If you look back on Patti Clark’s life, it all seems to have led to this—celebrating the 10-year anniversary of her multi-faceted business, The Happy Thrifter LLC. From her first job in newspaper advertising to a corporate position at Goodwill Manasota in Mission
Services, her skills and entrepreneurial spirit coalesced into a thriving resale shopping enterprise.
Originally from Kansas City, Clark sold her medical equipment business and moved to the Sarasota area in 2002. Before that, her career had always centered on marketing and media, beginning with her first post-college job as a newspaper advertising manager. Prior to launching The Happy Thrifter, she served as Neighborhood Resource Marketing Director at Goodwill Manasota.
Then, during the 2008 recession, Clark was laid off. She considered a Goodwill store management role but knew it wasn’t the right fit. A lifelong entrepreneur, she had also been selling vintage clothing on eBay since 1997—long before thrifting was trendy.
As Clark thrifted from Sarasota to Naples, shop owners recognized her, and shoppers kept asking for recommendations. Her friends wanted in too, but her car was unreliable. “The joke was, one day I’ll just rent a bus,” she said. A simple idea—making a brochure—soon grew into something bigger. Her love for resale shopping and marketing skills turned it into a full-blown business.
In 2016 The Happy Thrifter became an LLC. The following year, Clark launched "The Happy Thrifter Resale Guide Newspaper" and introduced the now-iconic Mystery Resale Shopping Bus Tours, taking thrifters to undisclosed locations for a day of exclusive deals and camaraderie. Since then, the business has expanded to 70,000 printed guides annually, thrifting cruises with Royal Caribbean, and a growing network of resale merchants from North Central Florida to Naples.
Beyond offering great shopping opportunities, The Happy Thrifter has had a real economic impact, contributing over $436,000 back into local communities.
Widowed two years ago, Clark now finds fulfillment in connecting with others, building friendships through thrifting, and expanding The Happy Thrifter’s reach. “I’m an extrovert, a connector,” she says. “And I love bringing people together.”