An Unconventional Path to Leadership
Amy Lipper, the driving force behind Lipper International Inc., didn’t take the traditional route to becoming CEO. Her journey began in education, starting in the Masters Program in Education at URI, where she initially pursued a career in teaching elementary school. However, life had a different path in store for her.
A chance opportunity selling vacuums in New England as a side hustle introduced Amy to her passion for sales. This unexpected turn led her to approach her father, Herman Lipper, the founder of Lipper International Inc., with a proposition that changed her career trajectory.
In 1974, she joined the family business as a sales representative in the New England territory. What began as a simple sales role quickly developed into a remarkable talent for selling housewares. Her success led to a rapid ascent within the company, and in 1978, she became the National Sales Manager, a role that required her to travel extensively, covering over 150,000 miles annually.
Yet, amid her professional achievements, Amy sought a more balanced life. In 1980, she stepped back from her national role to focus on starting a family. However, her passion for product development emerged, leading her to introduce innovative designs tailored to key accounts.
Recognizing her talent, her father appointed her as President in 1987. Even then, Amy’s drive for growth and education persisted. Balancing motherhood and leadership, she enrolled in Harvard’s OPM (Owner President Management) program in 1988, completing an intensive course covering 60% of the Harvard MBA curriculum over two years.
Amy’s leadership journey wasn’t without challenges. As a woman in a leadership role, she learned to embrace resilience and grow from failures. “I learned the most from my failures and continued to press on,” she reflects, embodying a tenacity that defines her leadership style.
The Growth of Lipper International Inc.
Lipper International Inc. traces its roots back to 1946, when it was founded as Lipper and Mann, an importer of fine glass and ceramic items from Japan. The company’s New York showroom at 225 Fifth Avenue became a hub where Herman Lipper, Seymour Mann, and a team of sales representatives showcased their products to department stores, jewelry stores, and home furnishing retailers.
In 1951, Herman Lipper revolutionized the porcelain dinnerware industry by developing the iconic Blue Danube pattern. In 1963, he acquired full ownership of the company, renaming it Lipper International Inc.
As a family business, the company thrives on its ability to innovate swiftly and adapt to evolving market trends. Amy Lipper has been at the forefront of this transformation.
After becoming a mother in 1983 and 1986, Amy identified a market gap-a lack of children’s furniture made from natural wood. In 1988, she introduced a children’s small occasional furniture collection at affordable price points, which was sold in select department stores.
Listening to customer needs has been a cornerstone of Lipper’s success. In 1990, the company began sourcing beechwood products from Thailand, disrupting the dominance of plastic drawer organizers. In 2003, it introduced a collection of beechwood organizers, further diversifying its product line.
The company’s spirit of innovation continued to drive growth. In 2007, Lipper International expanded into bamboo organizational and serveware pieces, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and versatility. A major breakthrough came in 2016 with the launch of one of the largest collections of “live-edge” serveware, made from acacia wood sourced from Thailand. These products not only showcased sophisticated aesthetics but also embraced contemporary design trends.
Operational Transformation
Beyond product innovation, Lipper International modernized its operations. In 2019, the company adopted cloud-based ERP, WMS, and EDI software, streamlining order processing, inventory management, and operational efficiencies. This transformation resulted in a 33% reduction in overhead costs and eliminated company overtime during peak seasons.
The Pillars of Success
Lipper International Inc. operates on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation, and adaptation.
Integrity & Accountability: The company fosters trust and transparency in business relationships. “Our longstanding relationships with factories-some spanning over 40 years-are built on honest communication and accountability. We do what we say, and we say what we’ll do,” says Amy. Transparency is key, ensuring customers receive clear insights into lead times and new product development costs.
Innovation: Lipper International doesn’t just meet industry standards-it sets them. Employees are encouraged to own the innovation process, ensuring continuous improvements in products and operations.
Quality Control: Unlike competitors, Lipper inspects one carton of every item in every shipment. Given the natural variations in wood products, maintaining rigorous quality control has been instrumental in ensuring product excellence.
Operational Advantage: Owning its warehouse facilities allows the company to personally inspect and refine merchandise, avoiding common quality control issues.
Empowering Women in Business
Lipper International Inc. is proudly certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). For Amy, this certification is more than just recognition-it represents a commitment to fostering female leadership.
“Being part of WBENC isn’t just about business. It’s about connecting with other women leaders, exchanging ideas, and mentoring the next generation of women in business,” she says.
Amy has faced unique challenges as a woman in leadership. “In the early days, I was often referred to as ‘the boss’s daughter,’ and people questioned who was taking care of my children while I traveled overseas. Would a man face such questions? Probably not,” she reflects.
Rather than letting these biases deter her, Amy focused on action. “I didn’t allow these challenges to weigh me down. I stayed focused on the task at hand, pushing forward and letting my actions speak louder than the words of those with limited perspectives.”
Diversity and inclusivity have also played a major role in Lipper International’s success. “From our warehouse in Queens to our current facility in Wallingford, CT, we have always fostered a diverse workforce. We celebrate differences because they bring new ideas and fresh perspectives, especially in product innovation,” Amy explains.
Looking Ahead: Sustainability & Innovation
Two of Amy’s most impactful contributions to the company’s product portfolio remain the children’s furniture line and the beechwood organization collection. These innovations reflect her ability to balance motherhood, leadership, and education while pushing boundaries in product development.
Looking ahead, sustainability is at the heart of Lipper International’s future. The company remains committed to introducing affordable, natural, and sustainably sourced products.
As global efforts to reduce carbon emissions advance, Lipper International is closely monitoring new manufacturing innovations. The company is prepared to embrace environmentally responsible advancements that align with its long-standing commitment to sustainability.
Under Amy Lipper’s leadership, Lipper International Inc. is not just a family-owned business-it’s a forward-thinking enterprise that continues to innovate, adapt, and lead in the housewares industry.