Today we have one of the most innovative broads in the history of retail: Maxine Clark! Maxine is the founder of Build-A-Bear! For those of you who do not know what Build-A-Bear is, it’s a place where you can make your own bear or stuffed animal. You can pick from a variety of options, you can name the bear, get a birth certificate and put a unique heart with a wish inside. Each bear comes with its own coding so if the bear is lost and returned to Build-A-Bear the company can locate the owner. This billion dollar business has over 400 build-a-bear workshops worldwide.
Show Notes:
What is the story behind the “red pencil”? Where did Maxine work before Build-A-Bear came to life? Was there a business plan? How did she finance her first store? What should be included in a business plan? How important is packaging? What is her next big thing?Resources:
The Bear Necessities of Business: Building a Company with Heart
