About Us

Our Principals

John McBain

John McBain is Gear Stores Inc.’s President and CEO. He began his career in retailing, working for numerous brands including The Gap, where he was one of the youngest associates ever to complete its management training program.

After managing numerous independent retailers, he transitioned into manufacturing, focusing on business operations, purchasing and production at two high tech instrumentation companies based in the Bay Area.

After moving to Southern California, he became the Facilities, Purchasing and Operations Manager at Teletech, the world’s largest operator of call centers. He successfully managed the firm’s consolidation from three separate locations into a newly-constructed 110,000 square foot, fully-automated, secure facility. 

Ready to strike out on his own, he and a business partner started a white-glove furniture installation and storage business. He focused on the firm’s operations and management while his partner handled sales and service. After a few years, he sold his interest in the firm and moved to Palm Springs to start his own company.

In 2005, John opened Gear in Palm Springs. From the beginning, he filled the store with the very best products from the world’s leading gear makers, creating a department store for the fetish world. He differentiated the store by its commitment to product knowledge, insisting that all associates not only be able to advise customers on their selections, but also educate them on how to use and care for what they purchase.

John’s proven leadership in purchasing, manufacturing, distributing, operations and retail puts Gear Stores on a solid trajectory for success. He understands what customers want to buy. He understands how vendors want to be treated. Most of all, he knows how to get quality products delivered into the hands of the consumer.

Email John at john@gearstoresinc.com.

Ken Blochowski

Ken Blochowski is Gear Stores Inc.’s Marketing Director. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where he earned an honors degree in marketing and consumer behavior. Afterwards, he entered Saks Fifth Avenue’s prestigious Executive Training Program. It was at Saks that first became a successful merchant, ultimately managing a multi-million dollar portfolio of prominent luxury brands for the firm.

An accomplished program manager, event producer, graphic designer and publicist, he spent sixteen years in the alumni relations, student affairs and executive education divisions of The University of Michigan. He also earned a Masters in Public Administration from that institution’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

Ken is an alumni member of ICON Detroit, past president of Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert and a founder of the Desert Fetish Authority.

Ken uses his producing and design skills to advocate for LGBT+ causes, raise funds for charities, and of course, promote Gear Stores Inc. He passionately believes that everyone has the right to lead a creative, adventurous and deeply fulfilling life.

 Email Ken at ken@gearstoresinc.com.