JR Janda

JR has worked in the outdoor retail industry for 13 years.  He began his career with REI as a part time Sales Specialist opening the Norwalk, Connecticut store in 2010.  He immediately fell in love with connecting people to the outdoors.  JR developed his career going from Operations Lead to Retail Sales Manager and then to Store Manager in several stores across Connecticut and New York.  JR moved to Maine in the fall of 2021 to open REI’s first location in the Pine Tree State and is focused on engaging employees, members and customers to help create equitable access to the outdoors, fight to protect our outdoor spaces, and promote a healthy active lifestyle through outdoor recreation.   

In his spare time, JR loves to backpack both the Cutler Coast and Baxter State Park, riding his bike on the carriage roads in Acadia and carrying a camera around to capture all the beauty Maine has to offer. 

What is your favorite piece of gear?

Definitely my Salsa gravel bike.