Connect
To Top

Meet Lloyd Lewis of Arc Thrift Stores

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lloyd Lewis.

Lloyd, before we jump into specific questions about the organization, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Prior to arc I had a financial and corporate career. I received my MBA from the University of Chicago and I had financial rolls with Smith Barney and IBM. I was the Director of Finance for a publically traded equipment company. Just prior to arc I was the CFO for a high-tech medical supply company that was ultimately sold to Micron. In 2005 I had a little boy born with Down syndrome and I got involved in scientific research and advocacy with my friend Michelle Sie Whitten. That resulted in the creation of the world’s largest scientific research institute in Down syndrome at the Anschutz campus named for a neuro scientist who I met at CU, Linda Crnic.

Following the scientific research and advocacy I was recruited to arc Thrift Stores where I believed I could use my business skills to help fund programs that could help people like my son. I started at arc as CFO in May 2005 and by the end of 2005 I had become the CEO.

Has it been a smooth road?
Initially it was a turnaround for arc. There had been some poor decision made operationally and I became CEO in the wake of backwards sales and pressure on our cash reserves. I implemented better business practices with an emphasis on mission and the company. In the course of 12 months we turned around the company. Following that turnaround, we have experienced 15 record years which are now challenged by the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic we were well on our way to 15 record years. We had a very tough March of this year. We shut down in April and were deemed essential by the state of Colorado in the midst of all the turmoil. We have turned our focus to relief, distribution 40 tons of food to those in need, thousands of pounds of cotton for mask production, scrubs and other PPR related materials. We reopened our stores in May and are now rebuilding the company in the wake of a very challenging retail environment.

Please tell us about the organization.
Arc Thrift Stores is well known for being one of the largest employers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the state of Colorado. Also, we are known for having some of the coolest and most unique thrift stores in the state. With 31 retail locations you can find a treasure on every shelf. All of this effort, in creating an innovative and efficient operations team that keeps our stores filled and cleaned is with our mission in mind. Our funds support 15 Colorado Arc Chapters and their advocacy efforts that directly impact people right here in Colorado with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Covid-19 has changed everything. We are hopeful that the thrift industry will remain strong and that retail in general will see an uptick. No one was prepared for this crisis and how we manage the challenges will ultimately determine our future. I think we just experienced the biggest shift in retail that history has ever seen and I am hopeful that in the midst of this crisis we will remain a resource for Colorado. A place where those in need can find a great deal on essential items. A place where the community can count on us to be good stewards of their donations. A place where we focus on enhancing the lives of people right here in Colorado with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our 15 Arc Chapters and the valuable work they do is the reason we come to work each and every day.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Maggie Scivicque

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in