In this episode of Pawsitive Impact, host Rob Johnson sits down with COO Jimmy Banish for a no-holds-barred breakdown of everything The Bear Factory faced during the tariff storm of 2025. From a 20% shock in February to a jaw dropping 150% peak, Jimmy walks through the real math behind what it costs to keep product moving, relationships intact, and the doors open.   While competitors were charging customers 15 to 20% tariff surcharges at checkout, The Bear Factory capped theirs at 7% and absorbed the rest. That meant $300,000 to $400,000 in added shipping costs, transloading containers from the Port of LA across the country in 36-hour truck runs, and watching their bottom line take a 33% hit. And they did it all without pulling a single loan.   Jimmy also gets candid about the IEEPA refund process, the Iran conflict quietly driving up polyester costs, and what nearly a decade of back-to-back crises has taught him about sustainable growth, relationship-driven business, and knowing when to hit the gas again. Plus, meet Hayes the Hippogriff, the first plush in their new fantasy and mythical creatures collection designed with the help of AI.   If you ever wondered what it actually costs to run a small business through a geopolitical firestorm, this episode is your masterclass. Timestamps 01:29 Historical Tariff Nightmare 06:12 Customer Impact & Support 10:29 Current Tariff Status & Refunds 13:01 Refund Process & Future Strategy 18:53 Transparency and Trade Dynamics 23:51 The Power of Relationships 28:09 Lessons Learned and Future Growth 33:56 Innovation and Customer Appreciation   ____________________ 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 Links: 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

Season 3 is here, and so is a brand new era for The Bear Factory. Rob Johnson sits down with COO Jimmy Banish to kick off the show's milestone season as the company celebrates 25 years in business. With Jerry stepping into a well-earned, makeshift retirement, Jimmy reflects on what it took to weather one of the most turbulent years in the company's history, from tariff chaos and cash flow scares to staffing decisions nobody wanted to make.   But survival mode is officially over. Jimmy pulls the sticky notes out of the manila folder and shares what's ahead: a fantasy and mythical creatures collection, the Imagination Explorers drop, and Snuggle Spritz, an essential oil sensory spray designed to elevate the stuff-a-plush experience for kids. Plus, The Bear Factory is heading back to the trade show floor with stops at IAAPA Europe, the Las Vegas Souvenir Show, and IAAPA Orlando.   And for the fans who have been asking, Twilight the Bat is back, and he's bigger than ever. No shrinkflation at The Bear Factory. Just quality, purpose, and 25 years of doing it the right way. Timestamps 03:04 Long-Term Strategy and Customer Loyalty 06:41 Tariff Updates and Challenges 08:15 Growth and Innovation in 2026 13:31 Reconnecting with Customers and Milestones 15:10 Twilight the Bat Returns Bigger _______________ 🐾 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: [email protected] Shipping Inquires: [email protected]

In this episode, Jimmy and Jerry share The Bear Factory’s bold leap into the UK market with a new distribution model. By parting ways with a long-time partner and taking direct control, the company is reinforcing its brand integrity while delivering expanded products, better pricing, and local job creation. This move reflects a return to entrepreneurial roots, just in time for their 25th anniversary. The episode also serves as a heartfelt sendoff for Jerry in his final full time co-host appearance, celebrating his legacy as a founder, mentor, and guiding The Bear Factory through every stitch of growth.   00:00 UK Expansion & Distributor Shift 04:14 Benefits of Direct UK Distribution 09:00 Challenges and Growth in the UK 14:40 Stuffing Machines & Market Impact 16:00 Jerry’s Departure & Midnight the Wolf   _______________ 🐾 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: [email protected] Shipping Inquires: [email protected]

In this episode of Pawsitive Impact, Jimmy and Jerry tackle the tough terrain of ongoing tariffs, rising costs, and supply chain curveballs. With high inventory, smarter sourcing, and a focus on quality over cuts, The Bear Factory is staying strong for the holidays. From award-winning customer partnerships to AI-powered product design, it’s a reminder that innovation, grit, and a little heart go a long way.   03:17 The Impact of Tariffs on Business 06:19 Future of Tariffs and Inventory 09:54 Tariffs, Profit, and Economic Disparity 14:06 Financial Struggles and Devalued Currency 17:49 Holiday Season & Product Improvements 23:53 Pawsitive Impact Awards 32:39 Plushie of the Week: Spark Scale   _______________ 🐾 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: [email protected] Shipping Inquires: [email protected]   Award Recipients: Calgary Zoo: https://www.calgaryzoo.com/ Camp Jellystone: https://www.campjellystone.com/ Anderson Farms: https://andersonfarms.com/ Universe Toutou: https://universtoutou.com/en?srsltid=AfmBOoqOmjPD0CD3DP1Uba-5tIvyqrEJ-zp0AYX-WhqpMlfn7Q57DmqX Memphis Zoo: https://www.memphiszoo.org/ Andrew’s Laughing Gas: https://andrewslaughinggas.org/

In this episode of Pawsitive Impact, Jimmy and Jerry face the grizzly reality of tariff volatility and its ripple effects on The Bear Factory. With sudden changes in import costs, they’re making bold moves, from planning their inventory, fast-tracking production, and scouting new sourcing hubs outside of China. Even with zero profits on the horizon, their focus stays on trust, transparency, and keeping shelves stocked for the holidays. It’s a raw look at tough decisions, strategic pivots, and the determination it takes to keep going.   00:36 The Tariff Announcement Impact02:39 Navigating the New Tariff Landscape05:03 Production Strategies Amidst Uncertainty09:22 Exploring Alternatives to Chinese Manufacturing13:06 Financial Strategies and Business Resilience16:33 Leadership in Crisis19:12 Preparing for the Holiday Season21:35 Exciting New Product Launches _______________🐾 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: [email protected] Shipping Inquires: [email protected]

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 _______________ 🐾 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: [email protected] Shipping Inquiries: [email protected]

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: [email protected] Shipping Inquiries: [email protected]

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: [email protected] Shipping Inquires: [email protected]

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.   _______________ 🐾 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: [email protected] Shipping Inquires: [email protected]

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. _______________ 🐾 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: [email protected] Shipping Inquires: [email protected]