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The ThriftSmart Story - Executive Team
Richard W. Gygi, CEO and Co-Founder
Mr. Gygi has 37 years of experience in consumer companies including Hallmark Cards; Lenox Candles; Artfaire, Division of Fox Valley Corporation; CPS Corporation, and American Greetings. At Artfaire, Dick founded the Paper Factory Stores, a successful startup in the factory outlet market, opening the first six stores. The chain was built to more than 200 stores through several changes in control, before Dick rejoined the board of Party Concepts, Inc.
After serving CPS Corporation as President for 13 years, Dick led the sale of the company to American Greetings before becoming President of PlusMark Corporation, a $240 million subsidiary and worldwide leader of seasonal gift wrap. Since 2003, Dick has led the startup of three companies, including ThriftSmart, with Tres Scheibe, all for the purpose of generating profits for charities. Dick has led the ThriftSmart Store operations since February, 2009, substantially reducing operating costs and enhancing the revenue model. Dick has a BA in Management from Taylor University and an MBA in Marketing from Indiana University.
Tres Scheibe, Member and Co-Founder
Mr.Scheibe has 20 years of leadership in diverse industries and roles. Tres has proven capable of delivering results in dynamic and demanding environments through his teams. Tres joined Nortel Networks in 1991 serving as Controller of $200 million Norstar Division. After a move to marketing, Tres led a series of initiatives that drove dramatic growth, taking Norstar to number one in global market share with more than $600 million in revenue.
After twelve successful years at Nortel with roles in Finance, Marketing, Sales, and Market Development, Tres left to found his own company in the IT industry providing small businesses with IT solutions. After two years, in the IT industry, Tres decided to change directions and co-founded ThriftSmart with Richard Gygi. Tres is active in the strategic direction of Thrift Management as a Member of the LLC. Tres has a BA from University of Mississippi and an MBA from Vanderbilt University.
Philip O. Darr, Vice President, Franchise Development
Mr. Darr has 36 years experience in Christian retail products companies and franchising including Logos Bookstores, Spring Arbor Distributors, Lemstone Christian Stores, and Parable Christian Stores. Phil's early business career experience in the 1970's with Logos and Spring Arbor served as a valuable primer for the 1981 launch of the Lemstone Christian Stores franchise headquartered in Wheaton IL.
As Co-Founder and Vice President of Lemstone from 1981-2008, Phil helped build the Lemstone franchise coast to coast opening over 110 stores. In January 2008 The Parable Group, San Luis Obispo CA, acquired Lemstone and retained Phil as Franchise Sales Manager for its Parable Christian Stores franchise division and relocated Phil to Franklin TN. Phil became active with ThriftSmart in late 2009 first as a volunteer and consultant. Phil joined the Executive Team in 2010. Phil has a BA in English Literature from Indiana University and an MBA from Benedictine University.