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 spotting and product marketing. Steve dives deep into the creation of Gel Blaster Nexus, an innovative toy that blends physical activity with digital gameplay, aimed at revolutionizing the play experience. He describes the business strategy behind their new attraction centers, the challenges they faced, and their future plans including AR integration. Throughout the conversation, Steve emphasizes the importance of adapting marketing strategies to keep up with changing consumer behaviors and engaging with evolving platforms like TikTok. ⭐️ Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Toy Business Unboxed 00:43 Meet Steve: VP of Trends and New Market at Gel Blaster 01:33 Steve's Journey in the Toy Industry 04:08 Innovating with Gel Blaster 07:07 The Greatest Game Ever Played 09:44 Challenges in Creating Toy Attractions 20:38 Marketing Strategies and Retail Connections 35:34 Future Trends and Industry Insights 38:19 Advice for Aspiring Toy Entrepreneurs 40:12 Conclusion and Farewell