Goodwill executive keeps mission alive

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In Frank Zoghi's line of work, clothes really do make the man.

Mr. Zoghi, 43, was recently named vice president of retail operations at Goodwill Industries of Greater Washington, where he plans to "improve the quality of merchandise" at Goodwill's nine Washington-area stores.

As part of the executive team leading the nonprofit organization, Mr. Zoghi intends to be clear about Goodwill's mission to provide career training and life skills to the disadvantaged.

"I want to make the community understand what we really stand for," he said.

Mr. Zoghi, who joined Goodwill Jan. 8, also plans to brighten its stores by improving cleaning methods and controlling product quality.

He previously served as vice president and general manager of a Hecht Co. department store in Manassas where he acquired a reputation for running a clean and tidy business.

Before joining Hecht's in 1992, Mr. Zoghi held a variety of management positions with the Broadway department storesin Los Angeles.

"Frank's 19 years of retail experience, management and customer service focus will create a strong culture within Goodwill of Greater Washington and our retail division," said Catherine Meloy, president and chief executive officer of the Goodwill Industries of Greater Washington.

Goodwill Industries operates more than 2,000 stores to fund career training and employment programs to help people to gain the skills they need to find jobs. Goodwill Industries' Graduates Program helps provide career and life skills to the disadvantaged.

"People enroll in courses free of charge," Mr. Zoghi said. "We help them find jobs."

As a veteran of retail management, Mr. Zoghi says the best way to approach customer-management relations is to be personable and take care of employees. Teamwork boosts morale and creates a positive attitude in the workplace, Mr. Zoghi said, adding that an organization only succeeds when people work side by side.

"Vice president is just a title. When I'm helping [people], that's what they see," he said. "It's important to know your customer and serve them. Walk your talk."

When it comes to working with his 200 employees, Mr. Zoghi also takes a one-on-one approach.

"I'm very happy to go to the stores. I'm within five minutes of three stores," Mr. Zoghi said. "I make a point of stopping by at least one store every morning."

"It's such a good feeling at the end of the day, knowing you've made a difference in people's lives," he said.

He attended Santa Monica College, studying languages, anthropology and philosophy.

Mr. Zoghi lives in Arlington with his wife, Cynthia, and their two daughters.

-- Rachel Buller