The Lego Group began in the carpentry workshop of Ole Kirk Christiansen, in Billund, Denmark. In 1916, Christiansen purchased a woodworking shop in Billund which had been in business since 1895.[1]:8 The shop mostly helped construct houses and furniture, and had a small staff of apprentices. The workshop burned down in 1924 when a fire ignited some wood shavings.[2]:37 Ole Kirk constructed a larger workshop, and worked towards expanding his business even further. When the Great Depression hit, Ole Kirk had fewer customers and had to focus on smaller projects. He began producing miniature versions of his products as design aids. It was these miniature models of stepladders and ironing boards that inspired him to begin producing toys.[2]:39
In 1932, Ole Kirk's shop started making wooden toys such as piggy banks, pull toys, cars and trucks and houses. The business was not profitable because of the Great Depression. Farmers in the area sometimes traded food in exchange for his toys; Ole Kirk continued producing practical furniture in addition to toys to stay in business. In the mid-1930s, the yo-yo toy fad gave him a brief period of increased activity until it suddenly collapsed. To reduce waste, Ole Kirk used the leftover yo-yo parts as wheels for toy trucks.[1]:15 His son Godtfred began working for him, taking an active role in the company.[1]:15
Michelle Jacobs has expertise on both sides of the admissions process, most recently as Director of College Counseling at a local private school guiding 200 high school students annually through the college process. Previously, she worked at the George Washington University, including as an Assistant Director in the Office of Admissions reviewing 1,000 applications each year. Michelle received her bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park and taught high school English in Howard County. Michelle earned her master's at the George Washington University and is currently a doctoral candidate there researching students' high-school-to-college transition. Michelle is a member of NACAC and has presented on various topics related to students' college choice and experience.