For Jori, becoming an operations supervisor at Deseret Industries wasn’t part of a carefully mapped career plan. It began with a simple need for income during a time of transition in her life—and an opportunity she never saw coming. 

After two decades as a stay-at-home mom while her husband served in the military, Jori entered the workforce with little formal experience. 

“Life changed, and we needed income,” she says. “Our bishop suggested Deseret Industries.” 

At the time, Jori knew DI only as a thrift store—not as a place with a job training program designed to help people build skills and move forward in life. She had no idea it would become a place of growth, purpose, and fulfillment for her like it has for so many others. 

Jori started as a DI associate, participating in the job training program as she learned the day-to-day operations of the store. Working alongside people with vastly different backgrounds and levels of experience pushed her in unexpected ways. 

“It was humbling,” Jori says. “I had to realize I was there for a reason, too. I needed to learn.” 

With the help of patient supervisors and a supportive team, Jori began to develop—not just in job skills, but in confidence, perspective, and empathy. 

“I learned to love people differently than I had before,” she explains. “Everyone comes with different capabilities and different needs.” 

Within nine months, Jori worked her way into a lead role in cashiering and clothing, and soon after applied for an operations supervisor position. Everything changed when she got the job—bringing new responsibility, new challenges, and a deeper sense of purpose. 

“That’s really when my life as a supervisor at DI began,” Jori says. “And I absolutely love it.”

Today, Jori helps others experience the same growth she once did. One of her greatest joys came early on, when she was asked to supervise the same team she had previously led. 

“I already knew their stories,” she shares. “I knew how to push them just enough and how to help them see what they were capable of.” 

Her current team is close-knit and diverse—largely Hispanic and spanning older generations. When Jori first started working with them, her Spanish vocabulary was very limited. But she has continually worked to improve her Spanish, allowing her to build relationships that feel more like family than coworkers. 

“I do this for the people,” she says. “If it were just about operations, I would’ve quit a long time ago.” 

When asked what makes the biggest difference in helping associates change their lives, Jori doesn’t hesitate. 

“Love,” she says. “If they don’t genuinely know you care, nothing else goes very far.” 

That approach shapes how Jori works with each associate. She focuses on building trust, setting goals that matter to them, and helping them see possibilities that they didn’t see for themselves. 

“I don’t want anyone to change for me,” she says. “I want them to change for themselves because life will be better, and they’ll be happier and more self‑reliant.”

Ready for Work—a curriculum used in the DI job training program to help associates develop important workplace behaviors—plays a central role in that growth. Jori uses it weekly to help associates set goals, work through challenges, and track meaningful progress over time. 

“Ready for Work fits into everything we do,” she says. “We work the curriculum, check in, adjust, and keep moving forward together.” 

As a supervisor, Jori finds fulfillment in watching others progress and gain confidence. Whether it’s an experienced lead who models love and high expectations for the team, or a newer associate discovering leadership potential, Jori sees possibilities everywhere. 

“It’s amazing to watch people realize they’re capable of more than they thought,” she says. 

For Jori, Deseret Industries is more than a job. It’s a place where people are seen, supported, and strengthened—one relationship at a time. 

“It’s beautiful work helping people move forward when they don’t yet know how,” she says. “That’s what makes this so fulfilling.” 

If you or someone you know is looking for a fresh start, the DI job training program offers hands-on work experience, personalized goal-setting opportunities, and support on the path to building a better life. Visit your local DI store to get started.