About the Founder
Henrik Stepanyan
Henrik Stepanyan’s leadership story begins long before the boardroom.
Early Life
Born in Armenia, Henrik immigrated to the United States at the age of 10. Determined to adapt and succeed, he began working at just 11 years old, hanging flyers door to door for a local pizza shop. By 12, after teaching himself to read English fluently, he was selling candy door to door — learning early lessons in communication, resilience, and sales performance.
While balancing multiple jobs at a young age, Henrik joined the Glendale Police Explorer Program, further developing discipline, responsibility, and leadership skills that would shape his future.
At 16, he secured his first formal retail position at a sporting goods store in a local mall. But his ambitions were bigger.
Military Service
At 17, Henrik enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Over four years of honorable service, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and determination, earning the rank of Sergeant in just 30 months — a rare and highly accelerated achievement at the time.
His military experience forged the leadership philosophy he carries today: discipline, accountability, clarity of mission, and decisive execution.
Corporate Evolution
After completing his service, Henrik began his corporate career as a retail sales associate for a major nationwide furniture retailer. Within just two months on the sales floor, he became the #1 sales associate in the entire company.
Seeking greater responsibility, Henrik pursued leadership opportunities. He proactively approached executive leadership to manage the company’s “Model Store” for Southern California. Within one year, he was promoted to Area Manager. Two years later, he became the youngest Vice President in company history, taking responsibility for a $250 million region.
After seven years of continued success in the furniture industry, Henrik joined Sleep Number Corporation as an Area Manager, where he contributed to multiple company focus groups and strategic initiatives, further expanding his operational and retail leadership expertise.
He later joined Barbeques Galore as a Regional Manager during the early stages of a bankruptcy filing. Within one year, he was promoted to Vice President of Retail
Operations. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer.
Under Henrik’s leadership, the company executed a disciplined turnaround strategy. Within two years, Barbeques Galore returned to profitability — emerging stronger, leaner, and strategically positioned for sustainable growth.
Leadership Philosophy
Henrik Stepanyan believes that performance is engineered — not hoped for.
His 25+ years of executive leadership experience span startup environments, high-growth expansion, operational restructuring, and complex turnarounds. His approach blends military discipline with retail expertise, operational precision, and decisive strategic action.
He does not simply advise organizations — he leads them through transformation.
Today, as Founder of StepanyanGroup, Henrik partners with businesses ready to strengthen leadership, optimize operations, and drive measurable, sustainable results.