Richard Thalheimer

Richard Thalheimer was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. He received his BA from Yale University in 1970, and graduated from Hastings Law School, San Francisco, in 1974.

After practicing law for a short while, he founded THE SHARPER IMAGE in 1977. With initial sales of $250,000 and only six employees, the company has grown to sales of over $200 million and 1300 employees. Today, Thalheimer is the Founder and Chairman of the publicly held corporation.

The Sharper Image is a specialty retailer of a unique selection of innovative and high-quality products that are marketed through colorful catalogs, the Internet and a nationwide retail store network, which now totals over 90 stores in the United States and overseas. The company offers the newest products and technology, including original gifts, housewares, health and fitness, recreational and consumer electronics.

Sharper Image stores reflect the excitement of the catalog and create an interactive environment, where customers are encouraged to touch and use the products.

The first Sharper Image catalog was mailed in 1979. The affluent customer base has grown rapidly. Every month, approximately 2 to 3 million catalogs are mailed, highlighting the newest products and technology.

Thalheimer's outside interests include bicycle touring, motorcycling and other outdoor activities. He also enjoys both modern and traditional dance performances, and serves on the Board of the San Francisco Ballet.

The Sharper Image's initial public offering was in April of 1987. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Marketing System under the symbol SHRP.