The company behind Glo Pals and Glo Cubes is looking to scale its business in 2024 and beyond.
Glo, based in the historic Rex Theater in Starkville, Mississippi, is elevating a pair of mentors from advisors to leaders as Eric Hill and Jeffrey Rupp officially join the team as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Business Development, respectively. A decade ago, the duo helped two Mississippi State University students launch Glo through the MSU Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach (E Center).
Eric and Jeffrey are among the best in the business, and adding them to our team gives Glo a phenomenal strategic advantage. They’ll be able to hit the ground running on day one and work with us to transform the Glo portfolio of brands into one of the largest consumer toy and novelty companies in the world.”
“This is a monumental development for Glo,” says Anna Barker, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Glo. “Both Eric and Jeffrey have been an invaluable source of support and a constant sounding board for advice since we were students. The knowledge and insight they bring to the table are vital for sustaining our long-term growth, and we’re more excited than ever about the future.”
Hill joins Glo as COO on April 15 following a decade as Director of MSU’s E-Center and decades of experience optimizing operations in industries from shipbuilding to semiconductor manufacturing. In his new role, Hill will be responsible for daily operations and driving improvements to accelerate growth.
“I’ve seen Glo rise from a small yet ambitious startup to a leading industry player with multiple product lines that touch every corner of the globe,” Hill says. “Joining the leadership team at this critical point is an incredible opportunity to further expand Glo’s business and brand.”
Rupp steps into his new role on July 1 following eight years as Director of Outreach and Corporate Engagement at MSU’s College of Business. He previously served as Mayor of Columbus, Mississippi and has extensive experience in network TV. In his new role, he will work to help Glo branch into new markets.
“Being there when Glo launched and helping nurture the company’s growth was incredibly gratifying,” Rupp says. “Transitioning to a role that helps boost them to even greater heights is an honor and an exciting challenge. I’m confident about the future because I believe in Glo’s products, its mission, and its people.”
Two years ago, Glo raised more than $1.7 million in funding, boosting the company’s valuation to nearly $20 million. Glo used the funds to expand operations and spark job creation in graphic design, animation, media, supply chain, and engineering.
Glo Pals sensory toys and Glo Pals drink cubes are sold in more than 40 countries and are available in the U.S. at major retailers including Kohl’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Target.
Glo Pals debuted in 2018 and were inspired by a child with autism whose mother used Glo’s patented light-up technology to help him overcome his fear of water. The brand now accounts for 90% of Glo’s sales and has led to licensing deals with Sesame Workshop and the Fred Rogers Co. for versions featuring characters from Sesame Street and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
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