Since 2005, J.R. Slack has helped grow KARM Stores in Knoxville, TN, from 2 to 28 locations, generating over $40 million in annual revenue. During this period, he realized that the systems his team had developed could be replicated in thrift stores nationwide. With this insight, he founded SMCo Thrift with a singular goal in mind: to help other independent thrift stores “Do Thrift Better” and generate more funds for the nonprofits they support. Prior to his work in the thrift industry, J.R. served as the President of SAS & Associates, one of the leading inspirational book wholesalers in the industry, boasting over 2,000 accounts nationwide.
Evan Crass
Vice President
Evan has consistently found himself growing and developing organizations, be it startups, churches, or social enterprises. In January of 2013, Evan joined the team at KARM Stores to grow the funding and community awareness of Knox Area Rescue Ministries. During his tenure, donations have multiplied by 3.5 times, as have sales, now exceeding $40M.
In January of 2016, he joined SMCo Thrift and has managed the ongoing development of ThriftTrac and has used the collected data to propel growth at over 20 thrift operations in coaching partnerships. He has conducted evaluations of thrift stores located across the U.S. and Canada and participates in training during site visits and conferences.
Nena Gunn
Finance Controller
Nena brings more than 25 years of experience in Finance and accounting. She obtained her Bachelor's degree, majoring in accounting and minoring in computer information science, at Phillips University in Orlando, FL
Nena has built a successful career delivering strategic financial leadership across multiple industries. Her expertise spans financial planning and analysis, budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, cash flow management, and regulatory compliance.
Throughout her career, she has partnered with executive leadership teams to improve financial performance, streamline operations, and implement effective business processes that drive sustainable growth.
Samantha May
Field Director
Sam graduated with an Associate Degree in Marketing from Snead State Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Athens State University. She joined SMCo Thrift in 2020, bringing extensive experience in nonprofit marketing, retail and leadership as a former Director of Operations for a nonprofit thrift organization in Alabama.
Jon Fiorenza
Field Director
Jon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from York College of Pennsylvania. Jon joined SMCo Thrift in 2022 and has over 10 years of experience managing chains of thrift stores for nonprofits in Pennsylvania.
Gabbee Bagby
Field Director
Gabbee brings over 15 years of experience in business operations across multiple industries, with a strong focus on nonprofit and social enterprise leadership. She has a proven track record of driving organizational success and revenue growth through strategic planning, team development, and operational excellence. Prior to her current role, Gabbee spent 12 years in full-time ministry serving in Arizona and South Carolina, experiences that deeply shaped her heart for mission-driven work and community impact. Known for her data-informed, relational approach, she is passionate about aligning people, process, and purpose to advance sustainable growth and mission effectiveness.
Dave DeBoer
Field Director
Dave brings over two decades of experience across nonprofit and for-profit organizations, with a focus on executive leadership, marketing, operations, and scaling mission-driven work. He has supported organizations through growth and change by strengthening teams, improving systems, and aligning strategy with day-to-day operations.
Matt Crass
Field Director
Matt graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Business Management. He has experience in nonprofit leadership and, over time, has mentored multiple ministry interns in fundraising and healthy rhythms. Before SMCo, Matt built his career in the insurance consulting industry.
Julia Dietz
Director of Training and Marketing
Julia joined the SMCo Thrift team in 2024 after 2 years as the Director of Marketing for KARM Stores. Julia earned a BSBA in Marketing from the University of Tennessee and a BA in Communications from SNHU. In August 2025, Julia took on additional responsibilities as the Director of Training and Marketing, leading the development of our new Learning Management System.
Jake Poland
Director of Operations
Jake graduated from Johnson University and has been part of the SMCo Thrift team since 2020. Jake has worked with SMCo Thrift partners to open stores, create marketing strategies, and optimize operations. He currently oversees pickupmydonation.com while working with clients to increase donations through online leads.
Mary Hockenberry
Team Services Generalist
Mary Hockenberry serves as the Team Services Generalist with SMCo Thrift, supporting the organization in delivering consistent, compliant, and people-centered HR operations across both internal staff and partner organizations. She will be working closely with Field Directors and partner supervisors to provide support in recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, HRIS and payroll processes, and compliance with key employment regulations, including FMLA, ADA, ACA, EEOC, and wage and hour standards.
Mary joins the SMCo Thrift team after gaining 2 years experience working in a non-profit rescue mission, supporting HR Generalist functions across the organization, including within the social enterprises.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies with a minor in TESOL from Columbia International University and is currently pursuing SHRM-CP certification.
Mary is eager to continue learning, growing, and developing her expertise alongside SMCo Thrift, and is passionate about equipping leaders with the tools and counsel they need to support their teams well as the organization continues to grow.
Sheri Eubanks
IT Director
Sheri Eubanks has served as a part of the KARM Stores team in multiple capacities since 2017. She joined the SMCo Thrift team in 2023 as a Tech Advisor and has recently taken on the role of IT Director. She brings with her a comprehensive expertise in IT troubleshooting, software testing and a multifaceted technical support ability to effectively assist our clients. Sheri is passionate about leveraging technology as a catalyst for organizational growth and success.
Ashley Johnson
Administrator
Ashley Johnson graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a degree in Public Relations. She has worked in communications and marketing for nonprofit organizations until joining the SMCo Thrift team. Here at SMCo Thrift, she assists with various projects and tasks, lending support across all departments.
Alec Slack
Field Support
Alec Slack is an entrepreneur and emerging leader in the thrift and service industries.
Alec also owns The Good Truck, a Knoxville-based hauling and service company offering donation pickups, junk removal, clean-outs, deliveries, and light labor. Through his work with The Good Truck and KARM Stores, he is developing experience in entrepreneurship, operations, customer service, and leadership.
