From Regular Customer to Integral Team Member

After the first Common Threads opened in Fairview Park in 2016, Paul Jackosky became a regular customer, stopping by after work hours to hunt for vintage treasures or attempting to find extra long jeans he had trouble finding in most stores. What started as a routine shopping trip, grew to become a meaningful new chapter in Paul’s career – something God was doing all along!

The store staff quickly got to know Paul, not only because he towered over the racks of clothes at 6’7”, but because he gave consistent insight into what items were worth – which was often more than they were labeled! Camaraderie grew, associates even nicknamed him “Tall Paul” and he was often asked his opinion on pricing items across every department.

“I had two sisters plus my mom, so I know a lot about women’s handbags that I shouldn’t,” says Paul with a slight grin. “Associates ask me if a high-end item is real or fake, and I’ve been pretty on point as far as authenticating more luxury items.” Of course, the staff has other means of validating authenticity, as well, but Paul is a great internal resource! In 2019, Paul found himself unexpectedly unemployed, and the first place he inquired about new employment was at his favorite store in town - Common Threads. He approached Jeff Stredney, BHITC’s Director of Social Enterprise, and said, “I am in here all the time, and I have a close pulse on the resale value of things. Do you have a job for me?” Before long, Paul was hired.

He got to work, enthusiastically driving the truck and managing the newly opened furniture room. Due to some health complications, he no longer does this type of heavy lifting, but he continues to bless the store with his welcoming spirit and many jobs like pricing, running the registers and closing on Saturdays, often the busiest day of the week.

“All people want to feel valued, and I have always felt that here,” says Paul. “My favorite thing about working here is the people - the customers, associates and even the people who work in our plaza. People are the heart of this store and its community.” When reflecting on the ways God works through daily interactions at Common Threads, Paul says, “I have loved talking with some of the younger staff. There’s a young woman here looking at colleges, and I’ve tried to help guide her to the best choice.”

For Paul, Common Threads is a central part of his life. In the Bible study he attends, when the group of men talk about evangelism, Paul connects the words of Jesus to go out into the world and make disciples to his work at Common Threads. “I get to live this in my work at Common Threads,” he says.

Paul is one of ten employees between the two Common Threads locations who first connected as customers or volunteers and are now integral members of the team and Common Threads family. As we always say, God’s grace and great people are the story of Common Threads, and we thank God for people like Paul, whose giftings as well as their heart to love and serve their neighbor, are lived out practically and faithfully for the flourishing of community.

If you or someone you know would like to work at Common Threads, even if they don’t have retail experience, but love the mission, apply online at www.commonthreadsthrift.com/work/.