Even after talking with her for just a few minutes, it’s clear that Carole Postal is passionate about helping children.
For years, the longtime entrepreneur has been involved with Kids in Distressed Situations/Fashion Delivers, a nonprofit organization that donates new clothing, shoes, books, toys, and other items to children and families living below the poverty line. Since 1985, the organization has delivered more than $1.2 billion to people in need around the world.
Postal, who serves on the board of directors, got involved through the business she started almost two decades ago: CopCorp Licensing. The global agency works license products of some of the most recognizable brands in the business. On its current roster, you’ll find everything from Downton Abbey to Little House on the Prairie.
Many of the brands her company represents are aimed at children. Not surprising, says Postal, since the multibillion-dollar licensing industry really took off in 1977 with the release of Star Wars. The explosion of toys, books, and other items made it clear how lucrative the industry could be.
But for Postal, it was also a reminder that the industry also has a responsibility to help those who are less fortunate.
“We have always donated products to children’s organizations,” says Postal. “Then also started donating money. Anyone in licensing who doesn’t give back doesn’t appreciate what we do.”
Postal started out in top-level positions in the corporate world, first working for Turner Broadcasting, then the Children’s Television Workshop. In the latter position, she helped initiate the resurgence of Sesame Street as a leader preschool brand.
She left corporate life in 1996, founding her own company the following year. Postal became one of the first women to run her own licensing agency, which she says has only been a positive experience.
“Licensing has always been an industry that has helped to promote women,” says Postal. “Women have always been in high positions in the industry, which has really celebrated women and men equally.”
Unlike her peers in other industries, she says she didn’t encounter sexism.
“But I did get a lot of notes from women about launching my own business,” she says. “That was great for someone like me just starting out.”
Postal loves passing along knowledge to the next generation of women entrepreneurs.
“I’ve had some great women role models, and I think it’s important to pass it on,” says Postal. “A lot of people who have interned here have stayed with us for years, then moved on to bigger positions in the field. It’s a joy to see that—just a joy.”
Her staffers, Jodi Gottlieb and Ken Wong, have both been with her more than 15 years. She says the team moved to WeWork 5th Avenue a few months ago after getting rave reviews from a client called Taste Beauty that works out of WeWork Times Square.
“I absolutely love it here,” says Postal. “We became simpatico the second we moved in here. The staff, the other members are so helpful. I can’t imagine a better place for us to work.”
Photos: Emanuel Hahn