CEOs You Should Know Columbus •iHeart
CEO's You Should Know-Bradley Kaplan: Lion Cub's Cookies - CEOs You Should Know Columbus
CEOs You Should Know Columbus
Brad Kaplan is the entrepreneurial force behind Lion Cub’s Cookies, a gourmet cookie
company based in Columbus, Ohio. His journey began while studying at The Ohio State
University’s Fisher College of Business, where he started experimenting with cookie
recipes in his kitchen treating it like a science lab, tweaking ingredients one at a time to
perfect texture and flavor.
Originally trained as an engineer, Brad left his day job to pursue his cookie business full-
time. What started as a solo venture quickly grew into a full operation with bakers, recipe
developers, and delivery drivers. His early success was fueled by Instagram buzz and word-
of-mouth, and he leaned heavily into delivery during the pandemic.
Brad named the company “Lion Cub’s Cookies” based on childhood memories and a
desire for something unique and memorable. The brand is now known for its six-ounce
gooey cookies, and has become a local favorite in Columbus, with a storefront in
Grandview and plans for expansion.
Beyond business, Brad is deeply involved in the community donating thousands of cookies
to causes like Ronald McDonald House, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Pelotonia. He
was also named to the Columbus CEO Future 50 Class of 2022, recognized for his
leadership and commitment to inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
company based in Columbus, Ohio. His journey began while studying at The Ohio State
University’s Fisher College of Business, where he started experimenting with cookie
recipes in his kitchen treating it like a science lab, tweaking ingredients one at a time to
perfect texture and flavor.
Originally trained as an engineer, Brad left his day job to pursue his cookie business full-
time. What started as a solo venture quickly grew into a full operation with bakers, recipe
developers, and delivery drivers. His early success was fueled by Instagram buzz and word-
of-mouth, and he leaned heavily into delivery during the pandemic.
Brad named the company “Lion Cub’s Cookies” based on childhood memories and a
desire for something unique and memorable. The brand is now known for its six-ounce
gooey cookies, and has become a local favorite in Columbus, with a storefront in
Grandview and plans for expansion.
Beyond business, Brad is deeply involved in the community donating thousands of cookies
to causes like Ronald McDonald House, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Pelotonia. He
was also named to the Columbus CEO Future 50 Class of 2022, recognized for his
leadership and commitment to inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
00:0000:00