December 30, 2022

Howard’s, the Southern California independent appliance retailer, has announced two executive promotions —  Michelle Nein as president and Stacy Leiker as chief operating officer.

Nein was elected to her new position by Howard’s Board of Directors, on which she has served since 2021. She gained industry knowledge working for BSH Home Appliances Division overseeing the brand strategy, creative and key launches for the Thermador brand and held leadership roles within corporate marketing and ecommerce for brands such as Starbucks, Coca-Cola, ASICS, RJ Reynolds, KIA and Hyundai. Nein joined Howard’s in 2019 leading efforts in marketing, eCommerce and customer acquisition.

“I am committed to extending Howard’s customer-centric approach,” said Nein. “As president, I will focus our efforts on enhancing the retail appliance shopping experience through the launch of seamless new tools for customers to shop, track their orders, and receive effortless delivery and installation.” 

In addition to maintaining strong brand partnerships and expanding Howard’s product assortment, Nein’s primary goals include implementing business strategies designed to increase market share and continued growth of existing stores. She will also focus on new customer acquisition and retention, launching Howard’s new personalized delivery and installation program, and continuing the roll-out of the new customer experience in the stores. She will also focus attention to continued expansion into underserved markets across the Western United States. 

“Michelle has inspired the organization to improve and simplify the customer experience at Howard’s,” said John Riddle, Howard’s CEO. “She spearheaded our original Genesis Team to develop our Revolutionary Appliance Retail Experience (RARE), a streamlined, friction-free shopping experience featuring innovative digital technologies that have led to new, creative ways for customers to make purchasing decisions.” 

Leiker boasts a 31-year career in the appliance retail industry with experience in numerous areas of company operations, including human resources, inventory management, payroll, enterprise resource planning and logistics. After previously serving as Howard’s chief information officer and corporate secretary, Leiker will now oversee store renovations, experience center expansions and third-party partnerships, such as logistics and customer service. 

“Stacy has served at Howard’s for 31 years, joining the company at its La Habra store location while in high school,” said Riddle. “She has worked in almost every area of the company, and as COO, Stacy is positioned to work hand-in-hand with Michelle to lead Howard’s to the next level. Both Michelle and Stacy work at our corporate headquarters in La Habra, are longtime residents of Orange County, and are currently serving as board members.” 

With these executive promotions, Howard’s anticipates capturing 10-15% of the Southern California appliance retail market by 2024 and is well-positioned for regional development across the Western United States into new markets. In addition to its large showrooms located throughout Southern California, Howard’s is on the fast track to roll out additional Experience Centers including the recent opening of Agoura Hills and Murrieta in 2023.