From Sales District Manager to Thrift Store Owner – Leveraging Career Strengths to Launch a Business

Who would have thought that my first job out of college as a Sales District Manager at Pepsico would lay the foundation for my entrepreneurial journey? As someone who was fresh out of school, I was eager to prove myself in the corporate world. Little did I know, the retail experience I gained in that role would eventually help me open a thrift store—a venture that not only aligned with my passion for community empowerment but also became a cornerstone of my broader mission to uplift at-risk youth.

During my time at Pepsico, I learned the ins and outs of retail sales, supply chain operations, and the importance of understanding consumer needs. These skills were invaluable when I transitioned into my role as a Network Operations Manager at Frito Lay. However, it wasn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder for me; it was about finding a way to make a meaningful impact.

In 2017, I founded The Sanders Hand, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth through education and financial literacy. One of our most innovative projects, the YBC Thrift Store, emerged from my retail background. This isn’t just a thrift store—it’s the first-ever retail digital education hub for financial literacy, offering young people a unique opportunity to learn about business, budgeting, and the art of giving back.

Launching this business was a natural progression of my career strengths, but it also required a shift in mindset. I had to think like an entrepreneur, not just a manager. The skills I honed in retail—like understanding customer behavior, managing operations, and leading teams—were all crucial in making the YBC Thrift Store a success.

1. Identify Your Core Strengths

Your career experiences are more than just job titles—they are a treasure trove of skills and insights that can be leveraged to create something new. For me, retail management was the key to opening a thrift store, but your strengths might lead you in a different direction.

2. Align Your Business with Industry Needs

Take a closer look at your industry. What gaps can you fill? What problems can you solve? My experience in retail gave me a unique perspective on how to combine education with commerce, ultimately leading to the creation of a store that doubles as a learning environment.

3. Leverage Your Professional Network

Your career network is one of your most valuable assets. Don’t hesitate to tap into it for advice, support, and even potential partnerships. The relationships I built throughout my career have been instrumental in launching and growing my nonprofit and business ventures.

4. Start Small and Iterate

You don’t have to go all in from day one. Start small, test your ideas, and be open to learning from the process. The YBC Thrift Store started as a simple concept and grew into something much bigger as we refined our approach and expanded our reach.

5. Market Yourself Authentically

Your personal brand is your business’s biggest asset. Be authentic about your journey—how your career has shaped you and how it influences your entrepreneurial endeavors. People connect with real stories, and sharing yours can help build a loyal customer base.

6. Continuously Evolve

The business world is always changing, and so should you. Stay curious, keep learning, and be willing to pivot when necessary. The skills you develop in your career can evolve into new opportunities and ventures if you remain adaptable.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship isn’t always straightforward, but by leveraging your career strengths, you can create a business that not only reflects your expertise but also makes a significant impact. Remember, your career is the training ground for your entrepreneurial journey—use it to your advantage.

About Sebastian Sanders: Sebastian Sanders, widely recognized as "The Youth Principal," is a distinguished nonprofit executive, global youth speaker, and the driving force behind The Sanders Hand. With a background in retail sales and operations from his roles at Pepsico and Frito Lay, Sebastian now empowers at-risk youth through education and financial literacy initiatives like the YBC Thrift Store. His journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship serves as an inspiring example of how career strengths can be the foundation for impactful business ventures.