Project Title:  TEEN CHALLENGE THRIFT STORE

Client name: TEEN CHALLENGE CANADA INC., Head Office for this Canadian charity is London, Ontario. https://www.teenchallenge.ca/what-we-do Teen Challenge Canada operates faith-based residential treatment facilities for women and men struggling with drug or alcohol addiction dependency issues. The 12-month program first began in the 1960's in Toronto and has since expanded to locations across Canada. Teen Challenge helps men and women aged 18+ to overcome addictions by developing the whole person within the context of a residential facility. Students learn character and leadership development skills, health and life skills, and have the opportunity to acquire some vocational training. The Thrift Store generates revenue for funding the mission of Teen Challenge Canada Inc.

The Challenge – I was contracted for six months (April – September, 2020) as an ‘operational’ Business Consultant for the Thrift Store. The Store’s budget was declining after three years in business, and the goal was to assess marketing, sales, staffing, store layout and design, budget review and
strategic planning.

Project Details - Most of my work was done virtually, however, I spent one week in London for an onsite evaluation of the Thrift Store. I interviewed several staff members, reviewed procedures and practices, floor layout, current budget, marketing strategies and staffing requirements. A thorough review was completed and a written report of the deficiencies noted and concrete areas for improvement was provided to the CEO.

Outcomes – Many of my recommendation were implemented. The layout of the Store has greatly improved, customers have increased by 50% and the Store’s revenue and budget has improved overall.

Glen Smeltzer, CEO of Teen Challenge Canada Inc.
Charlene conducted a thorough review of our thrift store retail operation, in London, Ontario, evaluating virtually every aspect of this business unit.  She provided a detailed report including a large number of actionable recommendations.  We greatly appreciated her experience, thoroughness, and practical grasp of our business, and would not hesitate to recommend her to others.

Project Title:  MISSION THRIFT STORE
 
Client name: BFM Foundation (Canada), a registered Canadian Charity
 
The Challenge: Mission Thrift Store is a volunteer-driven, non-denominational Christian organization that currently operates more than 50 non-profit thrift stores across Canada.
It provides used goods in a department store-like experience for value-conscious shoppers, who can find deals they can feel good about. The stores convert donated goods into cash, and the net revenue is devoted to the joint ministry of BFM Foundation (Canada) and Bible League Canada to support leadership and literacy programs in over 43 countries — giving people access to the life-giving, life-changing, Word of God.
 
Project Details: I served as Director of Store Development (Atlantic Canada) from 2012 – 2018.  My responsibility was to develop Mission Thrift Store in Atlantic Canada. This included recruitment of volunteer Boards of Directors in four Provinces, training and implementation of governance models, land acquisition, building stores from design to opening, recruiting employees and volunteers, marketing strategies, financial and budget forecasting, securing funds by way of capital campaigns and working with all levels of the business community.

The project challenges included simultaneous development in all four Atlantic provinces and coordination with numerous people and both profit and non-profit organizations. I am and was a “hands on and roll up the sleeves” gal who loves a challenge while supporting an invaluable worldwide mission and cause.

Outcomes:  Seven Mission Thrift Stores were successfully developed, established, opened and/or had negotiated agreements in six years. Currently five of these Stores are contributing to national revenues of over $17M, of which over $9M is donated to world missions.

Client testimonial: "Charlene Dill gives her best to whatever she does with passion, joy and commitment, a reflection of her faith and her desire to serve others in a meaningful way. She is personable and friendly, easy to talk to and has extensive experience and knowledge of human resources and business management principles and practices." – Rebecca Leano, Halifax

Project Title:  MISSION MART
 
Client name:   Souls Harbour Rescue Mission
 
The Challenge: SHRM, a charitable organization in Nova Scotia, was looking for a steady and reliable revenue source to support its invaluable mission and community outreach to the homeless of Nova Scotia. (Research SHRM for more details).
  
Project Details: In October of 2017 I was hired on contract by the CEO of SHRM. She dreamed of opening a full service Thrift Store in HRM. In only 13 months, the dream became a reality. My role included securing property in the prime location of Bayers Lake, negotiating the contract for land development, and overseeing Lindsay Construction in building the detailed store design and layout. I was also responsible for fundraising, event planning, marketing, stocking the store with donated items, hiring staff, and organizing and attending the grand opening in November, 2018, while simultaneously serving as the Director of Business Development for SHRM.
 
Outcomes:  SHRM is a publicly relevant and noticed entity in NS.  It is supported and recognized by politicians, donors, institutions, media, and others. Within seven months of opening, Mission Mart revenue skyrocketed to 1M - well above my 12 month forecasted budget and my wildest dreams. The operation is still going strong.  I am very proud to have had this opportunity to bring my expertise and knowledge to a valuable and needed community outreach in HRM.