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
00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Southaven Business Beat
01:02 – What Is Memphis Goodwill? Locations & Reach
01:50 – Beyond Thrift Stores: The Excel Center & Contract Services
02:39 – Community Reach: Memphis to Tupelo
03:23 – Ursula’s Journey to Goodwill
04:09 – A 120-Year Legacy of Empowerment
05:32 – The Life of a Donation: From Drop-off to Opportunity
08:06 – Career Pathways: From Fred’s to Hilton to Goodwill
10:09 – Life Lessons & Small Acts with Big Impact
12:24 – Community Impact & Employer Partnerships
13:15 – From Donation Attendant to VP: A Success Story
14:05 – Excel Center: High School for Adults, Certifications, & More
16:26 – Graduate Stories: Breaking Cycles & Creating New Paths
17:21 – How to Partner with Goodwill as a Business
18:04 – Goodwill’s Engagement with Local Chambers
19:14 – Bridging Communities: Donors, Shoppers & Job Seekers
20:07 – Deals & Stories: Dollar Days & Unexpected Moments
21:53 – Final Thoughts: Success Stories & Where to Learn More
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?
Drop your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments below! ⬇️
🔗 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://goodwillmemphis.org/excelcenter
🛍️ Weekly Specials & Dollar Day Info: Follow @MemphisGoodwill on social media
🔔 DON’T FORGET TO…
✅ Subscribe to Southaven Business Beat
👍 Like this video if you believe in second chances
🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an inspiring episode
📣 Share this with a friend who loves thrift shopping or wants to give back!
Thanks for tuning in! Keep supporting local, keep investing in people, and remember: every small act of generosity can lead to a big change. 💙
