Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> March 1, 1998

Elisabeth B. Robert – Vermont Teddy Bear Co (bear)

ELISABETH B. ROBERT, Chief Executive Officer of The Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Inc., began her career at the Bank of Boston after graduating from Middlebury College in 1978. In the summer of 1980 Ms. Robert moved to Vermont to pursue a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Vermont. She then spent five years with Vermont Gas as an executive in charge of negotiating contracts for gas supply and regulating affairs. In 1989, Ms. Robert became an independent consultant and ran a statewide campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont. In 1990, she contracted with a high-tech startup company to develop strategic and financial plans, and planning models. Shortly thereafter, Ms. Robert joined the Company as CFO and as a founding partner. In 1995, Ms. Robert was recruited to The Vermont Teddy Bear Company as Chief Financial Officer. Subsequently, she became a director and treasurer for Vermont Teddy Bear. In October, 1997 she was appointed Chief Executive Officer. Profile
TWST: Give us a brief summary of Vermont Teddy Bear Company, and then

bring us up to date. What are the challenges and opportunities for your

company today?

Ms. Robert: The company was founded