shop. All this has hurt me because I know I didn’t do anything wrong. And that young cashier had an attitude from the very first sentence she said to me. And she never did quit accusing me of doing something wrong or just plain being stupid. I can’t explain to you how badly this hurt me. I’ve been crying all day long trying to make some sense of why I was treated so badly. And all my friends are worried about me because I’m so hurt. I know everyone wants to put the blame on me that makes it simple and easy. Just throw her out and not let her come back. Problem solved. But what if, what if I actually didn’t do anything. Except for get upset because someone was accusing me of something I didn’t do. Bruce also said in his text that the mattress was put back because it had been there so long. Which is impossible because I didn’t even arrive at the store till well after 6:00 and the store closes at 8:00.. everything that has been said it’s just justification for being so mean and a way to protect the store. But I was there and I know exactly what happened and so does God. I would like this text to be directed to Eric Taft. It was unjust but everyone is protecting their job security. But what if I really didn’t do anything wrong.