Cubes, Colors, and Commerce

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 bedtime products and the impactful 'Buddie Bought' initiative that donates a stuffed animal to children in need for every purchase made. Megan also shares valuable insights from their first trade show experience and discusses the importance of targeted marketing in reaching the right audience. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on passion, family, and the toy industry! -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

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 securing licenses with major institutions like Morehouse and Spelman Colleges, and highlights the unique features of his dolls, such as enhanced articulation. Ashley also touches on the challenges of standing out in a competitive market and the importance of following one's intuition. Join us for a captivating discussion on how Curls Poppin' is making waves in the toy industry by bringing joy and representation to children everywhere. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

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, and valuable insights on overcoming challenges in the toy industry. From early struggles with manufacturing to achieving international success, get inspired by Brent's journey and their game design process. Tune in for a heartwarming story of perseverance, innovation, and family values that have brought joy to countless families around the world. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

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 partnerships with renowned institutions like the MoMA. Enzo also discusses the importance of protecting intellectual property, building a strong team, and embracing fear in entrepreneurship. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a toy industry veteran, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

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 Prolific Games, detailing the evaluation and acquisition process, and the challenges encountered along the way. He highlights his best-selling game, Flapjacks and Sasquatches, and its success story. Additionally, Jeff discusses his partnership with Toy Launch for optimizing Amazon sales and managing digital marketing efforts. He also offers valuable advice for budding game designers and entrepreneurs in the industry, emphasizing the importance of starting immediately and leveraging available resources. This episode is packed with useful insights for anyone interested in the intricacies of the tabletop game business. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

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 challenges, the importance of passion, and their mission to bring families together one castle at a time. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we're thrilled to be joined by Ori, also known as the Kickstarter video guy and founder of Kagan Production. Ori shares his unique journey from a film enthusiast in Israel to a prominent figure in the board game industry, responsible for successful Kickstarter campaigns that have raised over $27 million. He discusses the importance of storytelling in creating compelling video content for campaigns and dives deep into his process of identifying a game's unique qualities and its 'super fan.' Ori also emphasizes the significance of pre-launch strategies and building a strong community to ensure crowdfunding success. Tune in to uncover the vital steps and insider tips from a seasoned expert that can transform your product launch into a phenomenal success story. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

In our episode of Toy Business Unbox, we are excited to have Willie Wilkov, the CEO of HABA USA, who brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the toy industry. Willie discusses his career journey from advertising to his current role, emphasizing the importance of customer-centricity, clear company strategy, and financial awareness in leadership. He offers insights on managing digital and traditional marketing channels, the shift towards e-commerce, and how to leverage various platforms for marketing success. Willie also delves into HABA USA's successful engagement with schools and libraries, and shares valuable advice for both newcomers and established brands in the industry. Tune in to hear about Willie's impressive marketing campaigns and his thoughts on the future of the toy business. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we sits down with Curt Covert, the mastermind behind Smirk & Dagger Games. Curt shares his journey from a marketing agency creative to a renowned board game designer, driven by a passion for emotionally engaging gameplay. We also discuss the importance of narrative in modern board games, how early playtesting can guide marketing, and the crucial 'X factor' that makes a game unforgettable. Curt also opens up about how Kickstarter has transformed from a funding platform to a vital marketing tool and how his background in graphic design influences his game development. Tune in for insights on creating experiences that captivate both casual and devoted gamers alike. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we welcomes John, the Patent Professor, a renowned patent attorney with over two decades of experience. We dive deep into John's personal journey into patent law, sparked by a childhood fascination with the Rubik's Cube. John shares invaluable insights into the importance and process of securing patents, including the nuances of design versus utility patents, the significance of provisional patents, and the intricacies of international protection. We also discuss the common misconceptions among toy entrepreneurs, the crucial timelines for filing patents, and effective strategies for monitoring and enforcing IP rights. Throughout the conversation, John emphasizes the need for innovation, creativity, and the courage to pursue one's ideas, regardless of perceived obstacles. This episode is a must-listen for budding inventors and seasoned toy entrepreneurs alike, offering practical advice and inspirational stories to empower your creative journey. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy