A Mission Worth Coming Back For: Meet Williamsburg ReStore Manager Tony Rowe
Retirement was treating Tony Rowe pretty well.
After more than 30 years in retail leadership, he had traded schedules and sales reports for a slower pace of life. He spent his days at home, took camping and hiking trips when he could and enjoyed time with his two dogs, Amber and Marley.
A self-described homebody, Tony wasn’t looking for his next opportunity.
Then he came across an opening for ReStore Manager at Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg’s Williamsburg ReStore.
What began as a simple application turned into an unexpected new chapter.
“I had already completely retired and was set to just enjoy my days,” Tony said.
Today, Tony leads the Williamsburg ReStore, bringing decades of leadership experience—and a lifelong commitment to serving others—to the role.
That commitment started long before he entered retail.
A Gloucester native, Tony graduated from Liberty University with degrees in business and theology. After college, he spent seven years in Tennessee serving as a minister and guest speaker in churches before eventually returning to Virginia.
From there, his career took a different path.
Over the next three decades, Tony built a successful career in retail management, working primarily with Lowe’s, advancing from store-level positions to district leadership roles. Along the way, he learned how to lead teams, build relationships, and serve customers.
When retirement arrived, he thought that chapter of his life was over.
The Williamsburg ReStore changed his mind.
Having worked with Habitat-related initiatives during his years with Lowe’s, Tony was already familiar with the organization’s mission. The opportunity to combine his retail background with work that directly benefits local families was something he couldn’t ignore.
“This is totally different retail,” he said.
For Tony, the difference comes down to purpose.
“I’m not selling for profit now,” he explained. “I’m selling to keep a roof over somebody’s head or to put a roof over somebody’s head.”
That mission-centered mindset has quickly become one of his favorite parts of the job.
Every day brings new people through the doors—customers searching for a unique find, donors dropping off items they no longer need and volunteers generously giving their time.
Tony especially enjoys getting to know the store’s regular shoppers.
“I get to spend time with my customers,” he said. “I get to talk to them.”
He’s already started learning what certain customers look for and pointing them toward newly arrived items that might catch their eye.
Then there are the donations.
If there’s one thing Tony has learned about the ReStore, it’s that you never know what might come through the door next.
From quality furniture to unexpected collectibles, the variety continues to surprise him.
“You never know what’s coming in that door,” he said. “No two days are the same.”
He’s been equally impressed by the people behind the scenes.
“The volunteers have been great,” Tony said. “It has just been so welcoming since I’ve come in here.”
That welcoming atmosphere is something he hopes everyone experiences, whether they’re shopping, donating, or volunteering.
As a manager, Tony believes leadership starts by pitching in.
He prefers working alongside his team rather than directing from a distance. Whether that means cleaning, organizing, stocking shelves, or helping customers, he’s happy to jump in wherever needed.
“I’m part of the workforce,” he said.
It’s a philosophy that has guided him throughout his career and one that fits naturally within the ReStore culture.
For all the unique items, great deals and friendly conversations, Tony is quick to remind people that the ReStore exists for a larger purpose.
Sometimes shoppers see a discounted piece of furniture or a bargain appliance without realizing what their purchase helps make possible.
“They don’t understand where all those dollars are going,” Tony said. “We’re trying to build an affordable home for somebody.”
For him, that’s what makes every day meaningful.
When asked what he hopes to accomplish at the Williamsburg ReStore, Tony’s answer is simple.
“Getting more roofs over people’s heads.”
It’s a straightforward goal, but one that captures exactly why he decided to come out of retirement.
After a career in ministry, decades in retail leadership and a retirement that wasn’t supposed to end quite so soon, Tony has found himself in a place where experience and purpose come together.
And for him, that’s been well worth the return to work.
