Corey had a plan. He came to Utah for school, graduated with a degree in criminal justice, and had his sights set on becoming an Air Marshal. Then he walked into a Deseret Industries thrift store, and something changed. He applied, was hired, and discovered meaningful work helping people build confidence and find purpose. Four years later, he's still pursuing his career at DI, and he wouldn't have it any other way. 

Corey is an operations supervisor at Deseret Industries, and his dream of being an Air Marshal has quietly taken a back seat—not because he gave up on it, but because he found something he wasn't expecting. 

"Once you find out what Deseret Industries is all about, it’s kind of hard to leave," he says. 

For Corey, what keeps him coming back every day isn't the job title—it's the mission. 

Behind every donation processed, every item priced, and every purchase made at Deseret Industries is someone working toward important goals in their life. Corey sees this every day in the associates he supervises, the customers he serves, and the quiet moments that often go unnoticed. 

"I just like to think that we're a thrift store as a front for what we really do, which is the Lord’s work," he says. 

Deseret Industries works with local bishops of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to provide clothing and household goods to families in need. DI also supports community grants and provides clothing for humanitarian efforts around the world.

Corey shared the story of a family who came into Deseret Industries for a bishop’s order after losing everything in their home to smoke damage. They were forced to start over from nothing. "Through the clothing, furniture, and other needed items this family were able to receive through DI, they were able to get back on their feet during a difficult time. It's commitment to caring for those in need that make DI such a special place for those who work and shop there." 

"Just seeing their gratitude makes you grateful for the opportunity you have to help," Corey says. 

Corey is also grateful to be able to grow in multiple areas. He has been a supervisor in nearly every department at the Deseret Industries store where he works, from roles in processing to assignments on the retail floor, and his approach has remained consistent. 

"I like to approach things with a servant leadership style," he states. "I just want to help the people that I work with. I want them to know that I am there for them, both with love and understanding." 

For Corey, the DI associates on his team are more than colleagues; they're friends. He is genuinely invested in their goals, their growth, and their lives outside of work. That investment shows up most clearly in something simple: conversation.  

One of the most meaningful aspects of the Deseret Industries job training program is the weekly progress meeting—a one-on-one check-in with each associate to talk through goals, challenges, and next steps. 

"Without that, it just becomes another job where they're working, and we're not talking about their progress," Corey says. "We get to either pivot or decide that we're making the progress we need."

Those meetings don't always look the same. Sometimes it's a quiet conversation in the back office. Sometimes it happens at the register between helping customers. But the consistency of showing up, asking questions, and listening with care is what makes the difference. 

"Sometimes that's all you get," Corey says. "But sometimes you get the opportunity to have a deeper, heart-to-heart conversation." 

During his four years as an operations supervisor, Corey has seen firsthand how the DI job training program helps associates build confidence, develop workplace skills, and work through personal challenges. One way this is accomplished is through the support of development counselors, who help associates with things like employment goals and navigating challenges that affect employability. 

The next time you walk through the doors of Deseret Industries, Corey hopes you'll see it differently. 

"Behind every process within this thrift store, there is someone working towards something in their lives," he says. "Any process that customers get to be a part of, whether it's volunteering or making a purchase, is impactful." 

Shopping at Deseret Industries supports the job training program that makes moments like these possible. Every donation dropped off, every item purchased, and every visit to your local Deseret Industries is part of something meaningful. "When you shop at Deseret Industries, you are not just finding something for yourself. You are helping someone else find their way forward."