Goodwill Industries of South Texas, Inc. Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Goodwill Industries of South Texas, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of work. Established in 1948, it provides free job training, employment placement, and support services to individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment across 20 counties in South Texas.

Mission and Vision

The organization's mission is to create life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities or other barriers to employment. Its vision is to ensure all individuals, particularly those most vulnerable in the community, achieve their fullest potential through the power of work.

Primary Area of Focus

Goodwill South Texas focuses on vocational rehabilitation, job training, and employment placement services. It operates retail stores and donation stations to fund these programs, offering affordable goods to the community while supporting its mission.

Industry Significance

As part of the larger Goodwill Industries International network, Goodwill South Texas contributes to a global movement that provides job training and community-based programs for individuals facing employment barriers. The organization plays a crucial role in promoting economic self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability through its operations.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Job Training and Placement: Offer free job training and employment placement services to individuals with disabilities or other disadvantages.

• Community Support: Provide additional support services, including financial literacy programs, job readiness training, and volunteer income tax assistance.

• Sustainability: Promote environmental sustainability by diverting materials from landfills through the resale and recycling of donated goods.

Areas of Specialization

• Vocational Rehabilitation: Equipping individuals with marketable job skills to enhance employability.

• Retail Operations: Managing retail stores and donation stations to fund mission-driven programs.

• Community Services: Offering services such as financial literacy programs and job readiness training to support community members.

Key Technologies Utilized

• E-commerce Platforms: Utilizing online platforms to sell donated items, expanding reach and revenue streams.

• Data Analytics: Employing data-driven decision-making to enhance operational efficiency and program effectiveness.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Individuals with Disabilities: Providing tailored services to enhance employment opportunities.

• Veterans and Ex-Offenders: Offering specialized programs to support reintegration into the workforce.

• General Community: Serving the broader South Texas community through retail operations and support services.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Goodwill Industries of South Texas operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, generating revenue through various streams:

• Retail Sales: Revenue from the sale of donated goods in retail stores and online platforms.

• Contract Services: Income from providing services such as document destruction, groundskeeping, and staffing to local businesses and government agencies.

• Donations: Financial contributions from individuals and businesses supporting the organization's mission.

Recent Financial Performance

In the fiscal year ending December 2024, the organization reported:

• Total Revenue: $34,450,591

• Total Expenses: $32,459,198

• Net Assets: $7,556,452

Utilization of Capital

Funds are primarily allocated to:

• Program Services: Direct support for job training, employment placement, and community services.

• Operational Costs: Expenses related to retail operations, contract services, and administrative functions.

• Expansion Initiatives: Opening new retail locations and service centers to extend community reach.

Pipeline Development

Key Initiatives

• Retail Expansion: Opening new retail stores and donation stations to increase revenue and community engagement.

• Service Enhancement: Developing and implementing new programs to address emerging community needs.

• Technology Integration: Enhancing e-commerce capabilities to reach a broader audience and increase online sales.

Anticipated Milestones

• Short-Term: Launch of additional retail locations and service centers in underserved areas.

• Medium-Term: Implementation of new vocational training programs tailored to current job market demands.

• Long-Term: Achieving a significant increase in employment placements and community service utilization.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• E-commerce Platform: An online auction site for donated items, expanding the organization's reach beyond physical stores.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Data Analytics: Utilizing data to inform decision-making, optimize operations, and measure program effectiveness.

AI-Driven Capabilities

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Employing CRM systems to enhance donor engagement and track interactions.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

• John W. Owen – President & Chief Executive Officer

John Owen has served as the President and CEO since 1989, overseeing operations across multiple locations in South Texas. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin and is active in various civic and professional organizations.

• Marjorie Boudreaux – Chief Operating Officer

Marjorie Boudreaux manages operations for Donated Goods Retail and Business Services, overseeing a $40 million budget and a team of over 700 employees. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and has over 13 years of experience in marketing, fund development, and community relations.

• John Creedon – Chief Financial Officer

John Creedon brings extensive experience in financial and operations leadership, including a background in accounting, consulting, construction, and logistics. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he earned his BBA from Corpus Christi State University and joined Goodwill Industries of South Texas as CFO in August 2023.

• Toni Cheryl Nerren – Chief People Officer

Toni Cheryl Nerren oversees learning and development, skills training, talent acquisition, and benefits administration. A graduate of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with a degree in Human Resources, she is a Past President for the local SHRM affiliated chapter and maintains a position on the Board of Directors.

• Amanda Garcia, Ph.D. – Vice President of Development

Dr. Garcia leads development and marketing initiatives, bringing over two decades of experience in advancing mission-driven initiatives through brand strategy and community engagement. She is the creative force behind Mission Multipliers, an ambassador program that empowers students across South Texas to support Goodwill’s mission through donation drives.

Board of Directors

• Chair: Gary W. Moore, InsureOne

• Past Chair: Jodi Smith Schade, Turner Ramirez Architects

• Vice Chair: Mark LaRue, Plains Capital Bank

• Corporate Secretary: Daniel Gonzalez, Wood Boykin & Wolter P.C.

• Corporate Treasurer: Matt Martini, First Community Bank

• President & CEO: John W. Owen, Goodwill Industries of South Texas, Inc.

The board comprises professionals from various sectors, including business, law, and finance, providing diverse perspectives to guide the organization's strategic direction.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The nonprofit sector in South Texas is characterized by a diverse range of organizations addressing various community needs. Goodwill Industries of South Texas faces competition from other nonprofits offering similar services, including job training and placement, as well as retail operations. The market is influenced by factors such as economic conditions, employment rates, and community engagement levels.

Competitor Analysis

• Goodwill Industries of Northeast Texas

Serving a different geographic area, this organization operates 12 retail stores, 1 outlet store, and 4 processing plants. In 2023, it employed 693 individuals, many of whom had disabilities or disadvantages. The organization diverted over 13 million pounds of goods from landfills and provided assistance funds totaling $100,816.02.

• Other Local Nonprofits

Various local organizations offer job training, employment placement, and support services, contributing to the competitive landscape within the region.