- Alissa Madeia
- Posted on
At Really Good Stuff, some of our most impactful stories come from the team members who’ve shaped our brand from behind the scenes, embodying our values and living our mission through their work everyday. Today, we’re spotlighting Marie D’Ostilio—an integral member of the RGS team whose 21 years with the company have supported the development of countless educational resources that teachers trust every day. Her commitment to serving educators and empowering the next generation of learners is nothing short of inspiring, and we’re honored to have had her as a part of the RGS family for so many years.
From Temporary Help to a Career of Impact
Marie first walked through the doors of Really Good Stuff in January 2004 as a temporary customer service hire brought on to help during the busy season. While the role was only expected to last a short period of time, Marie quickly made an impression—and when a role opened in product development sourcing and purchasing, she seized the opportunity. That leap turned into a full-time offer and a new path.
After years of working in retail merchandising while raising her kids, the temporary gig was meant to be a steppingstone. Instead, it became a career that allowed her to grow, learn, and contribute to products that help students and teachers across the country.
Supporting Products That Make a Difference
Marie spent 12 years in purchasing before moving into a dual role in product development and sourcing. While she wasn’t designing products directly, she was instrumental in coordinating the behind-the-scenes processes—managing specs, selecting materials, communicating with vendors, and overseeing key steps in the product timeline.
Her favorite projects include the Family Engagement Kits and Learning Success Kits, which were developed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. These kits were created in response to immediate needs and helped support students and families learning at home—something Marie found deeply rewarding to be part of.
A Commitment to Growth
Marie takes great pride in the opportunities she had to grow within the company. While working in purchasing, she attended training through the American Management Association (AMA), completing courses in purchasing fundamentals and inventory control. She also took advanced courses in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to strengthen her technical skills.
In more recent years, Marie continued to embrace learning by becoming proficient in systems like STEP, JDA, Tableau, and the upgraded S2K. These experiences not only enhanced her day-to-day work but also played a significant role in her continued advancement throughout her career at Really Good Stuff.
What Comes Next?
After 21 years of collaboration, innovation, and steady leadership, Marie is officially retiring this month. To kick off her next chapter, she’s heading to Ireland this May with her sister-in-law and her husband. The trip is extra special—they’re both celebrating 45 years of marriage!
Saying Goodbye the RGS Way
When asked what she’ll miss the most about working at Really Good Stuff, Marie’s answer was simple: “The people.”
To celebrate her last day on April 30th, the team gathered for a retirement party filled with laughter, memories, and heartfelt goodbye. Below is a look at the team she’ll miss—and the people who will certainly miss her too.
Thank You, Marie!
Marie’s work helped bring to life products that support educators across the country—and her impact will be felt long after she moves on to her next adventure.
From all of us at Really Good Stuff, thank you, Marie. We’re grateful for everything you’ve brought to our team!
