By Naomi Wetzel, Digital Marketing Coordinator
How long does it take to become a Goodwill success story? According to Eddie, a lifetime … but in reality, just a little over a year. Eddie started as a Supervisor at Flowing Wells in February of 2025. From that time until now, he was placed at 3 other stores, always bringing his calm demeanor and focused work ethic with him. He saw the opportunities Goodwill offered employees and he used them, joining the Emerging Leaders program, then graduating in January.
Looking back on his journey to his new position as Assistant Manager of New Goods, Eddie reflects that Goodwill has really always been a part of his life. He says he grew up a Goodwill kid, going to the stores with his parents. He laughs as he describes those early Goodwill memories. “I was that kid who was running down the textiles, knocking everything over with my hands and arms as I hid from my parents, you know – destroying things!” As a young adult, Goodwill still maintained a place in his life, albeit a more pragmatic one: a thrift store to find items he needed. Now, as an employee, he finds his relationship with Goodwill has grown much more meaningful.
When people ask him what it’s like to work for Goodwill, he shares, “I believe in Goodwill. I believe in the mission,” and then he begins to educate them on the multitude of programs and resources these thrift stores help support. Eddie is proud of his work at Goodwill, and says the mission aligns well with who he has always been as a person.
His words of advice to new and current Goodwill ambassadors are to remember the why – you are changing lives for the better and your work matters – and to “stay on the grind but take advantage of the growth.” He also shares that changing someone’s life in a positive way through a friendly interaction can make their whole day brighter, which in turn, will brighten yours.
