JACKSON HOLE, WYO – The Habitat for Humanity ReStore will come under new leadership as Andy Swallow has been named to replace outgoing manager Kevin Spence.
Spence, a four-year employee of the ReStore, moves on from the role of ReStore manager. He 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.
Spence 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 as well as 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,” said Kendra Heimbuck, Executive Director.
The ReStore is in good hands though, as Teton Habitat announced 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.
“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,” Swallow said.
ReStore shoppers, supporters and volunteers can drop in to the ReStore on Friday, November 30 from 3:30-5:00pm for a celebration to wish Kevin Spence well and welcome Andy Swallow into the position.
