October 2023 Special Needs Living Magazine

Question & Answer Session with Mark Trew

Chief Operating Officer of Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio

Q. Where do you work currently?

A. Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio

Q. What is your job title here?

A. Chief Operating Officer

Q.How long have you been employed with your current job?

A. 5 years

Q. How long have you been employed in this industry?

A. 16 years

Q. What were your previous jobs in the industry?

A. Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities & Alternative Paths Behavioral Health

Q. What is your educational background?

A. Bachelor’s degree in education M.B.A

Q. What other professional associations are you a member of? (Board of Directors, Volunteer organizations, etc)

A. Pegasus Farm Board of Directors Stark County TASC Board of Directors Ohio Area 16 Workforce Development Board (Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Belmont Counties)

Q. What do your day-to-day job responsibilities include?

A. I oversee Goodwill’s retail division and community services programming. I have the great fortune of leading a talented team of people in the operation of Goodwill’s thrift stores across our ten-county territory. The proceeds from our stores go to support the work of Goodwill professionals who work daily to help people with barriers to employment find work in the community. In addition to this work, Goodwill supports over 28 programs providing vocational/employment services, parenting education programs, and rape crisis services. In addition to leading the retail and mission operations, I also get to lead the work of our human resources, facilities, and safety teams as they support Goodwill’s daily operations.

Q. What part of your job are you most passionate about?

A. As COO, I have the opportunity to interact with a lot of segments of Goodwill’s business on a daily basis, but my passion is for our mission programs. We have the unique opportunity every day to see lives changed for the better.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is new to your field?

A. Everyone who gets into the human services field is first driven by their passion and desire to care for people. I would tell someone new to the field to make sure they don’t lose that passion or desire. Self-care is a really important part of that equation, so making time for their own well-being is a must.

Q. What is your favorite success story you have seen?

A. I’m not sure that I can nail down just one favorite success store, but I will say that I really appreciate seeing the sense of accomplishment when someone achieves a goal or earns their first paycheck. The “Power of Work” is something we talk about at Goodwill- there really is great power and dignity that can be achieved through meaningful work in the community!

Q. If you could go back and talk to yourself at the beginning of your career, what advice would you give yourself?

A. Talk less. Listen more. I think that being a good listener, whether hearing from program participants, peers, or team members provides the best opportunity to learn and gain insight to your work.

Q. What is something you would change in your field for the better if you could?

A. I would like to see those who provide services in the developmental disabilities and behavioral health service fields compensated the same way the rest of healthcare is compensated. For too long, government funding for these services has not provided an equitable wage. Our direct support professionals are important to many in the community and that should be recognized.

Q. What has been the biggest factor in your career success?

A. The people I have had the opportunity to work with over the years. When I think about the awesome talent, I have had the opportunity to work alongside or lead it is quite amazing! Nobody achieves success on their own. Without the support of your team, family, and friends- it’s impossible to be at the top of your game. My wife, Melissa, has been a major factor in my career success as well.

Q. What is your favorite non-profit organization or volunteer opportunity?

A. Obviously, I am partial to Goodwill Industries and the work we do in the community. If someone is looking to find employment or gain new skills for work, Goodwill provides a wide array of services to get them prepared. You can get connected at www. goodwillgoodskills.org.