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

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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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➡️ 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

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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.

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➡️ Thanks for watching:
#EmployeeOwned #RecoveryHardware #SecondChances #BusinessForGood #ESOP #RetailRevolution #CommunityImpact #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurshipWithPurpose #businessleadership