Leon Gorman, who led L.L.Bean for four decades, dies
L.L.Bean
Leon Gorman, long-time leader of L.L. Bean, passed away Thursday.
Leon Gorman, 80, who led various parts of retailer L.L.Bean for more than four decades, died at his home in Yarmouth Thursday.
Gorman, a grandson of L.L.Bean, led a modernization of his family's outdoor clothing and gear retail business after the founder's death, according to an Associated Press report. Gorman died surrounded by family members after battling cancer for several months, the company said.
Gorman led the Freeport-based company as CEO or chairman for 46 years before retiring as chairman of the board in 2013. He retained the title of "chairman emeritus."
The AP noted that Gorman transformed L.L.Bean from a catalog company with a single retail store and 100 employees into a multi-channel retailer with more than 5,000 employees and sales topping $1.5 billion.
All the while, he stayed true to Bean's Yankee sense of value and customer service.
"Leon understood, in his bones, the power of what L.L. Bean stood for. By staying true to those core values while seeking out new opportunities and pursuing growth, he transformed L.L.Bean and American business," former Gov. John McKernan said when Gorman was honored by his alma mater, Bowdoin College, with its highest honor in 2010, the AP said.
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