Discover The Transformative Mind Power Secrets & Actionable Steps, Used By The Most Successful People In The World, To Have The Wealth, Happiness, and Success You Want!
Ready for an inspiring deep dive into entrepreneurship, second chances, and the power of building a business that truly changes lives? In this episode, I sit down with Gina Schaefer, founder of multiple hardware stores and author of Recovery Hardware, for a conversation that’ll have you rethinking what’s possible in business, in life, and in leadership.
Ready for an inspiring deep dive into entrepreneurship, second chances, and the power of building a business that truly changes lives? In this episode, I sit down with Gina Schaefer, founder of multiple hardware stores and author of Recovery Hardware, for a conversation that’ll have you rethinking what’s possible in business, in life, and in leadership.
Gina’s entrepreneurial journey started with a bold leap: opening her very first hardware store in a previously riot-torn neighborhood in Washington, D.C. But that was just the beginning! She quickly discovered a passion for hiring returning citizens and individuals in recovery—creating a unique culture of empathy, accountability, and second chances.
Today, Gina speaks nationwide, advocating for non-traditional hiring and empowering employees to become co-owners through ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans). She’s living proof that the best leaders are often those who bet big on people others overlook, and in doing so, reap extraordinary rewards.
If you’ve ever wondered how to blend community impact with profit, why hiring someone in recovery might be your smartest business decision, or what it really takes to create a brand that attracts talent and loyalty, this episode will fire you up and leave you energized. Prepare to see “baggage” in a whole new light—and pick up the powerful lessons only non-traditional teachers can bring.
How Gina Turned “Naive” Ambition into Entrepreneurial Gold
Discover how she opened her first hardware store against all odds—without a typical business background—and grew it into a thriving chain.
Why Hiring People in Recovery Can Transform Your Culture
Hear the jaw-dropping stories of employees who went from incarceration or drug addiction to becoming indispensable team members.
Leadership Lessons that Defy Convention
Gina shares how empathy, second chances, and personal accountability create unstoppable teams—and how to nurture growth without coddling.
Employee Ownership: The ESOP Advantage
Unpack how selling her business to her employees built generational wealth and boosted retention—while fueling her bigger mission.
Practical Tips for Future-Proofing Your Business
From shattering limiting beliefs to building confidence in your team, get the strategies you can implement right now, whether you’re a solopreneur or CEO.
“Somebody told me 70% of all business ideas never get started because of fear. If you want to beat the odds, you have to just do it—even if you think you’re not ready.”
—Gina Schaefer
“I’m not interested in baggage—baggage is luggage, and I like to travel. I want to know where that person’s journey can take us both.”
—Gina Schaefer
“One of my employees likes to say I’m good at nurturing, not coddling—and you know what? I’ll take that as a huge compliment.”
—Gina Schaefer
From Tech Layoffs to Hardware Success
How Gina’s experience of being laid off multiple times lit a fire in her to create something that would truly serve her community.
Recovery & Redemption
The heartfelt story of Gina’s first hires—individuals in recovery—and how their resilience, determination, and customer service skills propelled her store to success.
Growth Mindset in Action
Learn why Gina never dwells on failures, instead seeing them as stepping stones to the next level of success.
The Power of Employee Ownership
Discover how an ESOP sparks a sense of pride and long-term investment in the business, transforming customers and teammates into raving fans.
Why Stupid Courage Can Be Your Greatest Asset
Sean and Gina’s honest takes on charging forward without waiting until you’re “ready,” even when you’re sure you’re in over your head.
Gina Schaefer is the founder and former CEO of an award-winning chain of Ace Hardware stores, a dynamic speaker, and the author of Recovery Hardware. Her passion for hiring employees from non-traditional backgrounds—especially those in recovery or returning from incarceration—has reshaped local communities and proven that business can be both profitable and transformative. Connect with her at GinaSchaefer.com to learn more about her speaking engagements, workshops, and leadership insights.
If you’re fired up by the thought of breaking business barriers and empowering people others might overlook—this episode is your calling card. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped with practical insights that will forever change how you view leadership, hiring, and community impact.
So, hit that “play” button now and discover how Gina Schaefer is unlocking potential where most never think to look. You’ll walk away believing that all it takes is one bold step to transform someone’s life—and maybe even your own.
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Dynamic Speaker, Author, Founder, Advocate, Entrepreneur
Gina Schaefer, founder of Ace Hardware stores, is a dynamic keynote speaker with nearly 22 years of experience in community-building and business transformation.
She grew her business from one to 13 locations, employing over 300 team members. Gina’s engaging talks focus on creating positive corporate cultures, effective succession planning, and
empowering women in business. She inspires audiences with her compelling stories and actionable insights, motivating them to drive change and achieve success in both business and life.
