If you’ve ever been to our store and donation center on Dearborn in Seattle’s International District, you know that that is a large Goodwill. But—did you know that it is the largest Goodwill store in the country? At the helm of said store is a woman by the name of Julie LaPuma, who manages the team that makes that store function.

When first meeting Julie LaPuma, you might note her warm, welcoming, and joyful persona. Upon entering her office and observing your surroundings, you’ll see a tie hanging above her desk, no doubt a relic of a meeting with President Emeritus Ken Colling who collected ties.  Julie is also a northwest native and a lover of the cool, green Pacific Northwest environment. If you ask her about her life outside of Seattle Goodwill, she’ll tell you, “I work a lot.  I love my pups. I love my husband. And I love my son.”

Julie started with Seattle Goodwill 14 years ago as a manager-in-training in Bellevue, and has since helped open, move, and run a number of stores—and has spent the last five years at our flagship location. “I have an awesome, very large, management team here—and an excellent team. It would not be possible without them,” she said, talking about how it felt to be the manager of such an impressive store. She is quick to give others credit.

The Seattle store hosts some of our biggest sales and events. “Glitter Sale is my favorite” she said, “It’s exhausting, but it’s awesome.  People come early, camp out the night before—the excitement before the doors open is my favorite part. Then people come in, it’s crazy, and eventually we usher them out, and collapse.”

Stop by and visit our Seattle store and you just might run into Julie!