Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Stepping into the Build-A-Bear office successful St. Louis, Missouri, I was eager to beryllium down pinch Sharon Price John, the CEO who has transformed the institution since taking the helm successful 2013. With complete 550 locations crossed 25 countries and a banal that has skyrocketed astir 700% since Covid, it's clear that Build-A-Bear is nary mean unit brand. My speech pinch Sharon was not conscionable astir plush toys — it was astir leadership, adaptability and the powerfulness of marque reinvention.
Related: How a 'Family-Vibe' Helped This Entrepreneur Build a $938 Million Business
From the outset, Sharon exuded a heavy knowing of branding. She said astir really financial struggles tin beryllium fixed, but a anemic marque is acold much difficult to move around. When she stepped into Build-A-Bear, it wasn't the marque that was surgery — it was the business model. Retail was declining, ecommerce was rising, and the recession was caller connected everyone's mind — forcing the institution to rethink its strategy. Instead of fighting against change, she leaned into it, expanding the company's digital presence, forming high-profile partnerships and ensuring Build-A-Bear remained culturally relevant.
One of the astir striking aspects of our speech was her accuracy connected change. She acknowledged that failure is often the biggest catalyst for transformation. The institution had to pivot from being a mall-based retailer for kids to a multi-dimensional marque that catered to a wider demographic. From strategical licensing deals pinch Pokémon and Star Wars to the description into integer contented and ecommerce, Sharon made it clear that Build-A-Bear was nary longer conscionable astir making teddy bears — it was astir creating experiences.
Beyond business strategy, Sharon besides had a individual relationship to the affectional broadside of the brand. When I went done the bear-building process myself — signaling a heartfelt connection for my girl — I was reminded why Build-A-Bear is specified a beloved brand. The institution doesn't conscionable waste stuffed animals; it sells nostalgia, relationship and memories. Sharon understands this amended than anyone, and her activity reflects a blend of business acumen and emotional intelligence.
As we wrapped up, I was near pinch a profound respect for her leadership. She's not conscionable moving a institution — she's shaping its early successful a measurement that ensures it remains applicable for generations. She whitethorn not beryllium the founder, but she carries the aforesaid passion and imagination that galore founders do. In an era wherever unit is perpetually evolving, Build-A-Bear isn't conscionable surviving — it's thriving, acknowledgment to a CEO who embraces change, invention and the magic of quality connection.
Related: How OLIPOP's CEO Is Taking connected Big Soda — and Winning
English (US) · 
Indonesian (ID) ·