Episodes
In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, join us as we speak with Jordan, founder of Omnie Integrated Services. Jordan shares his extensive background in customer service and his vision for revolutionizing e-commerce support using AI and automation. We delve into industry trends, the benefits of outsourcing vs. in-house teams, and how Omnie's tailored approach helps toy and e-commerce businesses not only satisfy customers but also drive revenue. Jordan discusses their partnership with...
Published 11/25/24
Published 11/25/24
Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed as we sits down with Jerry Dupree, founder of Brainfit Games and former NBA player. Jerry shares his inspiring journey from playing professional basketball to creating his own board game company, Brainfit Games. Hear about the passion and challenges behind developing Tip-Off Basketball, a unique board game integrating physical and cognitive development. Learn how his basketball experiences influenced his entrepreneurship and get insights into...
Published 11/13/24
Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed as we explore the world of specialty toys with Kevin, a seasoned veteran in the toy industry with over three decades of experience. Kevin, founding Original Toy Company, shares his journey from managing international toy manufacturing to navigating the evolving specialty toy market in the U.S. We delve into the unique advantages of specialty toy stores, the impact of Amazon, and the importance of community connections in retail. Kevin also...
Published 10/29/24
In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we delve into the inspiring journey of Karalyne and Martha, co-founders of Bene World, who transitioned from the fitness industry to creating the educational toy line, Bene Buddies and BeneBear. These toys are designed to teach children valuable social, emotional, and educational skills through a unique token reward system and themes like ocean conservation, rescue animals, and empathy. Key insights include the collaborative spirit of the toy industry,...
Published 10/23/24
Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed as we chat with industry veterans about the fascinating world of toy design and licensing. Discover Brad's incredible 20-year journey from working on beloved brands like Disney and Pixar to designing innovative outdoor toys. Dive deep into the complexities of licensing deals, from financials and negotiations to protecting intellectual property and dealing with knockoffs. Learn about the transition from large corporations to startups, and get...
Published 10/16/24
In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, join us as we explore the fascinating world of toys with Brittany, the owner of Clover Toys. Together, we delve into her inspiring journey from educator to entrepreneur in Seattle, focusing on Montessori and sustainable toys. Brittany shares how she balances motherhood and business, her strategies for selecting eco-friendly toys, and the impactful community engagement initiatives Clover Toys undertakes. We'll discuss the challenges of running a...
Published 10/07/24
Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed as we delve into the five pillars of digital marketing essential for toy brands. We'll guide you through content, social media, digital ads, email, and SMS marketing, sharing practical tips and live case studies. Learn how to integrate these pillars to boost brand visibility, drive customer engagement, and maximize sales. Our founder, with vast experience since 2016, shares insights from his ventures including his toy brand and digital marketing...
Published 09/30/24
Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, where we sits down with Kelly Clement, an inspiring educator and entrepreneur. Kelly shares her journey from being a middle school teacher to specializing in test prep for younger students, and the story behind her award-winning product, Watermelon Math. They discuss the challenges faced by young students in test preparation, Kelly's experience with different education systems in the US and UK, and her innovative approach to making test prep...
Published 09/27/24
In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we embark on a journey through the dynamic world of toys. We dive deep into the secrets behind the toy industry, discussing how data-driven strategies can help toy businesses decode trends, make customer-centric marketing decisions, and gain a competitive edge. Jason shares his insights on using digital analytics, conducting effective consumer research, understanding demographic profiles, and the importance of feedback loops in product development. This...
Published 09/16/24
Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed where we chat with Jennifer, the COO of Little Medical School. Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from being a doctor to leading an educational franchise that encourages children to explore healthcare careers. Discover how Little Medical School's unique after-school programs, summer camps, and realistic medical toys are engaging kids and making learning fun. Jennifer discusses the significance of role-playing in education, the thought process...
Published 09/10/24
In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, join me, your host Jason Hsieh, as I sit down with Ehi, the incredible founder of Little Art and chairwoman of Women in Toys. Ehi's journey from a successful attorney to a creative powerhouse in the toy industry is nothing short of inspiring. We'll dive into her story of transforming a pandemic project into innovative toys that blend creativity with marketing. Plus, learn about her pivotal role in advocating for women in the toy business. Ehi shares...
Published 08/29/24
Join us for an insightful discussion on the future of play, merging the best of toys and video games, and how to navigate the dynamic landscape of the toy industry as we sits down with Steve, VP of Trends and New Market at Gel Blaster and founder of KidAtHeart. Steve shares his inspiring journey in the toy industry, starting with his mentorship under Ryan Logan and his early years at Funrise Toys. He discusses his pivotal roles in companies like Diverse, where he honed his skills in trend...
Published 08/18/24
In our captivating episode of Toy Business Unboxed, join Jason Hsieh, the dynamic founder of LakiKid and Toy Launch, as he unveils the secrets to conquering the Amazon Japan marketplace. Discover step-by-step strategies for expanding your toy brand into Japan, from optimizing listings and leveraging PPC tools to navigating the unique Japanese market landscape. With exclusive insights on compliance, logistics, and cultural nuances, Jason arms you with everything you need to skyrocket your toy...
Published 08/05/24
oin us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we have an engaging chat with Joe, the genius behind numerous published board games and a successful Kickstarter campaign. Joe takes us through his fascinating journey from playing Monopoly and Clue as a kid to becoming a full-time board game designer. We delve into his creative process, the importance of playtesting, and the tough decisions between pitching to publishers and self-publishing. Joe also shares his insights on running a successful...
Published 07/29/24
In this captivating episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we dive deep into the world of educational toys with Jim, the VP and CTO of E-Blox. Jim shares his unique journey from a career in wireless technology to joining his family’s toy business, emphasizing the importance of STEM education. E-Blox's mission is to create engaging, electronic educational toys that integrate with familiar building blocks like Lego, making learning both fun and impactful. Through innovative designs, such as a wake-up...
Published 07/22/24
In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we have an inspiring chat with Cheyenne Raker, a mechanical engineer turned toy designer. Cheyenne shares her unique journey merging art and engineering in the toy industry. She opens up about her experiences in 3D modeling, 3D printing, and freelancing. Learn about her meticulous design process, the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship, and the importance of market research. Cheyenne also discusses memorable projects, the role of mentors,...
Published 07/15/24
Join us in this episode of the Toy Business Unboxed Podcast, where we sit down with Richard, the CEO of Pico Entertainment. We dive into his fascinating journey from graphic design and book printing to becoming a key figure in the toy industry, working with notable companies such as Fantasy Flight Games and Huawei. Richard shares how he navigates the challenges of project management and manufacturing, his role in bridging the gap between design and production teams, and the importance of...
Published 07/09/24
Join us in this month's webinar, Jason Hsieh explores the future of toy marketing, focusing on AI and digital tactics for success. Jason, a serial entrepreneur with a background in e-commerce, and owner of LakiKid and Toy Launch, shares insights on leveraging AI to enhance marketing strategies for toy brands. He discusses the pivotal role of AI in personalization, engagement, and creating immersive experiences for customers. He also presents real-life examples and case studies, alongside...
Published 07/01/24
​​In this Toy Business Unboxed Podcast episode, Helaina, founder of Kids Table Board Gaming, joins us to discuss her entrepreneurial journey in creating family-friendly board games. Coming from a 20-year teaching background, Helaina shares how her passion for educational gaming inspired her to design engaging games for both kids and adults. She highlights the creation of their popular game, Food Fighters, and the subsequent success that led to developing 24 more games. Helaina also delves...
Published 06/24/24
Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed as Paul Sheppard, the brilliant mind behind AquaBlock, sits with us takes us through his incredible journey from a simple family BBQ idea to creating a groundbreaking STEAM toy, sharing the challenges, triumphs, and valuable insights for aspiring toy entrepreneurs—this is one inspiring story you don't want to miss! ⭐️ Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Toy Business Unboxed 00:44 Meet Paul: The Journey of AquaBlock 01:12 The Inspiration...
Published 06/18/24
Hey toy entrepreneurs, join us as our host Jason Hsieh, the founder of Toy Launch and owner of LakiKid, shares his tips on effectively launching and managing a successful toy brand on Amazon, from inventory management to impactful marketing, mastering PPC advertising, and building a supportive community, all while giving you a peek into his journey of creating toys for kids with special needs. ⭐️ Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Webinar Overview 02:18 Meet Jason Hsieh: Founder of Toy...
Published 06/10/24
In this captivating episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we welcome Amanda, the founder of Good Play Guide and FUNdamentally Children. We discuss Amanda's unexpected journey from aspiring marine biologist to a toy industry expert, informed by her background in psychology and child development. We also delve into the significance of play in child development and Amanda's research-backed methodologies for evaluating toys. Amanda shares about the Good Play Guide's accreditation process, the...
Published 06/04/24
Join us in this captivating episode with Arturo Alvarez, the CEO of Nobory Toys, in exploring his transition from a military career to launching an innovative toy company inspired by his son. The discussion delves into the challenges of entering the toy industry, the development process of creating a unique plush toy line that promotes cognitive and motor skills development in children, and the importance of caregiver-child interaction through play. Further, Arturo shares insights on...
Published 05/27/24
Join us in our latest episode with Emma Fletcher, the creative genius behind Learn to Solder Kits! Dive deep into the world of toy design and STEM education as Emma shares her inspiring journey from software engineering to empowering the next generation of innovators. In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, Emma opens up about her mission, the impact of hands-on learning, and the success story behind her award-winning kits. From captivating the young learners with interactivity to fostering...
Published 05/20/24