Toy Business Unboxed

In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we delve into the fascinating journey of creating the hit dice game, Tenzi, with its inventors Kevin and Steve. From their initial serendipitous meeting to conquering the toy market, Kevin and Steve share invaluable insights about game development, including the critical moments that shaped their success. Discover the importance of passion, the benefits of partnering up, and how unconventi...

In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we sit down with Loren, the founder and CEO of Catalyst Game Labs. With a strong presence in the hobby game industry, Loren shares his fascinating journey from being a Navy veteran and novelist to managing iconic game properties like BattleTech and Shadowrun. He delves into how his love for storytelling keeps these classic games relevant, the challenges and strategies behind launching succ...

In this webinar, we dive deep into holiday prep, specifically for Q4, the most competitive quarter of the year. While our focus is the toys and games industry, these digital marketing strategies are applicable to any category. We're here to equip you with a clear roadmap, practical strategies, and actionable steps to ensure a successful Q4. From multi-channel marketing on and off Amazon to social media ads, emails, and logistics ...

In this episode of Toy Business Unbox, we are joined by Neil, the founder of NRP Games and a visionary board game designer. Neil shares his journey from storytelling to game design, detailing how personal experiences and strategic insights shaped his creations. He reflects on the pivotal moment when simplifying his game design led to broader appeal and discusses his unique approach to self-publishing. Neil offers a behind-the-sce...

In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we delve into the incredible journey of Paola, the founder of Dr. Zigs. Paola shares how her passion for bubbles, inspired by her son Ziggy, led her to create a sustainable toy company. From a small kitchen experiment to a global brand, Dr. Zigs is now recognized for its eco-friendly, innovative bubbles. Paola discusses the importance of sustainability in the toy industry, the unique plant-b...

In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we welcome Steve and Tessa, the creators of Taji Toys. Their unique 3D toy, inspired by the yin and yang symbol, encourages free play, creativity, and skill development for kids and adults alike. Steve shares the long journey from a sketch in his college notebook to a vibrant, multicolored collection now produced in Texas. Learn how Taji Toys promote social and physical growth through open...

Join us as we explore how toys and music can harmonize to create a brighter educational future! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating fusion of toys and musical education with Michael John Wiley, a world-renowned composer, musician, and educator. Michael shares his inspiring journey from an engineering background to creating the 'Musical Color' system—a unique method that uses color to teach music and inspire creativit...

In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we interviews Andres, the innovative creator of HexPath, a board game that's redefining creativity and gameplay. Andres shares his journey from a passion for technical drafting and civil engineering to the invention of HexPath. Inspired initially by patterns observed in tiles and later by his pet ferret Ted, Andres transformed his early experiments into an award-winning game. The discussion...

Join us in our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, where we delves into the toy industry with Adam, the visionary behind Adam's Apple Games. Discover the journey from hobbyist to game designer and publisher, as Adam shares insights on creativity, crowdfunding challenges, and balancing gameplay. Learn about his inspirations, the creation of Bruin USA, and the shift from digital apps to tabletop games. Explore the nuances of marketing...

In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we dive into the fascinating world of AI-powered toys with Robin Raskin, a trailblazer in tech journalism and event creation. Robin shares her unique insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of children's toys, education, and play. Listen in as we discuss the exciting potentials and the challenges of integrating AI into toys, and how it influences the next genera...

Join us in our webinar talking about the transformative power of AI and automation for toy and game brands. Jason Hsieh shares how AI can be leveraged to enhance marketing strategies, boost customer engagement, and streamline workflows. Discover various AI tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and Descript, and their applications in content creation, SEO, email marketing, and advertising. Whether you're in the toy industry or another vertic...

In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, join us as we delve into the creative and challenging world of toy invention with Richard Levy, a prolific inventor with over 50 product ideas. Richard shares his inspiring journey from a successful advertising creative director to a notable toy inventor. Listen in as we explore the highs and lows of pitching unique concepts to an often resistant toy industry, and learn how Richard’s persev...

Join us in our episode of Toy Business Unboxed as we dives into an engaging conversation with Nick, the co-founder of the inspiring toy brand Randimals. Nick shares the fascinating origin story of Randimals, unique hybrid plush toys that celebrate individual differences. Discover how a playful mix of animals like a horse-shark (Hork) and a bee-dinosaur (B-rex) came to life, inspired by real-life experiences and a mission to embra...

Join us in our episode of Toy Business Unboxed as we sit down with Megan, the co-founder of HuggaBuddies, a family-run brand dedicated to creating core memories and fostering imagination through beautifully designed storybooks and plush toys. Discover how the brand began as a heartfelt family tradition and evolved into a successful business, driven by the incredible craftsmanship of Megan's mother. Learn about their unique bedtim...

In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we sit down with Ashley Head, the CEO of Curls Poppin'. Ashley shares his inspiring journey from a chemistry graduate to a passionate entrepreneur filling a significant gap in the toy market. Starting in the hair care industry, Ashley transitioned to creating dolls that represent authentic identity with brown skin, brown eyes, and big curly hair. He discusses his strategic moves, including se...

In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, join us as we chat with Brent Beck, the creative force behind Grandpa Beck’s Games. This engaging conversation explores how Brent and his wife transformed their family's love for card games into a thriving business, selling millions of games worldwide. Brent shares the ups and downs of balancing an airline pilot career while growing a game company, the importance of family in their business...

Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed as we dive into an insightful conversation with Enzo, the founder and CEO of CMY Cubes. Enzo shares the inspiring journey behind the creation of the CMY Cube, a unique product that blends color theory, optics, and educational play. Discover how Enzo and his partner Gabrielle navigated from prototyping during the COVID-19 pandemic to achieving viral success on TikTok, and securing pa...

In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we are thrilled to have Jeff, the president of Left Justified Studio and Prolific Games. Jeff brings over two decades of experience in the tabletop game industry, sharing insights into his career journey, from working at renowned companies like Atlas Games and Fantasy Flight Games to eventually founding his own publishing venture. Jeff dives deep into his strategic decision to acquire Prolifi...

Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed as we sits down with Kevin and Laurie from Create A Castle. Discover how a vacation frustration in 2016 led to a revolutionary toy that has changed sand and snow sculpting forever. Learn about their journey from crude prototyping to winning awards, their experiences on Shark Tank, and their exciting collaboration with Disney. Kevin and Laurie share invaluable insights on overcoming ...