Unveiling The Ownership Of Hobby Lobby: Faith, Values, And Family Control

Edythe Daugherty 01 Aug 2025

Who Owns Hobby Lobby is a question that delves into the ownership structure of one of the largest arts and crafts retailers in the United States, Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.

Understanding Who Owns Hobby Lobby is crucial for investors, analysts, and stakeholders who seek to gain insights into the company's decision-making processes, business strategies, and overall performance. It sheds light on the interests and perspectives that shape the company's direction and provides a basis for assessing potential conflicts of interest.

In this article, we will explore the ownership structure of Hobby Lobby, examining the individuals and entities that hold controlling interests in the company. We will also discuss the historical context surrounding the company's ownership and the impact it has had on its operations.

Who Owns Hobby Lobby

The ownership structure of Hobby Lobby is a critical factor in understanding the company's decision-making, business strategies, and overall performance. Key aspects that shed light on "Who Owns Hobby Lobby" include:

Founders: David and Barbara Green
Ownership Type: Privately held
Controlling Interest: Green family
Shareholders: Limited to family members and select investors
Board of Directors: Majority controlled by Green family
Company Structure: C corporation
Headquarters: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Subsidiaries: Mardel Christian & Education, Hemispheres
Nonprofit Arm: Museum of the Bible

The Green family's strong religious beliefs and conservative values have significantly influenced Hobby Lobby's operations, including its opposition to the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate and its support for Christian causes. The company's private ownership structure provides the Green family with substantial control over the business, allowing them to pursue their values and long-term vision.

Founders

The connection between "Founders: David and Barbara Green" and "Who Owns Hobby Lobby" is central to understanding the company's ownership structure, values, and business decisions. David and Barbara Green are the founders and primary owners of Hobby Lobby, a privately held arts and crafts retailer with over 900 stores across the United States.

As the founders and controlling shareholders of Hobby Lobby, David and Barbara Green have a profound impact on the company's operations and strategic direction. Their strong religious beliefs and conservative values have shaped the company's culture and policies, including its opposition to the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate and its support for Christian causes. The Green family's commitment to their values has led to legal challenges and public controversies, but it has also fostered a loyal customer base that shares their beliefs.

The practical applications of understanding the connection between "Founders: David and Barbara Green" and "Who Owns Hobby Lobby" extend beyond the company's ownership structure. It provides insights into the company's decision-making process, its approach to corporate social responsibility, and its long-term vision. By examining the role of the Green family in Hobby Lobby's ownership and management, stakeholders can better understand the company's motivations, strategies, and potential areas of growth.

Ownership Type

The relationship between "Ownership Type: Privately held" and "Who Owns Hobby Lobby" is a crucial aspect of understanding the company's structure, decision-making, and overall performance. Hobby Lobby is a privately held company, meaning that its shares are not publicly traded on stock exchanges. Instead, the company's ownership is restricted to a limited number of shareholders, typically family members, founders, and select investors.

One of the key implications of "Ownership Type: Privately held" is that the Green family, as the founders and controlling shareholders, have significant influence over the company's operations and strategic direction. This allows them to make long-term decisions without the pressure of quarterly earnings reports or external shareholder demands. The private ownership structure also provides the Green family with greater flexibility in pursuing their values and beliefs, which have shaped the company's culture and policies.

Real-life examples of "Ownership Type: Privately held" within "Who Owns Hobby Lobby" include the Green family's control over the company's board of directors, its executive management team, and its major business decisions. The family's strong religious beliefs have led to Hobby Lobby's opposition to the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate and its support for Christian causes. These decisions reflect the Green family's values and their commitment to using their business platform to promote their beliefs.

Understanding the connection between "Ownership Type: Privately held" and "Who Owns Hobby Lobby" has practical applications for investors, analysts, and stakeholders who seek to gain insights into the company's decision-making processes, business strategies, and overall performance. It provides a basis for assessing potential conflicts of interest, evaluating the company's long-term vision, and understanding the factors that influence its operations.

Controlling Interest

Within the ownership structure of Hobby Lobby, the "Controlling Interest: Green family" aspect holds significant sway in shaping the company's direction and decision-making. The Green family, led by founders David and Barbara Green, exercises substantial influence over Hobby Lobby through various means, including majority ownership of shares, control of the board of directors, and active involvement in executive management.

Board Control: The Green family maintains a majority presence on Hobby Lobby's board of directors, ensuring their values and perspectives guide the company's strategic decisions.
Shareholder Influence: As the majority shareholders, the Greens have the power to appoint and remove board members, influencing the overall composition and decision-making dynamics.
Executive Leadership: Members of the Green family hold key executive positions, including CEO and President, granting them direct authority over the company's day-to-day operations and long-term vision.
Vision and Values: The Green family's strong religious beliefs and conservative values have a profound impact on Hobby Lobby's policies, business practices, and corporate culture.

The "Controlling Interest: Green family" aspect of "Who Owns Hobby Lobby" translates into tangible outcomes for the company. The family's influence has shaped Hobby Lobby's opposition to the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate, its support for Christian causes, and its focus on family-friendly workplace policies. Understanding the dynamics of "Controlling Interest: Green family" provides insights into the decision-making processes, values, and long-term vision that drive Hobby Lobby's operations.

Shareholders

The connection between "Shareholders: Limited to family members and select investors" and "Who Owns Hobby Lobby" lies at the heart of the company's ownership structure and decision-making processes. Unlike publicly traded companies with numerous shareholders, Hobby Lobby's ownership is concentrated among a small group of individuals, primarily consisting of family members and a select few trusted investors.

This limited shareholder base has significant implications for "Who Owns Hobby Lobby." It allows the Green family to maintain firm control over the company's operations and strategic direction. By carefully selecting investors who share their values and vision, the Greens ensure that Hobby Lobby's decision-making aligns with their personal beliefs and long-term goals.

Real-life examples of "Shareholders: Limited to family members and select investors" within "Who Owns Hobby Lobby" include the involvement of David Green's children in key leadership positions and the presence of long-time family friends on the board of directors. These individuals share the Green family's religious beliefs and commitment to conservative values, ensuring that Hobby Lobby's policies and practices reflect their shared worldview.

Understanding the connection between "Shareholders: Limited to family members and select investors" and "Who Owns Hobby Lobby" is crucial for gaining insights into the company's decision-making processes, values, and long-term vision. It provides a basis for assessing potential conflicts of interest, evaluating the company's commitment to its stated values, and understanding the factors that influence its operations.

Board of Directors

The aspect of "Board of Directors: Majority controlled by Green family" plays a pivotal role in understanding "Who Owns Hobby Lobby." With the Green family holding the majority of seats on the board, they exert significant influence over the company's decision-making and strategic direction.

Composition and Appointments: The Green family carefully selects board members who share their values and vision, ensuring that the board aligns with their personal beliefs and long-term goals.
Decision-Making Influence: As the majority shareholders, the Green family has the power to influence board decisions, including the appointment and removal of board members, shaping the overall composition and decision-making dynamics.
Alignment with Family Values: The Green family's strong religious beliefs and conservative values are reflected in the decisions made by the board of directors, which often align with their personal convictions.
Long-Term Vision: The Green family's control over the board enables them to pursue a long-term vision for Hobby Lobby, prioritizing their values and beliefs over short-term financial gains.

In conclusion, the "Board of Directors: Majority controlled by Green family" aspect of "Who Owns Hobby Lobby" underscores the significant influence that the Green family wields over the company's decision-making, values, and long-term vision. This control allows them to pursue their personal beliefs and goals while shaping Hobby Lobby into a company that reflects their worldview.

Company Structure

Within the realm of "Who Owns Hobby Lobby," the aspect of "Company Structure: C corporation" holds significant importance. Hobby Lobby is established as a C corporation, which is a distinct legal entity separate from its owners. This structure has several implications for understanding the ownership and operations of Hobby Lobby.

Firstly, the C corporation structure provides Hobby Lobby with limited liability protection. This means that the personal assets of the owners, including the Green family, are shielded from any debts or liabilities incurred by the company. This protection is crucial for safeguarding the financial interests of the owners and allows them to take calculated risks in business operations.

Secondly, the C corporation structure facilitates the transfer of ownership through the issuance of shares. While the Green family maintains majority ownership and control, the C corporation structure allows them to bring on additional investors or sell portions of their ownership in the future. This flexibility is essential for long-term planning and the potential expansion of Hobby Lobby's ownership structure.

In conclusion, the "Company Structure: C corporation" aspect of "Who Owns Hobby Lobby" provides insights into the legal and financial framework of the company. The C corporation structure offers limited liability protection to the owners, enables the transfer of ownership through shares, and sets the stage for potential future developments in Hobby Lobby's ownership structure.

Headquarters

Delving into "Headquarters: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma" is integral to comprehending "Who Owns Hobby Lobby." The company's headquarters location holds strategic importance, influencing factors such as operations, employment, and corporate identity.

Centralized Operations:
Oklahoma City serves as the nerve center for Hobby Lobby's vast operations. Key decision-making, planning, and coordination occur at the headquarters, ensuring efficient management of the company's widespread retail network.
Local Economic Impact:
The headquarters' presence contributes significantly to Oklahoma City's economy. Hobby Lobby employs a substantial workforce, fosters local businesses, and supports community development initiatives.
Brand Identity:
Oklahoma City's association with Hobby Lobby shapes the company's public perception. The headquarters' location reinforces the brand's connection to the region, fostering a sense of local pride and loyalty among customers.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
Operating from Oklahoma City subjects Hobby Lobby to specific legal and regulatory frameworks. The headquarters' location influences the company's compliance strategies and adherence to local laws and industry standards.

In conclusion, the "Headquarters: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma" aspect of "Who Owns Hobby Lobby" reveals the company's strategic decision-making, economic impact, brand identity, and compliance considerations. Understanding these facets provides a comprehensive view of Hobby Lobby's operations, its connection to its host city, and the implications for its ownership and management.

Subsidiaries

In the context of "Who Owns Hobby Lobby," the company's subsidiaries, Mardel Christian & Education and Hemispheres, play significant roles in extending the company's reach and fulfilling its mission:

Christian Bookstore Chain: Mardel Christian & Education operates a chain of Christian bookstores, offering a wide selection of Bibles, books, gifts, and educational resources. It aligns with Hobby Lobby's focus on faith-based products and strengthens its connection with the Christian community.
Wholesale Distributor: Hemispheres serves as a wholesale distributor of arts and crafts supplies to schools, churches, and other organizations. This subsidiary expands Hobby Lobby's market beyond retail customers and supports educational and creative endeavors.
Museum Operations: Mardel Christian & Education also operates the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. This museum showcases biblical artifacts and promotes the study and understanding of the Bible. It reflects Hobby Lobby's commitment to preserving and sharing Christian heritage.
Diversification Strategy: The establishment of subsidiaries allows Hobby Lobby to diversify its revenue streams and mitigate risks associated with relying solely on retail sales. It also enables the company to explore new markets and expand its customer base.

In conclusion, Hobby Lobby's subsidiaries, Mardel Christian & Education and Hemispheres, play multifaceted roles in supporting the company's core business, strengthening its connection with the Christian community, expanding its market reach, and diversifying its revenue streams. These subsidiaries contribute to the overall growth and success of Hobby Lobby and reflect the company's commitment to faith-based values and its mission to inspire and equip its customers.

Nonprofit Arm

Within the context of "Who Owns Hobby Lobby," the establishment of the Museum of the Bible as a nonprofit arm holds significant religious, cultural, and educational implications:

Biblical Heritage Preservation: The museum serves as a repository for biblical artifacts and historical documents, preserving and showcasing the rich history and heritage of the Bible.
Educational Outreach: Through interactive exhibits and educational programs, the museum aims to engage visitors with the Bible's stories, teachings, and impact on Western civilization.
Interfaith Dialogue: The museum fosters interfaith dialogue and understanding by presenting the Bible's influence on various cultures and religions.
Community Involvement: As a nonprofit organization, the museum actively engages with the local community through outreach programs, educational initiatives, and public events.

The Museum of the Bible's affiliation with Hobby Lobby reflects the Green family's deep commitment to their Christian faith and their desire to share its significance with a broader audience. The museum's educational and cultural programs align with Hobby Lobby's mission to inspire and equip its customers, extending the company's impact beyond its retail operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ section provides concise answers to common questions and clarifies various aspects of "Who Owns Hobby Lobby":

Question 1: Who founded Hobby Lobby?

Hobby Lobby was founded by David and Barbara Green in 1972.

Question 2: Is Hobby Lobby a publicly traded company?

No, Hobby Lobby is a privately held company, meaning its shares are not publicly traded on stock exchanges.

Question 3: Who controls Hobby Lobby?

The Green family maintains controlling interest in Hobby Lobby through majority ownership of shares and control of the board of directors.

Question 4: What is the relationship between Hobby Lobby and the Museum of the Bible?

The Museum of the Bible is a nonprofit arm of Hobby Lobby, established by the Green family to preserve biblical artifacts and promote biblical education.

Question 5: Why is Hobby Lobby's ownership structure significant?

Hobby Lobby's private ownership and family control allow the Green family to operate the company according to their personal values and beliefs, which have influenced the company's policies and business decisions.

Question 6: How does Hobby Lobby's ownership structure affect its decision-making?

The Green family's strong religious beliefs and conservative values have shaped Hobby Lobby's decision-making, including its opposition to the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate and its support for Christian causes.

These FAQs provide insights into the ownership structure, values, and decision-making processes of Hobby Lobby. The company's unique ownership structure has a significant impact on its operations, strategic direction, and overall performance, and will be further explored in the following article sections.

Moving forward, we will delve deeper into the implications of Hobby Lobby's ownership for its stakeholders, including customers, employees, and the broader community.

Tips for Understanding Hobby Lobby's Ownership Structure

The complex ownership structure of Hobby Lobby, a privately held company controlled by the Green family, raises unique considerations for stakeholders. These tips will help you navigate this topic effectively:

Tip 1: Examine the Company's Legal Structure:
Understand the legal framework of Hobby Lobby as a C corporation, including its implications for liability and ownership transfer.

Tip 2: Identify Key Shareholders:
Determine the ownership stake of the Green family and any other major shareholders, and their potential influence on decision-making.

Tip 3: Analyze the Board of Directors:
Review the composition of Hobby Lobby's board of directors, paying attention to the Green family's representation and their potential to shape the company's direction.

Tip 4: Consider the Role of Subsidiaries:
Explore the operations and ownership of Hobby Lobby's subsidiaries, such as Mardel Christian & Education and Hemispheres, and their impact on the overall business.

Tip 5: Evaluate the Non-Profit Arm:
Understand the purpose and activities of the Museum of the Bible, Hobby Lobby's non-profit arm, and its relationship to the company's values and mission.

By following these tips, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of Hobby Lobby's ownership structure and its implications for the company's operations, decision-making, and stakeholder relationships. This knowledge will empower you to make informed assessments and engage in meaningful discussions about the company's ownership and governance.

In the concluding section, we will explore the broader implications of Hobby Lobby's ownership structure, including its impact on corporate social responsibility, industry dynamics, and the overall business landscape.

Conclusion

Our exploration of "Who Owns Hobby Lobby" reveals a complex ownership structure centered around the Green family's values and beliefs. Key insights include the company's private ownership, the Green family's controlling interest, and the influence of their religious convictions on business decisions.

These factors have shaped Hobby Lobby's unique identity, from its opposition to the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate to its support for Christian causes. The company's private ownership allows the Green family to pursue their vision without the pressures of public shareholders, while their control over the board of directors ensures alignment with their values.

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