Gina Schaefer

Author, Keynote Speaker

LOCATION - Washington, DC

Gina Schaefer, founder of Ace Hardware stores, is a dynamic keynote speaker with nearly 22 years of experience in community building and business transformation. She grew her business from one to 13 locations, employing over 300 team members. Gina’s engaging talks focus on creating positive corporate cultures, effective succession planning, and empowering women in business. She inspires audiences with her compelling stories and actionable insights, motivating them to drive change and achieve success in both business and life.

Popular Programs

  • Succession Planning from an Accidental Expert
  • Build a Healthy Company with People, Process, and Profit
  • Just Because the World Underestimates Us Doesn't Mean Our Fate is Pre-Written

Professional Summary

As the youngest board member to serve on the Ace Hardware Corporate Board of Directors and one of the few urban store owners in the cooperative, Gina built a career speaking passionately about local economies—the revitalization of Main Streets, non-traditional hiring practices, and strong corporate cultures in an industry known for very high turnover. Along the way she realized that strong values coupled with data tracking and consistency are the keys to a healthy business.

"Gina's message of breaking through barriers and achieving the impossible was an inspiration to our 400 attendees. Her favorite phrase, 'You are somebody!' reminds us that we are the architects of the change we want to see in the world."

Chris C. | Director, Ohio Employee Ownership Center

Areas of Expertise

  • Adversity
  • Author
  • Bilingual
  • Business
  • Company Culture
  • Confidence
  • Customer Experience
  • Customer Service
  • Emotional Intelligence/EQ
  • Female Speakers
  • Keynote Speaker
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Motivation and Inspiration
  • Onboarding/Retention
  • Relationships
  • Resilience
  • Retail
  • Spanish Speaking
  • Team Building
  • Women in Business
Lynne Jensen Award Winning Speaker

Need a Specific Topic?

Conversion-omics speakers will work collaboratively to create a custom topic to suit your audience or event needs specifically! All services are deliverable virtually, live stream or on-site. Contact us today and start creating your perfect presentation.