Bradenton-based retail chain names new CEO. It’s his family’s business

For just the fourth time in more than a century, Beall’s Inc. has a new CEO.

Robert Matthews (Matt) Beall III took over the helm of the retail giant on Dec. 6.

As retailers struggle with the brick and mortar business model in the digital age, Beall’s continues to thrive since the first store opened in 1915 in downtown Bradenton.

Beall is the great-grandson of the store’s founder, Robert Matthews Beall, Sr.

Egbert Beall joined the business in 1940 and Robert Beall II led the company from 1980 through 2006 and then remained as the company’s board chairman until his retirement in 2017.

Matt Beall worked in the west Bradenton Beall’s store as a sales associate, working his way through college and eventually graduated from the University of Florida in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in business.

He took a brief break for two years while working for Ross Stores in Manhattan before returning to Florida to earn his MBA from Stetson University.

Beall returned to the family business in 2004 and has worked his way up the ladder for the past 15 years, beginning as an assistant buyer and eventually store manager.

“His experience includes working in nearly every corporate function including buying, planning, marketing, exclusive brands, finance, logistics and store operations. Most recently Matt has served as President of Beall’s Stores,” the press release states.

Beall takes over the CEO position from Steve Knopik, who was the first non-family member to lead the company. Knopik served as CEO since 2006 and will remain with the company as its executive chairman.

“Matt Beall is a brilliant and decisive executive who cares deeply about our company, associates and guests,” Knopik said. “The board, the senior leadership team and I have great confidence that he will guide us to even greater heights in the future.”