Former Family Dollar Stores Inc. executive joins the nonprofit’s leadership team
Goodwill® Industries of the Southern Piedmont is pleased to appoint Jose Luis Esq., as its Chief Operating Officer, effective March 22, 2021. Luis will be responsible for the strategic leadership and operational oversight of Goodwill business enterprises including donated goods (retail stores, e-commerce, transportation and salvage, and donation sites), research and development of new business enterprises, real estate development, facility operations, health and safety, technology and risk management.
“I believe Jose is particularly well-equipped to lead our team toward uncovering innovative ways to support and fund our mission,” said Chris Jackson, president & CEO. “I am excited to work alongside Jose’s transparent approach to leadership and his collaborative spirit. Goodwill is a place where everyone and everything matters, and Jose’s style of exceeding goals while having fun will benefit our organizational culture and infuse new energy into our operations.”
Luis brings more than 22 years of experience to Goodwill, having held a variety of legal, land acquisition and development roles for organizations such as Family Dollar Stores Inc., PulteGroup, AMH Development, LLC, and Forestar Group, Inc. Recently, as VP of Real Estate Development for Family Dollar Stores Inc., Luis played a key role in the $10 billion merger of Family Dollar and Dollar Tree, including working on due diligence, implementation of contractual and governmental requirements, divestiture of more than 300 stores and the successful business integration of the two Fortune 500 companies. He also managed the multi-million dollar acquisition, construction, relocation, renovation, disposition, financing and leasing of thousands of real estate assets while at Family Dollar, including a company record-breaking 526 new store openings in a single year.
Luis joins Goodwill as the organization embarks on an ambitious expansion plan for its retail operations and witnesses significant growth in its e-commerce channels. The nonprofit, which employs more than 950 people in the greater Charlotte area, is also keenly focused on sustainability as the affinity for second-hand shopping increases in response to a rise in conscious consumerism. Through Goodwill, the resale of donated goods funds job training and employment support to help people earn new careers, a service that is in high demand in the region due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Goodwill’s stores and donation centers serve as an economic engine for community growth that is also environmentally friendly. It’s a unique model that allows the organization to provide people skills and support that isn’t just one time – but lasts a lifetime,” said Luis. “I believe the potential for growth is tremendous, especially given the smart and passionate team members I’ve met so far. I look forward to becoming part of the Goodwill family and bringing fresh ideas to create efficiencies and business success so Goodwill can support even more people in our community through this important work.”
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