Pawsitive Impact Podcast

S2E6 | The Plush Life Experience

In this episode of Pawsitive Impact, Rob is joined by Jimmy and Keia to explore what makes The Bear Factory more than just a retail experience—it’s a memory-making adventure. They dive into the magic behind their integrated spaces, the heartwarming stuff-a-plush program, and how kids approach choosing their plush with surprising seriousness. The team highlights the educational value woven into the experience and how their approach sparks imagination, ownership, and joy. Plus, they introduce a fan favorite with big personality in a tiny package—Momo the Hedgehog!
1:09 - Experiential Retail
6:38 - Experience and Companionship
9:50 - Educational Aspect of the Experience
15:31 - MoMo the Hedgehog
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🐾 Dive into the heart of The Bear Factory as co-hosts Jerry and Jimmy reveal the inner workings of a plush business that has charmed the world for nearly a quarter of a century. Each episode, they share the secrets behind 25 years of crafting teddy bears with a mission, exploring the company’s ethos, and the meticulous artistry involved in creating each cuddly companion.
Show Notes:  
💻: https://thebearfactory.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBearFactoryllc/?wtsid=rdr_0sGHHU1RDYkTDhGWz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebearfactory_llc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebearfactoryllc  
General Inquiries: hello@thebearfactory.com
Shipping Inquiries: shipping@thebearfactory.com

S2E5 | Family, Fur-ever

In this heartwarming episode of Pawsitive Impact, Rob is joined by Jimmy and Keia McLain—VP of The Bear Factory, Jimmy’s wife, and Jerry’s daughter. The trio dives into family, legacy, and love, sharing what it was like for Keia to grow up inside the Bear Factory and how she and Jimmy’s relationship blossomed alongside the business. They reflect on the profound influence of Keia’s mom, Renee, and the values she instilled that continue to guide them. With their daughter Araya now part of the story, the episode offers a touching look at generational passion and future hopes.
1:30 - How Jimmy and Keia Met
8:50 - Serial Entrepreneur
17:15 - Renee's Legacy
19:25 - Second Generation Owners
23:22 Balancing Business and Family
_______________
🐾 Dive into the heart of The Bear Factory as co-hosts Jerry and Jimmy reveal the inner workings of a plush business that has charmed the world for nearly a quarter of a century. Each episode, they share the secrets behind 25 years of crafting teddy bears with a mission, exploring the company’s ethos, and the meticulous artistry involved in creating each cuddly companion.
 
Show Notes:  
💻: https://thebearfactory.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBearFactoryllc/?wtsid=rdr_0sGHHU1RDYkTDhGWz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebearfactory_llc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebearfactoryllc  
General Inquiries: hello@thebearfactory.com
Shipping Inquiries: shipping@thebearfactory.com

S2E4 | Stuff Happens: Navigating the Tariff Tumble

In this episode of Pawsitive Impact, Rob and Jimmy dive into the ever-evolving world of tariffs and what they mean for The Bear Factory and its customers. While the news may seem overwhelming, Jimmy reminds us there’s no need to panic. With 25 years of experience behind them, The Bear Factory has weathered storms before—and they’re approaching this one with cautious optimism. Tune in to hear how they’re communicating with partners, staying nimble amidst change, and keeping their sights set on a future full of fluff, fun, and continued impact.
 
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to the Heart of the Bear Factory01:10 The Tariff Rollercoaster03:19 Navigating Uncertainty05:54 Supply Chain Challenges09:22 The Reality of Manufacturing11:19 Understanding Tariff Stacking13:42 The Future of Pricing19:59 Making Tough Decisions22:41 A Plush with Purpose
 
_______________🐾 Dive into the heart of The Bear Factory as co-hosts Jerry and Jimmy reveal the inner workings of a plush business that has charmed the world for nearly a quarter of a century. Each episode, they share the secrets behind 25 years of crafting teddy bears with a mission, exploring the company’s ethos, and the meticulous artistry involved in creating each cuddly companion. Show Notes: 💻: https://thebearfactory.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBearFactoryllc/?wtsid=rdr_0sGHHU1RDYkTDhGWzInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebearfactory_llc/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebearfactoryllc General Inquiries: hello@thebearfactory.com Shipping Inquires: shipping@thebearfactory.com

S2E3 | Purr-sonal Touches

In this Pawsitive Impact episode, Jimmy and Jerry dive into the world of bear accessories and paw-sonalizations that make The Bear Factory’s creations extra special. From adorable outfits to heartfelt audio recorders, they’ve got it all to create meaningful connections. Jimmy shares how every stuffed animal comes with a QR code, providing easy tips for cleaning and caring, ensuring a lifetime of cuddles. Their mission? To create a paw-sitive experience for every child. With every stitch and accessory, The Bear Factory spreads joy—proving that running a feel-good business is more than fluff; it’s about heart.
 
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🐾 Dive into the heart of The Bear Factory as co-hosts Jerry and Jimmy reveal the inner workings of a plush business that has charmed the world for nearly a quarter of a century. Each episode, they share the secrets behind 25 years of crafting teddy bears with a mission, exploring the company’s ethos, and the meticulous artistry involved in creating each cuddly companion. Show Notes:
 
💻: https://thebearfactory.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBearFactoryllc/?wtsid=rdr_0sGHHU1RDYkTDhGWz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebearfactory_llc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebearfactoryllc
 
General Inquiries: hello@thebearfactory.com
Shipping Inquires: shipping@thebearfactory.com

S2E2 | New Year, Same Bear-titude

In this goal-setting episode of Pawsitive Impact, Jerry jokes about his 2025 mission—keeping Jimmy in line with his spending! The duo shares exciting plans, including welcoming back an old business partner, Jenny, whose unique design perspective adds fresh wisdom to The Bear Factory. They’re also aiming to achieve Green Master Status, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability. Reflecting on significant growth over the past five years, they remain optimistic despite a tough Christmas season in 2024. Jimmy lays out more of their ambitious goals, and together, they prove that with the right team, the future is always stuffed with possibilities.
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🐾 Dive into the heart of The Bear Factory as co-hosts Jerry and Jimmy reveal the inner workings of a plush business that has charmed the world for nearly a quarter of a century. Each episode, they share the secrets behind 25 years of crafting teddy bears with a mission, exploring the company’s ethos, and the meticulous artistry involved in creating each cuddly companion. Show Notes:
 
💻: https://thebearfactory.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBearFactoryllc/?wtsid=rdr_0sGHHU1RDYkTDhGWz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebearfactory_llc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebearfactoryllc
 
General Inquiries: hello@thebearfactory.com
Shipping Inquires: shipping@thebearfactory.com

S2E1 | Bear-ing the Heat: Wildfires & Business Resilience

In this episode of Pawsitive Impact, Rob sits down with Jimmy and Jerry to discuss how the LA wildfires have affected The Bear Factory’s inventory. Despite the challenges, they’re on track to stay stock-positive before spring break. They reflect on how natural disasters have rarely impacted them until now and how political shifts influence their business—though no matter who’s in office, they’re always pro-business. Jerry and Jimmy share how they stay ahead in the ever-changing world of global trade through constant data review, nimble strategies, and a laser focus on margins. It’s all about flexibility, resilience, and bear-ing the heat.
_______________
🐾 Dive into the heart of The Bear Factory as co-hosts Jerry and Jimmy reveal the inner workings of a plush business that has charmed the world for nearly a quarter of a century. Each episode, they share the secrets behind 25 years of crafting teddy bears with a mission, exploring the company’s ethos, and the meticulous artistry involved in creating each cuddly companion. Show Notes:
 
💻: https://thebearfactory.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBearFactoryllc/?wtsid=rdr_0sGHHU1RDYkTDhGWz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebearfactory_llc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebearfactoryllc
 
General Inquiries: hello@thebearfactory.com
Shipping Inquires: shipping@thebearfactory.com

E11 I Tariffs and Bear Riffs

In this timely episode of Pawsitive Impact, host Rob Johnson is joined by Jerry and Jimmy to discuss recent developments at The Bear Factory and exciting plans for 2025. The team reflects on the potential impact of President-Elect Trump’s agenda, particularly tariffs, and their strategy to backstock critical components to navigate challenges. They share insights into sourcing materials, supply chain disruptions, and how inflation has shaped their business. Despite hurdles, Jerry and Jimmy remain optimistic, highlighting improvements to operations and lessons from past successes. Tune in for a transparent look at overcoming obstacles and a preview of what’s to come!
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Dive into the heart of The Bear Factory as co-hosts Jerry and Jimmy reveal the inner workings of a plush business that has charmed the world for nearly a quarter of a century. Each episode, they share the secrets behind 25 years of crafting teddy bears with a mission, exploring the company’s ethos, and the meticulous artistry involved in creating each cuddly companion.
 
Show Notes:
Website: https://thebearfactory.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBearFactoryllc/?wtsid=rdr_0sGHHU1RDYkTDhGWz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebearfactory_llc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebearfactoryllc

E10 I Holiday Hibernation: Season 1 Finale

In this festive yet surprising episode of Pawsitive Impact, host Rob Johnson is joined by Jerry, who reveals a holiday shocker—Christmas is actually the slowest season at The Bear Factory! Jerry explains how summer is their peak season and reflects on the Bear-y big growth they've experienced over the past 24 years, including shifts in holiday traditions. Getting personal, Jerry shares his dream Christmas vacation and hints at exciting 2025 plans. He wraps up with a light-hearted look into the future of The Bear Factory. Be sure to tune in next season!
 
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🐾 Dive into the heart of The Bear Factory as co-hosts Jerry and Jimmy reveal the inner workings of a plush business that has charmed the world for nearly a quarter of a century. Each episode, they share the secrets behind 25 years of crafting teddy bears with a mission, exploring the company’s ethos, and the meticulous artistry involved in creating each cuddly companion.
Show Notes:
💻: https://thebearfactory.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBearFactoryllc/?wtsid=rdr_0sGHHU1RDYkTDhGWz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebearfactory_llc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebearfactoryllc