Major John Aren has recently retired after twenty-seven years of Salvation Army Officership. John’s last sixteen years were spent in Rehabilitation and Thrift, where his teams generated over $400 million in store revenue. Most recently overseeing the operations in the Chicago-area, he led a 26-store system that included the Army’s single highest grossing store, a $7+ million location. He operated with a quest to make the industry as green and sustainable as possible through redistribution and recycling efforts.
His primary passion is demonstrated through the acronym S.A.M.! – SAVE others from the entrapment of stagnation, ASSIMILATE groups of purpose and success, and MOBILIZE the disenfranchised in a manner that enhances their personal sense of worth and purpose.
John holds a master’s degree from Olivet Nazarene University and resides in Metro Detroit with his wife, Julie. In his spare time, John is an active musician in several groups and an avid brass band enthusiast. In addition to his work at Arthur Alley, John offers a variety of thrift and resale services through his own agency, SydAdele.