Simon Pearce: A Teaching Case

Simon Pearce is the founder and president of Simon Pearce Glassworks (SP). His primary but not sole business is the design, manufacture and sale of his upscale glassware. In 1981 after ten years of building a successful business in Ireland but frustrated with the obstacles he faced, he moved his business to Vermont. In 1992, SP had annual retail sales of $5 million; in 1996, approximately $12 million; and in 2001, $30 million. Not bad for a man of 56 who was expelled from school at age 15. After years of hard work, risk, and struggle, his creativity and business acumen brought him financial success but not the peace and happiness he expected. Due in part to recent business decisions by Simon, the 2001 recession, and 9/11, SP faces, among several serious business problems, a drastic decline in sales at a time SP can ill-afford a marginal decline. At the same time, Simon is no longer interested in growing the business. What should he do? The case is useful in courses or course modules on creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.