Meet the Team

We're Beary Excited to Meet You

At The Bear Factory, we believe that creating memories starts with an incredible team. From design and craftsmanship to customer support and sustainability initiatives, each of us is dedicated to bringing joy and quality to every plush we make. Here’s your chance to meet the people who pour heart and expertise into everything we do – all with a shared mission to deliver smiles, create memories, and make a bear-y positive impact on our planet!”

Founded on Family Values

The Bear Factory began in 2001 with a vision rooted in family values, quality craftsmanship, and a commitment to bringing joy. Now proudly led by our second-generation owners, we carry forward this legacy with the same dedication and heart, aiming to make a lasting impact through our products and sustainability efforts. As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue building memories, supporting communities, and creating positive change for another 25 years and beyond.”

Leadership Team

Jerry McLean

Founder & CEO

Jerry & Renee McLean are the Founders of The Bear Factory with Jerry actively serving as the CEO. Leading the company since its inception in 2001, Jerry's vision for quality, integrity, and innovation drives the brand’s mission to create joyful, memorable experiences for customers.

Keia McLean

Vice President & Partner

Keia McLean is the Vice President and second-generation owner of The Bear Factory, passionately continuing her family’s legacy. She is dedicated to innovation and sustainability, ensuring the brand thrives while delivering joy and quality to customers.

Jimmy Banish

COO & Partner

Jimmy Banish is the COO and second-generation owner of The Bear Factory, committed to driving operational excellence and sustainability. His leadership ensures the brand continues to create memorable experiences while honoring the family legacy

Administrative Team

Mike Anderson

Vice President of Business Development

Mike Anderson serves as the VP of Business Development at The Bear Factory, leveraging over 15 years of experience in strategic partnerships and growth. He is dedicated to building relationships that promote success and sustainability within the plush industry.

Ciara Sego

Executive Assistant

Ciara Sego is the Executive Assistant at The Bear Factory, known for her exceptional organizational skills and proactive support. She plays a key role in enhancing team efficiency and facilitating smooth communication across all levels of the organization.

Emily Gray

Administrative Manager

Emily Gray is the Administrative Manager at The Bear Factory, known for her organizational skills and attention to detail. With a background in operations, she ensures smooth daily functions and supports the team in achieving their goals.

Libby Felix

North American Sales Manager

Libby Felix is the North American Sales Manager at The Bear Factory, bringing a wealth of experience in sales and customer relations. She is dedicated to driving growth and building strong partnerships across the plush industry.

Fulfillment Team

Casey Lounsbury

Logistics Coordinator

Casey Lounsbury is the Logistics Coordinator at The Bear Factory, expertly managing supply chain operations. With a keen eye for detail, she ensures timely delivery and efficient inventory management to support the company’s growth and customer satisfaction.

Ethan Johanningsmeier

Freight Specialist

Ethan Johanningsmeier is the Freight Specialist at The Bear Factory, managing logistics and shipping operations. With a strong focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness, he ensures timely delivery while maintaining high service standards for all clients.

Nick Harris

Warehouse Supervisor

Nick Harris is the Warehouse Supervisor at The Bear Factory, overseeing daily operations and inventory management. His dedication to efficiency and teamwork ensures smooth processes, enabling the company to deliver quality plush products to customers on time.

Ky Fulks

Warehouse Associate

Ky Fulks is a Warehouse Associate at The Bear Factory, dedicated to supporting daily operations and inventory management. With a strong work ethic and attention to detail, Ky ensures that products are prepared and shipped efficiently for customer satisfaction.

Adi Cosme

Account Fulfillment Lead

Adi Cosme is the Account Fulfillment Lead at The Bear Factory, responsible for ensuring seamless order processing and customer satisfaction. With a focus on detail and efficiency, she plays a key role in delivering exceptional service to clients.

Joey Smith

Warehouse Associate

Joey Smith is a Warehouse Associate at The Bear Factory, dedicated to supporting daily operations and inventory management. With a strong work ethic and attention to detail, Joey ensures that products are prepared and shipped efficiently for customer satisfaction.

Business Hub

We believe that a strong foundation is key to success. Our Business Hub is designed to provide you with the resources, support, and tools you need to thrive in the plush industry. Whether you’re looking for guidance on operations, sales strategies, or marketing insights, you’ll find everything here to help your business flourish. We’re committed to partnering with you every step of the way, ensuring you have all the knowledge and support needed to create unforgettable experiences.

Let’s embark on this bear-y exciting journey together!