The Sharper Image House!

The Sharper Image House!

The Sharper Image House!

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Richard Thalheimer, Yale graduate, attorney and iconic entrepreneur is nothing less than awe inspiring to any budding entrepreneur. While still a student he opened his first business in 1972 - an office supply store named The Sharper Image to promote the store’s quality printing products. In 1977, Richard began adding innovative new products to the store including an affordable runner’s watch, the world’s first cordless telephone and answering machine. He promoted his product line through magazine ads, television infomercials, and, in 1996, was one of the early retailers to embrace online selling. By 2003 the business had grown to 200 stores worldwide.

In 2006, a hedge fund bought shares in the business and demanded representation on the board, one being the former CEO of Revlon. After a year of ups and downs, the new board felt they could do a better job with The Sharper Image and bought out Thalheimer’s stock at $9.25 per share, or $25 million. Within nine months, the new board brought the company to its knees, filed bankruptcy and lost every cent they had put into it. Though Thalheimer’s sell out was financially fortuitous, it wasn’t easy letting go of his brain child. However, he was already making plans for his next business, RichardSolo.com, an even more upscale Sharper Image. Richard was once again on the road to profiting from the technologically innovative new and cool.

Recently, this innovative retailer has put his six bedroom, seven bath San Francisco mansion on the market. Located on San Francisco’s coveted Gold Coast, the mansion has views over the Bay and Presidio Park. Though it appears to be a period property from the outside, the great surprise is inside. After a full interior renovation, the home is now a bright, cheerful yet dramatic contemporary filled with sunlight and all the amenities that you might expect from The Sharper Image pioneer. Within its approximately 6,175 square feet are six bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, chef’s kitchen, large spaces for entertaining and an elevator that accesses all floors except the top two bedrooms. The spotless garage will house up to six cars. For more information.

Former CEO of The Sharper Image is selling his Gold Coast mansion in San Francisco. Priced at $11.95 million.

Source: www.sothebyshomes.com