Heroes of The COVID Crisis: How Marc Perlman of Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), Donated Millions of Dollars Of Critical Supplies to People In Need During The Pandemic

An Interview With Phil La Duke

I think heroes have the ability to recognize a problem exists, assemble resources to address the problem, and most importantly they take action.

As part of my series about people who stepped up to make a difference during the COVID19 Pandemic, I had the pleasure of interviewing Marc Perlman, co-founder and CEO of Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), a closeout retailer based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Marc was born in New York City, grew up on Long Island, graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1969, and co-founded OSJL with his brother Alan and a college friend in 1977. He has led OSJL to great success through entrepreneurial passion and creativity. Today, OSJL generates over $750 million in annual sales across 140 stores in nine states. Marc is also a serial entrepreneur and angel investor, involved in a broad range of businesses and industries, both domestically and internationally, including high-tech water purification, restaurants, auto dealerships, soap manufacturing, pet supplies, fitness…