In this inspiring episode of the Leading With Purpose podcast, hosts, Dawn Marie Bornheimer, Maisha B. Hoye, and Dr. Sharon H. Porter, speak with Gina Schaefer, Founder and Co-Owner of 13 hardware stores across Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and their suburbs. Gina’s journey from opening a single store in a struggling neighborhood to advocating for the recovery community and pioneering business ownership for her employees is nothing short of transformative.

Gina shares her experiences as a leader in a male-dominated industry, the value of a strong corporate culture, and her innovative approach to business succession planning. She discusses the lessons she’s learned from non-traditional teachers like those in the recovery community and returning citizens, which she chronicles in her book Recovery Hardware. Tune in to hear how Gina is using her voice to support small business development, wage advocacy, and anti-monopoly legislation, while empowering her team and building businesses that make a difference in urban communities.

Gina’s story will inspire anyone who believes in creating change, both in business and in life, through compassion, resilience, and leadership.