Host: Aaron Cozort
Guest: Ursula Roman
VIDEO
PRESENTING SPONSORS:
DAI Desoto Art Institute – https://desotoartsinstitute.com/
EPISODE SPONSOR:
Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/
DESCRIPTION
Welcome to another powerful episode of Southaven Business Beat! In this episode, host Aaron Cozort sits down with Ursula Roman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Memphis Goodwill, to uncover the deeper mission behind one of America’s most recognized nonprofit brands.
Many of us know Goodwill for its thrift stores and donation centers—but did you know they also provide adult high school education, job training for individuals with disabilities, and contract employment opportunities across the Mid-South? Get ready to be inspired by real success stories and learn how Memphis Goodwill has become a vital bridge for communities, businesses, and individuals seeking a second chance or a fresh start.
CHAPTERS
- Intro: Welcome to Southaven Business Beat (00:00 – 01:02)
- What Is Memphis Goodwill? Locations & Reach (01:02 – 01:50)
- Beyond Thrift Stores: The Excel Center & Contract Services (01:50 – 02:39)
- Community Reach: Memphis to Tupelo (02:39 – 03:23)
- Ursula’s Journey to Goodwill (03:23 – 04:09)
- A 120-Year Legacy of Empowerment (04:09 – 05:32)
- The Life of a Donation: From Drop-off to Opportunity (05:32 – 08:06)
- Career Pathways: From Fred’s to Hilton to Goodwill (08:06 – 10:09)
- Life Lessons & Small Acts with Big Impact (10:09 – 12:24)
- Community Impact & Employer Partnerships (12:24 – 13:15)
- From Donation Attendant to VP: A Success Story (13:15 – 14:05)
- Excel Center: High School for Adults, Certifications, & More (14:05 – 16:26)
- Graduate Stories: Breaking Cycles & Creating New Paths (16:26 – 17:21)
- How to Partner with Goodwill as a Business (17:21 – 18:04)
- Goodwill’s Engagement with Local Chambers (18:04 – 19:14)
- Bridging Communities: Donors, Shoppers & Job Seekers (19:14 – 20:07)
- Deals & Stories: Dollar Days & Unexpected Moments (20:07 – 21:53)
- Final Thoughts: Success Stories & Where to Learn More (21:53 – 22:44)
- Closing: Supporting Southaven’s Growth & Goodwill’s Mission
Key Takeaways:
Goodwill Is More Than a Store –
Memphis Goodwill operates 11 stores, 29 donation centers, two bookstores, and two bargain barns across North Mississippi and the Mid-South. But its true power lies in programs like the Excel Center, a high school for adults that offers free childcare, transportation, and over 20 career certifications.
Uplifting Through Employment –
Over 80% of workers in Goodwill’s contract division have a disability. Through janitorial services, switchboard operations, and other meaningful work, Goodwill provides both dignity and opportunity.
Second Chances Start Here –
From high school dropouts to people restarting their careers, the Excel Center meets individuals where they are—whether they’re 18 or 78—and helps them build toward a better future.
From the Corporate World to Community Impact –
Ursula shares her journey from working with Fred’s and Hilton to stepping into a role that lets her directly serve and uplift her community.
Every Donation Makes a Difference –
That shirt you donate? It might help fund a GED program. That dollar at checkout? It could support job training. Goodwill maximizes every item and every cent to empower others.
Goodwill = Sustainability –
Unsold items go to bargain barns and then to salvage—keeping tons of goods out of landfills while creating affordable access and jobs.
Businesses Can Partner Too! –
Looking for janitorial staff? Want to support local job training programs? Businesses can collaborate with Goodwill through their contract services or by offering certifications for Excel Center students.
Community Engagement Through Chambers –
Memphis Goodwill is deepening its roots in cities like Southaven by actively participating in local chamber events—ensuring store leaders and staff are seen and heard in their own communities.
It’s Personal –
From a dad buying a suit after being vomited on by his infant to shoppers finding treasures on Dollar Days, Goodwill stories are woven into people’s lives in the most unexpected and impactful ways.
LET’S HEAR FROM YOU!
Have you ever shopped at Goodwill or benefited from one of their programs?
Are you a business owner interested in partnering with Goodwill?
Know someone who could use the Excel Center’s free high school diploma and certifications?
RESOURCES & LINKS
Visit Memphis Goodwill
Watch Success Stories & the 100th Anniversary Video
Find your nearest store or donation center: https://goodwillmemphis.org/locations
Learn more about business partnerships: https://goodwillmemphis.org/contract-services
Excel Center Info: https://www.goodwillmemphis.org/theexcelcenter
Weekly Specials & Dollar Day Info: Follow @MemphisGoodwill on Facebook and
Instagram
Drop your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments below! Also, share this with a friend who loves thrift shopping or wants to give back!
SPONSOR LIST
https://www.wisdomintegrators.com – Wisdom Integrators
https://thefollowapp.co/ – The Follow App
https://www.purefocus.media/ – Pure Focus Media
https://www.southavenchamber.com/ – Southaven Chamber of Commerce
YOUTUBE URL
