Meet Alex Spangler, Director of Knowledge Services, whose 10-year career at ReturnPro has taken him from repairing televisions to supporting an enterprise-scale software solution. Along the way, Alex has turned his tinkering nature and problem-solving perspective into a unique and unexpected journey. In this edition of Perspectives, we highlight how ReturnPro’s culture lends itself to nurturing our talent from within.
ReturnPro is made up of more than 2000 diverse teammates across the globe operating under one vision: to revolutionize returns. With experts in every field, from software and engineering to e-commerce and supply chain, we want to highlight the skilled teammates who elevate this company’s mission every day. Each month, we’ll hand over the metaphorical mic to a new ReturnPro teammate so you can better understand who we are and how we continually evolve as leaders in the industry.
Take it away, Alex…
Growing up in rural North Carolina, I was always a hands-on problem solver. If something broke, you fixed it. If something didn’t exist, you built it. That mindset naturally led me down a technical path. I enrolled in a local community college and earned an associate’s degree in electrical engineering.
My first job after graduating required a long commute to Charlotte. It didn’t take long to realize the work didn’t align with my interests, and the travel was wearing me down. Around that time, my dad shared a job posting for a new warehouse opening nearby that specialized in television repairs. I decided to apply. I interviewed with Peter Mathis and walked into a 500,000-square-foot facility filled from floor to ceiling with TVs. It was my first real introduction to returns management and the beginning of my journey with ReturnPro.
I was hired as a technician. A few months in, as processes were being refined and operations scaled up, we needed a lead technician. I applied, and in a move that speaks to ReturnPro’s values, they promoted me from within. That promotion was a turning point. It was my first leadership role, and I suddenly had to learn how to manage, not just solve technical problems.
Thankfully, I had support from Peter and other leaders who took the time to mentor and guide me, and not long after, I was offered the Technical Supervisor role. At that same time, the business was expanding rapidly. The R1 software platform was still new, and we had a significant backlog to tackle. The entire team pitched in wherever needed—unloading trucks, driving forklifts, checking in shipments, and fulfilling orders. We were working seven days a week, and I was learning what it meant to lead through action and example. That experience gave me a foundation I rely on today.
About a year into my time at ReturnPro, the General Manager, Ron Divers, was looking for an assistant. I decided to throw my hat in the ring. I was just 22 at the time, but they took a chance on me. That opportunity changed everything.
For the next two years, I focused on building strong relationships with my team and developing a deep understanding of R1. I became heavily involved behind the scenes, contributing to new program rollouts and software enhancements that helped shape the platform we know today. When ReturnPro began developing its Operations Support division, they needed someone with both technical and team experience to lead the new support function. I stepped up.
This new role was more than just career growth; it opened experiences I never imagined. I flew on a plane for the first time. I traveled across the U.S. and Canada, visiting ReturnPro sites and working with diverse teams. I helped implement and support R1 as it evolved into a full-scale warehouse management system.
When Peter established the Tier 1 Product Support team in Miami, I was offered the manager role. There was one condition: I had to relocate. It was a big decision, but one I didn’t hesitate to make. A few weeks later, I was on the road to Miami, ready for the next chapter.
My time at ReturnPro has been transformational. In just a few short years, I went from technician to Director of Knowledge Services. Working with Peter Mathis (Director of Support Services), Larry Velman (Executive Vice President of Technology), and Sender Shamiss (CEO), we launched what is now known as the Support Services Department, where I have taken on the Knowledge base portion with SOP and technical writing upheld by Aysia Drachenberg (Senior Technical Writer). I’ve been fortunate that I have worked on projects that challenged me, learned from leaders who believed in me, and helped build systems that continue to scale as the company grows.
What sets ReturnPro apart for me is the culture. This is a company that recognizes and invests in its people. I’ve personally experienced the value of being seen, not just as an employee, but as someone with potential. I’ve been given room to grow, fail, learn, and succeed. And I’ve watched as others around me have done the same.
ReturnPro doesn’t just promote from within, it builds careers from the ground up. Looking back, I never imagined my path would take me here. I’m in a city I never expected, in a role I couldn’t have dreamed up, working alongside some of the most talented and dedicated people I’ve ever met.
The journey has been unexpected, but incredibly rewarding. And as we continue to evolve and expand, I have no doubt that the next 10 years at ReturnPro will be just as exciting, for me and for the next generation of team members ready to grow.
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