Meet the Founders
Having a combined 21 years of experience in working and managing nonprofits, specializing in resale store selling, we felt we needed to venture out on our own to make things happen! Our passion is to realize more tangible results, which in turn will create a greater impact in our Medina community.
Through partnering with other local nonprofit organizations in the Medina Ohio area, and the opening of our resale shop, we will foster strong relationships within our community, putting a family focus first. We are excited to see a difference, through our combined efforts, in areas that need our attention – such as childhood trauma.
Our vision is simple – to make an impact through the donations we collect and sell, to the nonprofit organizations in our own backyard!
Stephanie Furey
Stephanie is one of the founders and president of The Giving Place Foundation & Resale Shop. Originally from San Antonio, Stephanie and her husband moved to Medina where they have lived for the last 24 years with their two children. After retiring as a flight attendant from American Airlines in 2001, Stephanie wanted to dedicate her time serving her community. She began this journey through managing Life’s Treasures Thrift Store, where her team substantially grew the business for 17 years. Under her management, Stephanie cultivated a strong community of volunteers who had the same passion for impacting the lives of others. She is extremely excited for this next chapter where her team can leverage their unique abilities to allocate their returns to Medina causes with measurable impact.
Angel Kiefer
Angel is a founder and moved to Medina county with her husband and 2 young children 23 years ago. She spent many of those years doing volunteer work at the Brunswick City Schools. From working in classrooms to being part of committees and running fundraisers she's always enjoyed being able to help others. After raising her children, Angel began volunteering at a charity thrift store. It was there that she was able to combine her love of volunteering with one of her favorite hobbies; thrifting! Today she can take those same loves to help create change in the Medina community through The Giving Place resale store. She is very excited to partner with such wonderful people and great volunteers in making a difference.
Meet the Board of Directors
Dan Hawk
A resident of Medina since 2007, Dan is currently an Accounting Director for Olympic Steel, Inc. in Bedford Heights, Ohio where he has worked for over 27 years in progressive financial roles. Dan has been involved in several Board positions, most recently serving as the President and Board Member of the Northern Ohio Chapter of the Metals Service Center Institute. Dan received a BS in Accounting from Kent State University and an MBA in Executive Management from Ohio University. Dan and his wife Cathy are both avid travelers and have two adult daughters, both of whom attended Medina schools.
Chuck Hedberg
Chuck is a retired 26-year HR executive with The Sherwin-Williams Company. He and his family relocated from the Chicagoland area to Cleveland in 2000 and chose Medina for their home. His experience includes both US and Global HR operations, mergers and acquisitions, and HR strategy and planning. Chuck was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and received his BA in Speech Communication & Public Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1987.
Russ Todia
A native of Parma, Russ Todia received his BA from Baldwin Wallace University. He moved to Medina in 1977 and began to raise a family. In 1986 he started his own business, Doors & More, which he operated for twenty-one years. After selling the business, Russ began volunteering with Hospice of Medina County–later known as Hospice of the Western Reserve–serving in many ways including the Board of Directors. Russ is also active in the Kiwanis Club of Medina and was its treasurer for more than eight years. He also serves his Homeowner’s Association in various leadership roles. He and his wife have five grown children and six grandchildren.
