Fall 2025 I-Week Presentations – Build-A-Bear & AOB

This past fall, the International Trade Center at the University of Missouri's Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business hosted I-Week, a weeklong series of internationally focused events designed to introduce students to global business concepts, careers, and cultural perspectives. Joining ITC for the Fall 2025 I-Week were company representatives from American Outdoor Brands and Build-A-Bear. Behind the lens of different products and industries, both companies shared their perspectives about international trade, global markets and cross-cultural communication in today’s business environment. 

Bob Jaccaud, director of international sales at American Outdoor Brands, which is located in Columbia, Missouri, presented, “Global Growth Opportunities in the Hunting & Fishing Consumer Products Market.” During this session, Bob shared insights from his extensive career in global business, including years spent working overseas and leading international sales operations. Drawing on his experience with American Outdoor Brands and Traeger Grills, he discussed how companies navigate international distribution, develop new markets, and manage trade barriers. He offered students a firsthand look at the realities of global sales, regional market preferences, and the growing international demand for outdoor recreation products. His presentation provided valuable context on building global strategies and operating in a diverse cultural environment. 

Build-A-Bear company representatives Chris Hurt (Chief Operating Officer), Colleen Merideth, manager of international business development, and John Paul Schieber, administrator of international business, spent the day offering Trulaske College of Business students an in-depth look at how the iconic brand operates on a global scale. Students heard valuable insights into Build-A-Bear’s international expansion strategies, supply chain, retail operations, and the business model that enables the company to deliver joy to customers around the world. The visit featured interactive discussions in a Principles of Management class, an engaging Lunch & Learn session, and a standing-room-only presentation titled “Build-A-Bear: The Global Stuff You Love” that filled Bush Auditorium. Their presence on campus provided Trulaske students with an extraordinary experience-centered learning opportunity, connecting classroom theory with real-world global business practices.