So Sad.. Applause CEO Commits Suicide

[lucky_bunni]

I found this story while looking at a Disney site:

August 23, 2004

The chief executive of Applause LLC was found dead hours after speaking optimistically to a newspaper about saving his toy company from financial ruin.

Bob Solomon, 50, shot himself at his Woodland Hills home on Friday, authorities said.

Solomon saved Applause from near bankruptcy in 2001, signing new licensing deals and saving jobs.

The company's fortunes worsened, however, especially after Solomon's decision to concentrate on specialty toy retailers at a time when those companies were losing business to giants such as Wal-Mart.

Solomon also ended a 22-year relationship producing stuffed toys for The Walt Disney Co. to concentrate on "Dream Pets," miniature stuffed dolls that first became popular in the 1960s.

The line did not catch on and Applause was facing eviction from its Woodland Hills headquarters when Solomon spoke to the Daily News of Los Angeles several times last week.

"We're in a wicked industry, and I'm trying to keep a company alive," he told the paper. "Companies have layoffs, companies have downsizing, some companies don't make it. I'm still hanging on. I'm a fighter."

Solomon was with Applause from its earliest days as a gift company in 1983. He diversified the company into plush toys and stuffed animals, winning licenses to produced stuffed versions of Mickey Mouse, Snoopy and other popular characters.

source: http://www.mickeynews.com/News/DisplayPressRelease.asp_Q_id_E_8244Toy

This is really, really sad. I feel so sorry for his family, friends, and colleges. I've been affected twice by suicide in my life (grandfather 5 years ago, and mom's cousin when I was little) so any time someone takes their own life it really hits me.

 

[zippeedee]

That really is sad, especially because his toys brought so much joy to so many people. I remember the Applause tag on my stuffed Snoopys and Mickeys.
It always seemed like such a happy label because the dolls were so special to me.
I hope his family can take some comfort in knowing he put smiles on so many faces.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

So sad. I always thought Applause made some of the nicest toys out there. He brought joy to so many. He will be very missed and fondly remembered.

 

[lucky_bunni]

I know - Applause always seems so synonomous with quality to me. I remember their toys when always stocked at the Hallmark store and other gift stores when I was a kid. I'll always remember the passionate man that was behind these toys - that he really cared about his customer and their happiness.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I used to work at a toy store that sold lots of plush and I used to look forward to the shipment from them. I always thought they had the highest quality stuff and it was not expensive.

This is just so sad. My heart goes out to his family.

 

[bubie2.5]

 

[Mimi Q]