Rick Hill is driven by passion. His passion for motorcycles led him to start-up a custom chopper business with one-of-a-kind bikes that attracted a “who’s who” of clients, appeared on the reality-TV show “Fear Factor” and celebrated milestones such as the Philadelphia Eagles’ diamond anniversary. Another passion now drives Rick and is what led him to Pennsylvania to become Goodwill Keystone Area’s new president and CEO.
“After a long career working for and leading my family’s business and then growing Metropolitan Choppers, I felt I was at a point to begin retirement; however, I quickly discovered that retirement life was not for me,” Rick explained. “I responded to an ad to run the logistics operations at our Goodwill in Maryland. Once I learned more about Goodwill’s mission to help those with barriers change their lives through the power of work, I was hooked. An advancement opportunity led me to Goodwill in West Virginia, and I am so excited to continue my journey here at Goodwill Keystone Area.”
Rick noted that a large part of his efforts will be focused on building awareness and looking for ways to expand Goodwill’s mission programs and services throughout the organization’s 22-county footprint.
“When people think of Goodwill, they most often think of our donation centers and retail stores,” Rick said. “And this is very important because it is our economic engine. But that is only part of the story. Goodwill Keystone Area is a mission-driven social enterprise, working with those in need to locate, obtain and maintain a sustainable job and change their life trajectory. This is the story behind the store and one that we are eager to tell.”
For Rick, the concept of enhancing self-worth through meaningful work resonated with him at an early age. As a teenager he ran a lawnmowing business with his friends. He was proud to have a business where he was making money and helping people in his neighborhood. When his friends began to notice they were making much less than Rick because he was “the boss,” another life-lesson was taught.
“My friends were doing as much work as me, and they convinced me – mainly by threatening to quit – that they felt less valued,” Rick said. “I made sure to change my approach, and this helped me realize not only the impact work has on one’s self-esteem but also how work provides a sense of purpose and meaning in life.”
Grounded by this understanding and buoyed to help more people in Goodwill’s territory gain dignity and independence through work, Rick is looking forward to develop distinctive partnerships that benefit Goodwill clients and business partners alike.
“One of my greatest thrills as a business leader and entrepreneur was creating unique solutions and products to propel our customers and company forward,” Rick stated. “I view my role with Goodwill Keystone Area as a social entrepreneur, where business principles and social impact come together. By developing opportunities where clients can gain in-demand job skills and business partners can access trained and qualified workers, we can help address critical industry needs while giving individuals in our communities a hand up, not a handout.”