After eight years of operating their sales representative agency in Chicago, Brad and Nancy Holes began to design and import their own stuffed animals; the company was formed in 1994. They had learned as reps that stuffed animals could have ageless appeal and contribute greatly to various kinds of retailers’ profits … if they are soft, adorable, and affordable!
"There's something special about plush that no other gift can express," Brad explains. "Plush has the unique ability to put a smile on someone's face, bring comfort and just lift a mood."
Brad assumed the business side of their new venture, while Nancy took the helm of its creative end and together they formed First & Main, Inc., which launched as a plush wholesaler in 1994. The company started out with just a few product styles - mostly wholesale plush teddy bears, but with each year the business
grew beyond their own expectations. The Holes rapidly earned an industry reputation of producing attractive wholesale stuffed animals at extremely competitive prices - a niche they embraced and honed over the years.
From the beginning, Brad and Nancy were determined that their wholesale plush business stay equally focused on creativity, quality and strong customer service. They were able to achieve this goal by always thinking of the end consumer: the person who will pick up a First & Main plush animal and consider it a lifelong friend.
"Consumer tastes are always changing, even in the world of plush," says Nancy. "First & Main's philosophy is to continually monitor market trends and translate them into quality plush products that consumers will cherish for years to come."
It has been well over a decade since they embarked on their entrepreneurial journey, and Brad and Nancy, along with talented, proficient marketers and a devoted customer service team, are more devoted than ever to building on the success of their wholesale plush company. To them, this means remaining firmly attentive to bringing soft, adorable and affordable plush products to you!
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