About Joshua Ritson

Joshua Ritson is an entrepreneur, community leader, real estate professional, and proud father of two. He is the founder of Ollie Bears, a company built around a simple idea: helping children keep water close by and making hydration a fun, everyday habit.

The inspiration for Ollie Bears came from a challenge many parents know all too well. Every night, Joshua would hear his daughter's water bottle hit the floor because there was no good place for it while she slept. The same thing happened during car rides, family outings, and everyday adventures. His children often forgot their water bottles, leaving parents to carry them or remind them constantly.

Then Joshua noticed something interesting: his children never forgot their favorite stuffed animals.

What began as a simple solution quickly became an idea with much greater potential. If a child's favorite plush companion could carry a water bottle, healthy hydration might become easier, more consistent, and a lot more fun. Today, Joshua's children rarely forget their water because all he has to do is remind them to grab their bear. As an added bonus, he no longer has to carry their water bottles everywhere they go.

Turning that idea into a product was anything but simple. Over the past year, Joshua has invested his own savings and navigated every step of the journey firsthand. From designing prototypes and sourcing manufacturers to organizing launch events, securing sponsors, and building a brand from the ground up, he has learned each aspect of entrepreneurship through persistence, determination, and a willingness to figure things out along the way.

Beyond Ollie Bears, Joshua has dedicated himself to serving his community. He serves as Chairman of the Gilford Budget Committee, sits on the Community Advisory Board, is a member of the Executive Cabinet for NHPR, and serves on the Board of the Greater Lakes Region Children's Fund. He has spoken locally and nationally on leadership and community engagement and was honored with the 2024 Adrianne Stevens Outstanding Leadership Award.

Looking ahead, Joshua sees limitless possibilities for Ollie Bears. His vision extends far beyond a single stuffed animal. He imagines Ollie Bears bringing comfort and healthy habits to children in hospitals, vacation destinations, retail stores, schools, and homes across the country. From bears to dinosaurs, axolotls, and countless other lovable characters, his goal is to create an entire family of plush companions that help children build lifelong healthy habits while creating lasting memories.

At its core, Ollie Bears was created by a father who wanted to solve a problem for his own children. Today, that same mission continues to drive the company forward: helping children stay hydrated, one cuddle at a time.