When Espie first joined The Salvation Army Thrift Store, she began with a part-time evening role as a replenisher and cashier. Her dedication and natural leadership quickly stood out. Within just a few months, Espie moved into the Store Manager role — an impressive achievement that marked the beginning of a beautiful journey spanning three decades.
Espie’s first day was November 16, 1995, at the former St. James store in Winnipeg, which later became the Empress store. By early 1996, she had stepped into a Store Manager role. Over the years, she continued to lead with excellence, moving to the Nairn store in 2007 and achieving milestones that set her apart. One of her proudest moments. Receiving a plaque for being the first store in the region or District to make $100,000 in a single month
But for Espie, success has never been just about numbers. It’s about people: staff, guests, donors, and the community. She has mentored countless team members, helping them grow into managers themselves. Espie also knows many regular guests by name and greets them with warmth and familiarity.
“I was drawn to the mission of helping others through retail. Seeing how our work supports the community and changes lives has left me motivated every day. And that’s a fact, it’s true. I’m compassionate and I’m a loving person.”
Her role today is multifaceted: overseeing daily operations, training staff, and ensuring the store meets goals. Every effort reflects her commitment to making a difference.
Through her journey, Espie has learned valuable lessons both personally and professionally. “Personally, I’ve learned the power of patience and teamwork. Professionally, I’ve learned to lead with compassion.”
When asked what advice she would share, Espie’s words are simple yet profound:
“Stay committed to the mission. Treat everybody with respect and fairness. Be open to learning because the work is meaningful and the impact is real. I love what I do.”