The Habitat for Humanity ReStore will come under new leadership as Kevin Spence, a four-year employee of the ReStore, moves on from the role of ReStore Manager. Spence worked for the ReStore through the April 2015 fire and stepped into the Manager position during the ReStore’s occupancy of the temporary south-of-town location.
He effectively directed the transition back to and reopening of the ReStore in the original “Chinatown” location in August 2016 and successfully reestablished ReStore sales and profits to pre-fire levels. During the most recent fiscal year, Spence’s leadership produced record annual sales of $485,000. ReStore profits directly support Teton Habitat’s mission of building affordable housing. Under Spence’s leadership and with the help of Teton Habitat’s Outreach Coordinator, Elizabeth Ferguson, the ReStore placed a higher emphasis on sustainability through the introduction of monthly Repair Cafés and quarterly Upcycling Workshops which provide opportunities for community members to repair and upcycle housewares and furnishings. The ReStore was also recognized by Teton County Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling as a top RRR business for diverting over 630,000 pounds of materials from the landfill under Spence’s leadership.
“Kevin has been a tremendous asset to our organization and will be truly missed. He managed the ReStore with a genuine sense of pride and was committed to the success of his employees, the retail operation and of the greater mission of Habitat,” says Kendra Heimbuck, Executive Director.
The ReStore is in good hands though, as Teton Habitat is proud to announce and welcome Andy Swallow as the new ReStore Manager. Swallow’s transition into the Manager position will begin on November 29 and will happen smoothly, as he has prior experience working as a ReStore Associate. During his tenure as an associate, Swallow developed and implemented a waste-diversion tracking system which is still in use and further enhances the ReStore’s commitment to sustainability.
Swallow is a 12-year resident with retail and business management experience gained through past employment as Operations Manager and Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator for Signal Mountain Lodge, Caretaker Manager for The Clear Creek Group and most recently Operations Manager for Grand Fishing Adventures.
Swallow has a passion for and experience with environmentally friendly programs, initiatives and best management practices. His, and Signal Mountain Lodge’s, commitment to environmental stewardship was featured by the National Park Service in their GreenLine Newsletter during his tenure with the Lodge. Swallow aims to put this experience to work at the ReStore while bringing a fresh perspective to the ReStore’s community outreach, customer engagement and volunteer management.
“I am thrilled to return to Habitat and to work in a business and retail environment that supports such an important cause in our community – housing, “says Swallow.
ReStore shoppers, supporters and volunteers can drop in to the Restore on Friday, November 30 from 3:30-5:00 P.M.for a celebration to wish Kevin Spence well and welcome Andy Swallow into the position.
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