Build-A-Bear Workshop
Background
Founded in St. Louis in 1997 by proven retail executive, Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop has become the world leader in interactive retailing. In 1998, Bill Reisler and Jeff Teeven visited the first store in St. Louis and participated in the first institutional round of investment in the Company through their predecessor firm, KCEP. The business grew substantially over the next six years, culminating in a successful IPO (NYSE: BBW) in 2004. The Senior Research Analyst leading the transaction was Richard Baum, at the time with CSFB. KCEP sold its interest in BBW within the first year following the IPO. Richard and Bill continue their involvement with Maxine and the Company.
Strategy
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the only global company that offers an interactive “make your own stuffed animal” retail-entertainment experience. The Company currently operates more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshop® stores worldwide, including company-owned stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and France, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. The Company is focused on expanding its dominant North American retail position worldwide as a multi-channel consumer brand.
Involvement
Bill Reisler is a Director of the Company. Richard Baum is an Advisor to the Company.