Photo by Jeanne Ciasullo

Bob Thayer will hook you up with a gig.

It’s comforting to know people like Bob Thayer have a sense of goodwill. Bob began volunteering as a board member with Chicago’s Goodwill in 1985 and has been the CEO of Jacksonville’s Goodwill for the past thirteen years.  Fresh out of college, he worked as a math teacher and a basketball coach for seven years before making the switch to non-profit work. “Seeing people get jobs and the smile on their faces after they are employed and have some sense of control of their lives…there’s a lot of intrinsic fun in that,” he says. He also has fun listening to the Bee Gees, singing (he performed with vocal groups at IllinoisState), following the Gators and spending time with his wife and two children. Although Goodwill is widely known for its clothing and sweet finds (check out Bob’s skirt!) it’s really all about finding people jobs—Bob’s favorite part.

Best thing about reading skirt!?

It’s what’s going on today.

Best thing about wearing a skirt?

Better ventilation.