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Beall's reaches outside family for new CEO

Bob Beall II, the third-generation chief executive, decides to change his focus.

By MARK ALBRIGHT
Published August 8, 2006

Bob Beall II, third generation of the same family to head a 91-year-old Bradenton-based retailing empire, has named nonfamily member Steve Knopik to take over as chief executive officer.

"I intend to stay involved as an executive chairman," said Beall, 63, whose family controls closely held Beall's Inc. "But the company's in good shape, and I think it's time I begin to scale back."

The move has been expected for some time. Beall, which is pronounced "bell," has been focusing on long-term strategic issues and spending more of his time as a board member of SunTrust Banks Inc., FPL Group Inc. and Florida Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

Knopik, 50, has been president and chief operating officer of Beall's for eight years. A University of Florida accounting graduate, Knopik was introduced to Beall's as part of the company's outside auditing team, then was hired as chief financial officer 20 years ago.

Beall, his sisters Beverly and Adrian and several cousins control the company that generated $1.23-billion in revenue in the fiscal year that ended July 31. Several other family members work there including Beall's cousin Conrad Szymanski, who is president of the 80-store department store unit, and more recently his son, Matt.

Founded in 1915 as the Dollar Limit Store by Beall's grandfather, the chain adopted the family name in 1946. After getting his MBA from New York University and gaining low-level management experience at B. Altman and at Bloomingdale's in New York, Bob Beall returned to work for his father, E.R. Beall, in 1970. Fourteen years later he took over a company with 30 department stores that catered mostly to retirees in small Florida towns. Annual revenue was $85-million.

Bob Beall rebuilt the company into a chain of 80 moderately priced apparel stores that cater to retirees and families and 486 Beall's Outlets that sell bargain-priced casual apparel across the Sun Belt.

Beall's Inc. has experimented with a chain of factory outlet stores called Just Labels and a chain of mall gift shops, but gave up both. Currently, the company is testing Coastal Home by Beall's, stores that specialize in home decor.

Mark Albright can be reached at albright@sptimes.com or 727 893-8252.

[Last modified August 8, 2006, 00:38:20]