Peter Hlynsky, CEO of MEC: The Epic Journey Home – How Canada’s Iconic Outdoor Retailer Reclaimed Its Heritage and Charts New Trails

Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) CEO and now co-owner Peter Hlynsky joins me for an exclusive interview and discusses the iconic Canadian outdoor retailer’s remarkable journey from student van sales to a 21-store cooperative through private equity ownership and back to Canadian hands. He shares MEC’s unique employee culture, where staff test gear on paid “Rad Days,” the successful transition from co-op to company while maintaining member benefits and loyalty, and looks forward to growth opportunities as he and his partners Tim Gu and MEC’s Chief Merchandising Officer Chris Speyer balance branded and private label merchandise, authentic customer service and staying focused on core retail competencies.