Today we’d like to introduce you to Collen Mayer.
Hi Collen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I studied engineering and business in school, which put me on a fairly traditional path. I started out in a corporate job, working long hours in a structured environment. But during that time, I began volunteering at a women’s shelter on my lunch breaks. I didn’t have any big expectations at first. I just thought I’d be helping out.
But what happened was deeper than that. I got to know the women. I listened to their stories. I started to understand the complexity of what led them to that shelter, and the strength it took just to show up each day. The more time I spent there, the harder it became to separate what I was doing at work from what I felt called to do.
Eventually, I made the decision to leave my corporate job. I cut my salary in half, took a role in the nonprofit world, and haven’t looked back since.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working across several organizations, each focused in some way on poverty, food insecurity, or homelessness. The environments have varied. Some were larger and more systems-focused. Others were small, community-rooted spaces. But in every setting, I’ve grown. I’ve learned from incredible mentors, from colleagues with deep compassion and creativity, and from books that helped me understand how systems can either support or fail people. But more than anything, I’ve learned from the individuals and families we’ve served. Their stories, their resilience, and their insights have shaped the way I think, lead, and show up in this work.
At the end of the day, any success I’ve had in the nonprofit leadership space has been because so many people have been generous with their time, their wisdom, and their belief in me. I carry that with me every day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve loved this work from the start. But it’s definitely not been smooth.
In this line of work, there is always more need than there are resources. Budgets stretch thin. Policy changes can bring disruption. And the demand for support keeps growing. There’s a daily tension between responding to urgent needs and building something that can last.
One personal challenge has been learning how to manage the emotional weight of it all. When you’re close to the work, it can be overwhelming. There are moments when the scale of need feels heavy. I’ve had to learn how to stay steady, to preserve energy for the long term without becoming numb or detached.
Another challenge, especially in leadership, is not drifting too far from the heart of the work. As a CEO, it’s easy to spend your time in meetings, working on budgets, talking strategy. And all of that matters. But for me, clarity and purpose come from staying close to the people we serve. When I’m connected to their stories, everything else falls into place. That’s what keeps the work honest.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Today, I serve as the CEO of The Store, a free grocery store located in Nashville started by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley. We provide individuals and families facing food insecurity with access to fresh, healthy food in a setting that feels more like a neighborhood market than a food pantry.
What makes The Store unique is our focus on customer choice and dignity. Shoppers walk through the aisles, pick what they need, and head out with groceries for the week. There’s no transaction, no stigma, just a sense of normalcy and respect. We also work closely with partners to offer wrap-around services like nutrition education, financial counseling, and support programs that aim to break the cycle of food insecurity in the long term.
As for what I bring to the table, I wouldn’t say I’m an expert in any one thing. I’m more of a generalist, someone who can see the big picture and help break it down into manageable steps. I do care deeply about the people I work with. I try to create a team culture where people feel encouraged, focused, and connected to the mission. I think I’m pretty good at helping people move in the same direction without losing their individual spark.
What I’m most proud of is the sense of community we’ve built. Volunteers, staff, partners, and shoppers all contribute to something larger than themselves. There’s a real sense of shared purpose, and that’s not easy to create.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
If I had to name one thing, I’d say it’s soft skills. The ability to genuinely care about people. To show up with energy and empathy. To listen well and respond thoughtfully.
Leadership, in my experience, is less about having the perfect plan and more about understanding people. Knowing what motivates them. Being present when it matters. Creating space where people feel seen and supported and helping them put their gifts into action for the good of the mission.
Enthusiasm goes a long way too. I try to bring warmth into every interaction, even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days. Whether I’m with our team, a donor, or a customer, I want people to feel like their presence matters.
Pricing:
- $45/monthly – To Sponsor an Individual’s Groceries
- $84/monthly – To Sponsor a Small Family’s Groceries
- $108/monthly – To Sponsor a Medium Family’s Groceries
- $150/monthly – To Sponsor a Large Family’s Groceries
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thestore.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestore_nashville/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStoreNashville/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/40849411/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2MWhKUez2aT5NxdwfIgrJQ
