OUR STORY
Founded in 1999 in Seattle Washington, USAgain started with a mission to create a better world where PEOPLE and PLANET are given the value and priority they deserve. Through the collections of gently used textiles, we provide communities with a convenient and eco-friendly option to rid themselves of excess clothing, which is diverted from landfills. By exporting clothes and shoes to struggling countries we generate revenue, create green jobs here in the US and abroad and help to improve the well-being of people around the world. By putting clothes back in the use cycle, we conserve precious natural resources and limit the emission of greenhouse gases to fight Global Warming and the Climate Crisis.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to be a global leader in the secondhand clothing industry, creating value for PEOPLE, PLANET, and PROFIT.
- For PEOPLE, we support communities by making sustainable fashion accessible and fostering ethical business practices.
- For PLANET, we conserve resources and actively combat climate change by extending the life cycle of clothing.
- For PROFIT we sustain our operations and growth, ensuring long-term impact and innovation in the industry.
Our mission aligns with the growing efforts of municipalities and local governments to keep good, reusable textiles in circulation and promote a culture of reuse. As cities adopt circular economy initiatives, our collection points provide a proven, convenient solution for communities to extend the life of clothing and shoes. By collaborating with local sustainability programs, we help increase textile reuse, support resource conservation, and contribute to positive environmental change at the community level—all while reducing the burden on traditional waste management systems.
Today, USAgain:
At USAgain, we are committed to making reuse the norm by providing communities with a modern, sustainable solution for extending the life of clothing. Our dedicated team and expansive operations allow us to make a real impact every day.
- A Team of 145+ Passionate Members – Driving innovation and sustainability across our nine divisions.
- Operating in 15 States – Expanding access to convenient textile collection solutions nationwide.
- Managing Thousands of Collection Points – Making clothing reuse easy and accessible for communities.
- Championing Environmental Responsibility – Reducing fashion’s footprint and supporting a circular economy.
- Extending the Life of Clothing – Keeping quality textiles in use longer to conserve resources.
- Sponsoring Tree Planting Initiatives– Planting trees for every 10 bags collected to promote a greener future.
With a strong environmental mission and a nationwide presence, USAgain continues to lead the way in sustainable textile reuse and conservation.
Our Leadership:
Mattias Wallander - CEO
Born and raised in Sweden, Mattias Wallander embarked on a journey into humanitarian work at 19. To finance his travels and pursue his passion, he accepted a position collecting secondhand in Sweden. While in Namibia, he helped establish secondhand shops to fund and start a reforestation project there. Over the next seven years, Mattias trained and led US American volunteers to development work in Central America and Africa and learned the importance of a collective approach.
As CEO at USAgain since 2000, Mattias has played a pivotal role in fostering a robust vision. Under his leadership, the company has expanded into 12 states, implementing effective strategies to enhance textile diversion. Mattias is passionate about the increasing knowledge and understanding of the important choices that our generation, the Change Generation, must make for life to prevail on a livable planet.
In 2013, USAgain forged a partnership with Tree for the Future, sponsoring millions of tree plantings. Grounded in core values, Mattias now focuses propelling USAgain into an Open Future by growing its impacts for People and Planet, creating jobs domestically and internationally, and instilling hope for a better future.
On a personal level, Mattias spends his free time getting out in nature. Cycling, hiking, kayaking, camping, and spending time with his family.
Thomas Gregersen - COO
Born in Norway, Thomas Gregersen harbored numerous aspirations. He embarked on his academic journey by pursuing a degree in Psychology at the University of Osio at the age of 21. He then decided to take a sabbatical and immersed himself in humanitarian work, constructing elementary schools in the rural areas of Guinea Bissau in West Africa. This transformative experience led him to forsake a return to the University in favor of a dedicated pursuit of humanitarian endeavors.
For two decades, Thomas contributed to Development Aid with People to People, initially in Norway and later in Sweden, ultimately serving as the CEO/Chairman of the organization in Sweden. This role focused on clothing collection, sorting centers, and secondhand stores. In 2002, he joined USAgain, initially overseeing collections in NY and PA, later expanding his responsibilities to include Atlanta, GA, Denver, CO, and San Diego, CA. Since 2016, Thomas has held the position of COO at the company, headquartered in West Chicago.
Thomas is passionate about USAgain's mission and vision, aiming to amplify its impact by expanding the company. His objective is to grow clothing collections nationwide, establish thrift stores, and extend the reach of USAgain to other countries worldwide.