Maxine Clark net worth is about $250 million in 2025. Born on March 6, 1949, Maxine Clark is now 76. People know her as the founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop, a shop where kids make teddy bears. That idea made her very rich.
Maxine Clark height is near 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm). She walks with pride. Her life in money and business helps many, mostly women, who want to work in stores and shops.
Let’s look at the life of this strong lady who made a big change in stores and schools.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maxine Clark |
| Date of Birth | March 6, 1949 |
| Age | 76 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Coral Gables, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Philanthropist |
| Height | 5’4″ (162 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 140 lbs (63 kg) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $250 million (2025) |
| Famous For | Founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop |
| Marital Status | Married |
Who Is Maxine Clark?
Maxine Clark is more than just a woman who started a teddy bear store. She is smart and wants to help schools and people in towns. She left her job at age 48 and made a new idea work. She showed that age does not stop dreams.
In just a few years, her shop idea became huge. Her money grew fast because of her smart moves.
Maxine Clark’s Early Life
Maxine was born in Coral Gables, Florida. She liked to think and ask many questions as a kid. She loved to look at how things work, mostly shops and business.
Her mom stayed home. Her dad worked for an airline. They both told her to work hard, study, and try new things. These words helped her later in life.
Childhood & Family Background
As a girl, Maxine planned little tasks. She helped others in her area and liked to solve small problems. She was always busy and full of ideas.
Money was not much, but learning was very key at home. Her teachers helped her believe that she could do big things.
Teenage Years and Educational Journey
She went to the University of Georgia. She studied journalism, but her heart was always in stores and business. After school, she joined the world of shopping and grew fast.
She first worked for May Department Stores. Later, she became the President of Payless ShoeSource. Few women did this back then.
Career Beginnings
Before she made her own company, Maxine worked in shops for over 20 years. It was not easy. Many times, she was the only woman in a meeting.
Still, she kept going. She was known for knowing what people want before they ask. She made people feel seen in the store.
The Breakthrough: Build-A-Bear Workshop
In 1997, she started Build-A-Bear Workshop in St. Louis, Missouri. One day, she took her friend’s child to shop for toys. The girl could not pick or build the toy she wanted. That made Maxine think of a better way.
She wanted kids to make their own stuffed toys. The idea worked well.
Soon, there were over 400 stores. The brand made birthdays and family days special. Kids loved it.
Maxine Clark Net Worth Yearly
She made a lot of money not only from her shops. She also bought good land and helped other new ideas grow.
| Year | Net Worth (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $180 million |
| 2022 | $200 million |
| 2023 | $220 million |
| 2024 | $235 million |
| 2025 | $250 million |
Even after leaving her job at Build-A-Bear in 2013, her money kept growing.
Books, Talks, and Thought Leadership
Maxine Clark wrote a book called The Bear Necessities of Business. In it, she tells how she did business in a man’s world.
She often talks at schools and meetings. She speaks about:
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Women in business
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Fun shopping ideas
-
School chances for all
Personal Life and Philanthropy
She is married, but she does not share much about her home life. Still, she speaks a lot about giving back to the world.
She helped start The Clark-Fox Family Foundation. It works to:
-
Help little kids learn
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Support women who start shops
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Build better places in St. Louis
She also began a place called Delmar Divine. It helps groups work together to do good.
Maxine Clark’s Impact on Retail and Women in Business
She did not just sell bears. She changed how stores treat people. She showed that happy feelings in stores matter.
She also lifts other women. She helps them lead and dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Maxine Clark net worth in 2025?
She has about $250 million.
What is Maxine Clark famous for?
She started Build-A-Bear Workshop.
How old is Maxine Clark?
She is 76 in 2025.
Did Maxine Clark write a book?
Yes. She wrote The Bear Necessities of Business.
Is Maxine Clark involved in philanthropy?
Yes. She helps with schools and groups in St. Louis.
Conclusion
Maxine Clark grew up in Florida and became a strong, rich woman. She had big dreams, worked hard, and cared about people.
You may know her from teddy bears. But her real gift is how she helps others. Her net worth is high, but her heart is even bigger.
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