Award Recognizes Efficient Operation, Historic Growth
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The growth of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky from one of the smallest Goodwills in the nation to one of the largest in the world was heralded by Goodwill Industries International when it bestowed this year’s J.D. Robins Jr. Distinguished Career Award on Roland R. Blahnik, president & CEO in Kentucky for the past 27 years. Kentucky’s Goodwill was one of the first Goodwills to adopt a “least cost” method of operation advocated by Robins, a former Goodwill CEO, to turn donated goods centers into revenue generators that fund jobs and job training programs for individuals with disabilities or other disadvantages.
The late J.D. Robins’ methods were credited with saving many Goodwills from bankruptcy. As implemented in Kentucky, the “J.D. System” maximizes Goodwill’s efficiency in processing donations, resulting in a fast-moving and constantly rotating inventory. “Using J.D.’s philosophy, our employees move donations to the sales floor quickly, making them available to customers very shortly after the donated goods come through the door,” said Blahnik. “J.D.’s model has been invaluable to the success of our Goodwill and the people we serve.”
During the past 27 years, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky has grown from two donated goods centers to 59 centers serving 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. In 2010, Goodwill placed 1,657 Kentuckians in jobs and paid more than $15.5 million in mission-related wages. Some of these jobs were in Goodwill’s donated goods centers, which employ an average of 8-12 people each. Additionally, Goodwill works with employers and other jobs programs to train and place individuals who want to work but whose disabilities or other disadvantages make it difficult to find and maintain employment.
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky is also known for expanding the Goodwill model from urban areas to more rural areas, matching the size of each donated goods center to the donation capacity of its surrounding community. For example, the remodeled donated goods center that opened last year in the Hikes Point area of Louisville has 15,000 square feet and employs 16 people, whereas the donated goods center in Radcliff has 10,000 square feet and employs about 12.
Blahnik has also received recognition from Goodwill Industries International with the 2006 Kenneth K. King Award for outstanding management abilities and accomplishments, and the 1997 P.J. Trevethan Award
About Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
As one of the largest Goodwills in the country, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky accepts a variety of donations, including clothing and other household items, which are sold in its stores. Donations are tax deductible and receipts are available. In fiscal year 2011, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky placed 2,584 Kentuckians in jobs and paid more than $16 million in mission-related wages. Kentucky’s Goodwill has 59 centers throughout the state that provide jobs and job training. Goodwill also provides employment services and post-employment support to help people with disabilities or other disadvantages achieve and maintain employment to gain a better quality of life. For your nearest donation and retail center, visit www.goodwillky.org.
