David Green: The Man Behind Hobby Lobby’s Success and Philanthropy
It’s difficult to imagine Oklahoma City without Hobby Lobby, given how much of a retail institution the corporation has become within the state. But what started as a mere $600 investment in arts and craft supplies in a small Oklahoma City space back in 1972 has now grown into a billion-dollar chain of thousands of stores, with David Green as the mastermind behind its growth and expansion. In addition to his achievements as a business tycoon, Green is also a devoted philanthropist and influences the lives of people from all walks of life.
Who Is David Green?
David Green was born in 1933 in Oklahoma to a family with humble means, but with a Christian educational upbringing, which may have impacted his later views on the core values of his business and life. In 1970, he opened the crafting, sewing and home decoration store with his wife, Barbara. While the craft business showed small promises, it was his vision and hard work that saw Hobby Lobby snowball from a small retail space in Oklahoma City to a multi-billion-dollar company.
What Is The Hobby Lobby Store?
The Hobby Lobby store currently stands at the forefront of the craft and home decoration industry, with growth that is unprecedented in the sector. With a total of 865 stores spread across the country and a team of more than 53,000, it is a far cry from the small enterprise it was when it first opened its doors.
The merchandise available at a Hobby Lobby store includes:
• Art and craft supplies like fabric, jewelry making kits, beads, floral supplies, yarn and needles, scrapbooks, scrapbooking paper, stickers, frames, stencils and more.
• Home décor items, such as lamp shades, vases, throw pillows, wall art, clocks, and more.
• Seasonal decorations, including holiday- and party-themed items.
• Furniture and furniture upholstery supplies.
• DIY supplies for home-improvement projects.
• Knitting supplies.
• Basket-making supplies.
• A wide selection of books and magazines focusing on crafts and home décor.
How David Green Turned His Passion for Crafts Into A Phenomenal Success
David Green had a passion for crafting and home décor, which formed the basis for the seed of his business. David was also motivated by creating job opportunities and giving back to his community something that he seeks to continuetoday. He has kept the same core principles of his business since the early 70s—namely a promise of quality products, value, and excellent customer service. David Green revolutionized his industry through creative and innovative techniques and came up with a number of different strategies, like keeping pricing relatively low while offering bulk buys and value packs. This, he believed, would make crafting and home décor supplies more accessible and enjoyable to regular customers and casual crafters alike.
Ways in Which David Green Gives Back to His Community
Not only did David Green’s efforts make Hobby Lobby a success story; he is also appreciated for his charitable work. He is a dedicated philanthropist who gives back to his community through various organizations and initiatives. He champions Christian values and the importance of marriage and family values, which enhances his impact among the many communities in which Hobby Lobby stores operate.
David Green is also well respected for his environmental initiatives. He believes in responsible corporate citizenship, which includes using recycled and eco-friendly materials, such as recycled paper, in all of Hobby Lobby’s packaging materials. This is the reason why most Hobby Lobby stores also practice recycling coupled with reducing energy and water consumption.
David Green’s Achievements and Awards
David Green’s success story has brought him numerous awards, such as the President’s Higher Education Award, in acknowledgment of his commitment to providing opportunities to young people.
Apart from this, he has also received numerous awards from various organizations recognizing his dedication to promoting the crafts industry and his philanthropic work. Government leaders, including President George W. Bush, have also bestowed him with the prestigious President’s Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence in Business.
David Green’s success story is an inspiration to many small business owners out there. His small investment of $600 in 1972 has been converted into a billion-dollar retail enterprise through sheer dedication and hard work. He also saw his success as something that was meant to be shared with the community, so he has been actively involved in promoting family values, philanthropy, and environmental initiatives. He is an exemplary figure whose achievements have not just been recognized but have set standards for a sustainable and responsible corporate citizens.
