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Sponsored by: TD Bank
Updated: May 1, 2025

Connections through craftsmanship: A family’s multi-generation plush toy legacy well-poised for the future

Since 1956, Douglas Company has brought smiles to countless faces with their distinctively designed, cuddly toy animals and huggable soft dolls. What started as a small New Hampshire family business has grown into one of the leading plush toy companies, maintaining its family values even as it has expanded globally.

“We’ve had tough times and great times through the years, and TD Bank has been right there with us —helping to guide us through,” said Scott Clarke, the company president and son of the founder. “Today, Douglas is one of the most respected plush companies based in the United States.”

Maintaining a personal touch in a global business

The company’s approach to business starts with their employees. “When you walk around the facility, you see the smiles on employees’ faces,” said Nathan Pursley, Relationship Manager at TD Bank. “They want to be at work and are truly treated like family.” 

The creative heart of Douglas is rooted in New Hampshire, where their in-house design team creates the distinctive faces that make their plush animals special.

“My mentor, Penny Clarke, (the original designer at Douglas) always said, ‘Whatever animal you design, make sure the face touches people,’“ explained creative director Christine Clarke. “Faces are the focal point of our designs because that’s what people connect with most — their expressions, their personalities.”

That attention to detail has helped Douglas expand distribution throughout Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia while maintaining their long-standing reputation for consistent quality and unique appeal.

Building on a foundation of trust

TD Bank has been instrumental in supporting Douglas Company’s growth, particularly through their international operations. “TD has a great team. They understand our business and what we’re trying to achieve,” Scott said. “Their international wire service has been especially helpful to us. It’s very user-friendly, and if we ever have any questions, TD is always there to answer them.”

Scott also appreciates TD Bank’s customer-centric approach to fulfilling the company’s banking needs. 

“They carefully listen to you as a smaller business to see where you’re at in today’s world, and that’s very special,” he said. “They’ve got people on the ground who know what you’re doing, who have a relationship with you, and who want to see you succeed. TD takes personalized service to a much higher level than what most people might expect from banks in general.”

Douglas Company and TD Bank’s relationship is strengthened by the organizations’ shared commitments to community. 

“Giving to the community is a big part of who we are, and not just in our own backyard,” Scott said. “We donated stuffed animals to victims of the North Carolina hurricane and to kids who lost their homes in the California fires. We also sent toys to a Florida nursing home to help people with memory challenges.”

This dedication to making a difference resonates with their banking team. “For Douglas, giving back is not just giving a dollar here and a dollar there. It’s caring about people and the community,” Nathan said. “It’s that human element that makes them so unique in today’s business world.”

Investing in the future

As Douglas Company prepares for its next phase of growth, their commitment to quality, community and family remains unchanged. “The fact that our daughter and others are going to be the next ones to run the business is very exciting to us,” Scott said.

As their relationship manager, Nathan works closely with the Douglas team to offer insight on any financing their plans may require. “We’re always bouncing ideas off each other about the future of the business,” he said. “I provide them with options: This is Plan A, Plan B and Plan C. I’m there for their immediate finance needs, too. It’s a very authentic and relaxed relationship.”

In turn, Scott sees Nathan as part of the company’s business team. “He understands the pieces of our business well enough to be an integral part of our operations. He always gives us sound guidance, coming to the table with good ideas and advice on what might work, what won’t, and in both cases, reasons why.” 

Douglas is currently preparing for its next major expansion: a new state-of-the-art distribution center in Keene, New Hampshire. “TD is going to help us with that,” Scott added. “An important management goal of ours is putting the company in a good place to pass on to the next generation.”

Tips for business success

The Clarke family shares key insights for other business owners:

  • Invest in talent: “Hire the smartest people you can and be fair to your employees. Take care of them the way you would your own family,” Scott advised.
     
  • Lead with passion: “Have joy and passion in what you do,” Christine suggested. “When you express joy in your job, your employees will pick up on it and will likely share in that enthusiasm.”
     
  • Stay true to your values:“Having fun is part of our mission along with supporting our employees — helping them to achieve as much as they want to achieve. It’s valuing people,” Christine said.