In the 14 years of managing Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, Jay Sloan led the store to be the 3rd in the nation for sales out of nearly 800 ReStores. Sloan served as ReStore General Manager for 12 years and stepped into a position as ReStore Donations Manager in the recent two years to “ease into retirement” while Scott Stetson took the helm as store manager. Asheville Area Habitat sincerely thanks Sloan, who retired on June 30th, for his years of service and dedication to Habitat’s mission.
Recently, Habitat staffers and volunteers gathered at the store for a celebration to wish Jay well in his retirement. Many people spoke to Sloan’s accomplishments and leadership style, sharing funny stories and sincere compliments.
Stetson said, “Over the years, Jay has armed me with the knowledge and the skills to run one of the best performing and most respected ReStores in the country, and I’m really proud to be a part of that. Jay taught me the value of our precious volunteers. He definitely taught me valuable lessons that will stick with me for many years to come here at the ReStore.”
Lew Kraus noted that from the year Sloan started as General Manager in 1988 to the year he stepped down, sales increased by 1,170%. “Many of you have heard me say that 30 years ago it took us 18 months to build our first [Habitat] house, and now, we are starting a new house every three and a half weeks. Much of that is due to the success of the ReStore and the money it puts into this organization—and Jay, you’ve brought us there, so thank you for that.”
Proceeds from ReStore sales are a valuable source of sustainable income to the affiliate, helping to cover AAHH’s administrative and fundraising expenses and provide funding for its building programs.
Jay Sloan said, “To hear everyone speak you’d think I did this all single-handedly. Well, it
doesn’t happen that way. The reason this store has performed the way it has is [because of staff and volunteers]. They all wanted this store to be successful and to perform well… I want to thank all of you—you’re the reason the store is where it’s at today.”
Sloan lives with his wife, Dorothy, in Pickens, SC. They have three grown daughters.
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity has welcomed 258 Buncombe County families to safe, decent and affordable houses since 1983. Habitat homes, which are Green Built North Carolina certified, are sold at no-profit to partner families, who pay back a 0% interest loan. The non-profit also offers a home repair program for low-income homeowners. Asheville Area Habitat is proud to be a Charity Navigator 4-star rated non-profit. Learn more about Asheville Area Habitat by visiting ashevillehabitat.org.
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