From trekking through Europe after college to years as an executive at a leading outdoor recreation corporation, Brian Unmacht has involved himself in the outdoor scene, including making charitable donations to the environmental stewardship cause. However, Unmacht got his start in the business world during his college years working at his father’s drug store. He later became chief executive officer of another drug store chain. Unmacht is known for his excellent customer service skills and marketing savvy.
In 1986, Brian Unmacht started with the outdoor adventure and recreation retail cooperative, Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI) as a store supervisor. During the next 22 years, Unmacht rose through the retail ranks. Among his leadership roles are regional district manager, director of retail operations, and the retail division’s senior vice president. REI promoted him to executive status when the cooperative named Unmacht executive vice president of sales, service, store development, and logistics. Once an executive at REI, Unmacht began to serve on the board of directors as first vice chairman for the Outdoor Industry Association. The Outdoor Industry Association recognized Unmacht as responsible for all aspects of REI private label and third-party vendor products, including supply chain and distribution logistics.
A 2006 business report noted that under Brian Unmacht’s guidance as senior vice president of sales, service, and store development REI became a leading outdoor e-commerce retailer. The company’s website offered more than 78,000 products spanning an excess of 45,000 pages. The website also offered an online community of outdoor enthusiasts product descriptions, equipment advice, learning clinics, and travel services.
In 2010, Brian Unmacht joined the board of directors at Bartell Drugs, the company he would eventually lead. He also served on boards at the non-profits American Rivers and Earthcorps. The Washington Wildlife and Recreational Coalition recognized Unmacht as a Leadership Circle donor in its Individual category. The coalition is a non-profit that works to educate the public and influencers about the importance of protecting Washington’s outdoor resources.
REI promoted Brian Unmacht to chief operating officer in 2012, citing his substantial contributions to the company’s growth in his prior 26 years with them. The role put Unmacht in charge of retail, merchandising, private label branding, information technology and e-commerce, and the supply chain.
For a brief period in 2013, Unmacht served as interim chief executive officer. He filled the position after CEO Sally Jewell left the company to pursue other avenues in March. Unmacht stepped down in October 2013 when Jerry Stritzke permanently filled the position.
Brian Unmacht left REI to join Bartell Drugs in 2013 when the chain named him president and chief executive officer. Bartell Drugs is a family-owned company comprised of 62 stores and based in Seattle. This was the first time in its 125-year operation that anyone outside the Bartell family lead as chief executive officer. Unmacht resigned from the company in April 2017 with the intention of seeking other professional opportunities.
