North American Bear Company started as a creative project
and business enterprise of a new mother, Barbara Isenberg.
While living in New York in the mid-1970's, Barbara was unable
to find her small son a toy bear that met her own childhood
ideal. Her desire to find a teddy bear with the nostalgic
charm of antique toys and contemporary whimsy prompted her
to create unique, high quality plush bears that would appeal
to both children and adults alike. Barbara teamed up with her brother in Chicago, Paul Levy,
to form the North American Bear Co., Inc. (or NABCO). Barbara continues as the Creative Director of NABCO, running the
New York Studio in the heart of Manhattan's toy district where she
and the closely-knit design and production team develop each season's
rich and varied collections. Paul Levy serves as CEO in the company's
corporate headquarters in Chicago where the warehouse is also located.
