We are so proud of our volunteers and board members at Home Start that we want to continue to share their stories. As a nonprofit organization, it’s an important way for us to manage many different aspects of our programs and allow the community to take part in what we do.
Shane Paul is one of our most spirited board members and we’re excited that he agreed to share some insights about his time with Home Start.
Hello Shane, thank you for taking the time to tell us about yourself and your work with Home Start. Why don’t we start by learning a bit about your background.
I recently was a corporate executive at Jack in the Box running their West Coast operations. About two and a half years ago I requested to become a franchisee and the company sold me seven corporate owned locations here in San Diego. Prior to that I was in the military, got my MBA in Finance, and worked in operations at McDonald’s and Burger King.
And for fun?
My kids are excellent athletes’ so my favorite thing to do is go and watch them run their races or play soccer. As anyone with kids who play sports knows, dropping off and picking up from events is almost a full-time job in and of itself. Even if my kids don’t do well in their game or event I always get so happy watching them compete.
As a busy dad and a businessman, what is it that compels you to share your time with Home Start?
The people. There is a need out there for the many services that we provide to the community. It hurts sometimes to see all the issues going on in society and to the average person in San Diego. I feel that by being part of Home Start I am making a contribution to solving some of those issues.
“I believe every single person we help actually helps San Diego as a whole.”
Now that you’ve been working with Home Start for over a year, how would you define your role?
I am a member of the Home Start Board. I also work on their committee that oversees the Thrift Boutique and the Bright Futures candle shop. I view my role on the board and helping with their social enterprises as an advisory role. My goal is to leverage my over 20 years as a corporate executive and franchisee to help this organization grow and flourish. As I get older and get more experience, I am still surprised sometimes that things I went through or dealt with 10 years ago is still new to someone else today. When that happens, I really enjoy helping people not make the many mistakes I have made over the years.
Is there any specific experience or contribution you’ve made so far that you’d be willing to share?
My local shoe store was going out of business. I told them about Home Start and what they do. Since they were closing, they donated a lot of their fixtures and display materials to the thrift shop. I know it may not be a big thing, but sometimes just believing in an organization and trying to help you can do a lot of good just by asking if someone else wants to help as well.
It is a big deal! Those elements make a noticeable difference in our store and in the customers’ shopping experience. We appreciate you keeping an eye out.
Do you have any goals for Home Start that you’re working towards?
One of my primary focusses is the Thrift Boutique and the Bright Futures candle enterprise. They both have so much promise, and both employ people in need, so it helps the community on so many levels. They are already doing a great job, so I always try and look for new ways to make their jobs easier and the shops more profitable.
Your business insights are incredibly valuable to help us grow our social enterprises. With so much experience to offer, what makes Home Start stand out to you?
There are a lot of causes and also a lot of big charities out there where you can donate your time, money, or abilities. Home Start is one of the few where your efforts are needed in so many areas and you see a direct result of whatever you contribute. Home Start does an incredible job of helping people in need and just by giving a few hours every month you can have a direct impact on some of those issues.
Shane, thanks again for sharing your thoughts with us and for all of the time and effort you so generously donate. Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers?
If you have ever wished you could get involved and help but don’t know how then Home Start is a great place to start. If you are a contractor we could use help at some of our properties. If you have a great background in retail, then our Thrift Shop has a committee that you can meet for two hours a month and give advice. So many people think that getting involved in a charity is about giving money. You may not realize it but sometimes your time and talent helps people in need more than money you can donate.
So true!