PETER NOVAHOM
Long Beach,CA
Summary
Results-driven Retail Operations Executive experienced in leading high-volume retail operations and achieving top-quartile performance. Delivered business growth and operational improvements through strategic execution, talent development, and community partnerships. Focused on fostering leadership pipelines and enhancing team collaboration to align with mission-driven goals.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
GENERAL MANAGER — REI BURBANK
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
Burbank
01.2017 - Current
- Lead a high-volume specialty retail operation with accountability for financial performance, operational execution, customer experience, community engagement, and leadership development.
- Manage a $25M annual-volume business with responsibility for sales, profitability, operating expenses, workforce planning, merchandising, inventory, and customer experience.
- Lead 100 employees, including 7 managers, while building a culture of accountability, inclusion, engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Ranked 12th highest-volume location within REI’s 200+ store network.
- Delivered consistent top-quartile annual performance results through disciplined execution, strategic planning, and leadership alignment.
- Achieved Top 10 member growth performance results through member engagement strategies, community partnerships, and customer experience initiatives.
- Developed 4 leaders into General Manager positions and 3 managers into retail operations leadership roles, enhancing leadership pipeline through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.
- Reduced year-over-year loss through partnership with Asset Protection teams, operational improvements, and collaboration with local law enforcement.
- Implemented BOLT inventory system, facilitating change management, training, and adoption to improve operational efficiency.
- Maintained exceptional standards in visual merchandising, price accuracy, promotional execution, and brand presentation.
- Established weekly leadership operating rhythms, aligning business expectations, performance recaps, action planning, and manager accountability.
- Deliver onboarding, training programs, and all-store meetings focused on strategy, change management, culture, and organizational mission.
GENERAL MANAGER — REI MANHATTAN BEACH
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
Manhattan Beach
01.2005 - 01.2017
- Led a key Southern California REI location with responsibility for business performance, leadership development, customer experience, and community engagement.
- Selected Accomplishments:
- Delivered top-quartile annual performance results through strong operational execution and team leadership.
- Earned REI Store of the Year recognition in 2005 and 2015.
- Built high-performing leadership teams through targeted coaching, mentoring, and effective succession planning, enhancing overall team effectiveness.
- Developed employees and managers through structured feedback, training, and career development.
- Created strong community partnerships through strategic events, fundraising, and outdoor programs, fostering local engagement and collaboration.
- Supported regional initiatives and organizational improvement efforts, contributing to enhanced operational alignment and community impact.
ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER — REI ALBUQUERQUE
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
Albuquerque
01.1999 - 01.2004
- Executed store operations in sales, staffing, merchandising, inventory management, and customer experience to enhance overall store performance.
- Coached and trained supervisors and associates, providing performance feedback to elevate team capabilities.
- Cultivated leadership skills among team members, facilitating their advancement to General Manager roles.
SUPERVISOR — REI NORTHRIDGE
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
Northridge
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Led frontline teams while managing daily specialty outdoor retail operations to ensure seamless customer experiences.
- Coached and trained employees to enhance customer service and foster a knowledgeable team.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring adherence to company policies and safety regulations.
- Trained and mentored team members on product knowledge and customer service excellence.
- Implemented inventory management systems, optimizing stock levels and minimizing shrinkage.
Skills
- Multi-Unit Retail Operations Regional Operations Leadership District Leadership
- P&L Management Business Strategy Sales Growth Financial Performance
- Change Management Operational Excellence Customer Experience
- Loss Prevention Asset Protection Inventory Management
- Talent Development Succession Planning Executive Communication
- Team Leadership
- Microsoft tools
Timeline
GENERAL MANAGER — REI BURBANK
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
01.2017 - Current
GENERAL MANAGER — REI MANHATTAN BEACH
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
01.2005 - 01.2017
ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER — REI ALBUQUERQUE
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
01.1999 - 01.2004
SUPERVISOR — REI NORTHRIDGE
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
01.1997 - 01.1999
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT
- Trained REI leaders across California and Colorado in Emotional Intelligence and Time Management.
- Supported development of REI Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy and organizational training initiatives.
- Helped launch Multicultural Communities for Mobility (MCM), a Los Angeles nonprofit nationally recognized for serving underserved communities.
- Led fundraising initiatives supporting the REI Cooperative Action Fund and Southern California nonprofit organizations.
- Built community engagement strategies through events, partnerships, fundraising, and outdoor access programs.
OPERATIONAL PROJECT LEADERSHIP
- Oversaw three store relocations and three major remodel projects across REI locations.
- Managed operational transitions, staffing plans, inventory movement, customer communication, and change management.
- Provided leadership oversight for full-service Bike and Ski Shop operations throughout a 29-year REI career (1997–2026).
- Managed specialty service environments requiring technical expertise, safety standards, workflow management, and customer education.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
REI Store of the Year Awards: 2004, 2005, 2015,
Anderson Leadership Award: 2015,
Certified Toastmaster,
Leadership EQ and Time Management Trainer — California & Colorado Regions