Leon Gorman

Date of Birth: December 20, 1934

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: September 3, 2015

Biography

Leon Gorman was an influential American businessman best known for his role as the President and later the Chairman of the iconic outdoor retail company L.L.Bean. Born into the family that founded the company, Gorman played a crucial role in transforming L.L.Bean from a regional outfitter to a nationally recognized brand. He began his career at L.L.Bean in 1961, initially working in various departments to understand the business comprehensively. In 1967, he succeeded his grandfather, Leon Leonwood Bean, as president of the company. Under his leadership, L.L.Bean experienced significant growth, expanded its product line, and embraced catalog and online sales, ensuring the company remained competitive in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. Leon Gorman was also known for his commitment to environmental conservation and corporate social responsibility.

5 Interesting Facts about Leon Gorman

1. Leon Gorman was a graduate of Bowdoin College, where he majored in economics.

2. Under his leadership, L.L.Bean’s annual sales grew from $4.75 million in 1967 to over $1 billion by 2001.

3. He was an avid outdoorsman, with a particular passion for fly fishing and hiking, which influenced L.L.Bean’s product offerings.

4. Gorman authored a book titled “L.L. Bean: The Making of an American Icon,” which chronicles the history of the company and his experiences leading it.

5. He was a strong advocate for employee welfare and introduced profit-sharing plans and health benefits for L.L.Bean employees.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Leon Gorman

1. “The growth of L.L.Bean has always been based on our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.”

2. “A business is only as good as its people, and I have always considered our employees to be our greatest asset.”

3. “Conservation and responsible use of natural resources are not just good business practices; they are essential for our survival.”

4. “The outdoors is not just a place to sell products; it’s a place where people find joy, challenge, and solace.”

5. “Leadership is about setting a vision and creating an environment where people can achieve it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Leon Gorman’s net worth was estimated to be around $400 million, largely derived from his stake in L.L.Bean.

Children

Leon Gorman had three children with his wife, Lisa Gorman: Jeff Gorman, Jennifer Gorman, and Andy Gorman. All three have had varying degrees of involvement with the family business and other professional endeavors.