The $50M Hardware Queen: 13 Stores Built & Sold on Second Chances | Ep 058

Gurus & Game Changers: Real Solutions for Life's Biggest Challenges

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➡️ In this powerful episode, we sit down with Gina Schaefer, the visionary founder who built and democratized a $50 million Ace Hardware empire. From her unconventional start in Washington DC's recovering neighborhoods to her groundbreaking decision to sell to her employees through an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Program), Gina shares how hiring individuals in recovery and returning citizens created an unstoppable business model. Her journey from corporate burnout to "Recovery Hardware" showcases how conscious capitalism can transform both bottom lines and lives.
➡️ Chapters
00:00 - 02:09 | Opening Reflections & Introduction
02:09 - 04:20 | The Birth of an Urban Hardware Empire
04:20 - 07:41 | Breaking Into Ace Hardware: "A Layoff and a Lie"
07:41 - 11:54 | The Recovery Hardware Story
11:54 - 15:36 | Partnership in Business and Life
15:36 - 20:39 | Building Trust & Second Chances
20:39 - 25:52 | Employee Ownership Revolution: Selling to the Team
25:52 - 30:40 | The Personal Cost of Leadership
30:40 - 35:38 | Stories of Transformation
35:38 - 40:19 | Legacy & Future Impact
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Stacey: https://www.instagram.com/staceymgrant/
Mark: https://www.instagram.com/mark_lubragge_onair/
➡️ More about the guest: Gina Schaefer
Website: https://ginaschaefer.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginaschaeferdc/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaschaefer-speaker/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gina.schaefer.50
Book - Recovery Hardware: https://ginaschaefer.com/book
➡️ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 The Gurus And Game Changers Podcast
*THE OPINIONS OF OUR GUESTS ARE NOT OURS*
The Gurus & Game Changers Video Podcast follows the paths of influential leaders from humble beginnings and/or seemingly insurmountable obstacles to where they are now.
💌 𝗟𝗘𝗧'𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗖𝗛 💌
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@GurusAndGameChangers?feature=shared
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Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HIA2sSNKIflt5KU8zfz9g?si=3f6e5ca2495e490a
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gurus-game-changers-podcast/id1705702934
➡️ Thanks for watching:
#EmployeeOwned #RecoveryHardware #SecondChances #BusinessForGood #ESOP #RetailRevolution #CommunityImpact #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurshipWithPurpose #businessleadership