Generosity in Service

Komos recently retired as Vice President of Merchandising at Nike (and previously at Gap). A graduate of Saint Louis University, he has played an integral role in the successful launch of the Jr. Bill Store. He shares his own perspectives in the following Q&A.

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What has led you back to SLUH to work on the Jr. Bill Store?
The Jr. Bill Store project marries my passion for running a branded retail business with my desire to foster the SLUH experience for others. Technology has allowed me to primarily participate remotely from my home in Portland, Oregon, while making integral contributions to the project.

What was your experience at SLUH like?
I loved attending SLUH. It provided both the academic foundation and the Ignatian spirituality that have served me throughout my life. It was a lot of coursework balanced with a lot of fun. I feel that same energy when I’m around the current students.

What would you consider to be your greatest achievement in SLUH?
The transformation of the Jr. Bill Store. Seeing the response from students, families and alumni reinforces that we are on a solid path to making a meaningful contribution to SLUH as a brand, an institution and a community.

What clubs/activities did you participate in at SLUH?
Cross Country, Track, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Russian Club, Lit Mag, Yearbook, Senior Homeroom Advisor, Senior Follies

What college did you attend and what did you major in?
Saint Louis University with a double major in Political Science and Russian Language; a minor in Russian and Eastern European Area Studies; and a certificate in Scientific Russian  Translation.

How would you describe your journey to becoming an executive for Gap and Nike?
I established basic skills in the compact environment of a Gap retail store that I was able to leverage, continue to develop and refine as my responsibilities broadened across geographies and markets, target customers and functions. As a result, I approach a business from a holistic brand perspective balanced with the specific customer brand experience.

I started in store management, which taught me the skills to manage and lead a team, focus on the customer, and run a business from an operations standpoint. Advancing in the Gap Merchandising function allowed me to develop skills leading cross-functional teams, develop and execute longer term strategies, and create overall product strategies that encompassed multiple geographies and customer types while adhering to the overall brand ethos. Roles in overall product leadership further developed my ability to help guide and work with creative functions, such as product and graphic design, marketing, stylists and photographers.

Ultimately, at both Gap and Nike, I worked to develop global marketplace product strategies for both brick-and-mortar stores and online storefronts that created a consistent global brand experience while addressing specific market product needs.

What skill should someone have to do what you do?
Ability to see opportunities, develop them into strategies and see them through execution.

What are some things that you have learned in retirement that have made you grateful?
I'm grateful for better understanding that there are multiple authentic paths to understanding truths and concepts. I'm grateful that having more time to spend experiencing the beauty and cycles of our natural world enables me to understand my connectedness to everyone and ground me in the present. I'm grateful that I'm increasingly aware that each day is a gift and an opportunity to execute your life with grace, regardless of what comes your way.

What would you consider to be your greatest achievement?
My greatest and most unexpected achievement is that I have been successful enough in my career to consistently give back to others, whether that be my family or the communities I have lived in over the years. I'm most proud of the Joseph A. Komos Memorial Scholarship I established at SLUH in memory of my father, Joe Komos '53.

What advice would you give a student who wants to go into business and marketing?
Get involved in a project or business to discover what you enjoy. Participate in different areas of the business to see what excites you. Follow where your passion leads you. I found my career fulfilling because I truly enjoyed what I was doing on a day-to-day basis.

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Questions by Christopher Lewis ‘24. An intern for the Jr. Bill Store, Christopher plays soccer, is Co-President of the Ignatian Business Leaders, a member of the National Honor Society, an Admission Ambassador and Rugby team manager. He hopes to major in marketing, finance or communications for his undergraduate degree, then possibly earn an MBA. Christopher has a strong interest in business and entrepreneurship. He says, “I hope to be a business owner or work in sports/entertainment or retail like the Jr. Bill Store.”