NORTH AMERICAN BEAR CO

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.