From Civil Engineer to Cookie Empire with Brad Kaplan

Brad Kaplan's journey from civil engineer to founder of Lion Cubs, a thriving cookie business, is a powerful testament to passion, self-discovery, and the courage to pivot. After a childhood marked by impulsiveness and a lack of academic focus, Brad found early success in engineering but quickly realized it wasn't his calling. His transformation began in November 2018 when he made pumpkin cookies for Thanksgiving—something he’d never done before—and became obsessed with perfecting the recipe through meticulous experimentation. This passion led him to launch Lion Cubs in 2019, starting with pop-ups at the North Market. Despite initial doubts and the challenges of balancing a day job, Brad’s confidence grew as the business gained traction. He made the pivotal decision to quit his engineering job in May 2020, driven by the undeniable potential of his venture. Now, with two successful stores and plans for expansion, Brad emphasizes the importance of belief in oneself, removing distractions to discover your true calling, and building a business with purpose. He also reflects on the lessons from his past—engineering, business school, and the value of culture and systems—that have shaped his leadership. Looking ahead, he’s focused on scaling culture, refining brand identity, and creating life-changing opportunities for his team, all while staying grounded in the entrepreneurial cycle of courage, capability, competence, and confidence.