Toy Business Unboxed

Most board games kill their potential before they even leave the prototype stage. Alex, founder of Librarium Games, reveals the behind-the-scenes journey from a handmade prototype inspired by folklore to a thriving publishing company. His story uncovers how strategic scaling, innovative manufacturing solutions, and testing in unexpected venues like Renaissance Fairs transformed a small idea into a...

In this episode you'll discover how Matt spots trends before they explode from fidget spinners to collectible coins and holiday novelties and how quick experimentation on platforms like AliExpress guides his product decisions without heavy upfront commitments. His approach to testing demand by listing samples first, then scaling if they sell well, keeps risks low and agility high. Plus, you'll lea...

In this episode, you'll discover how Colin reimagined the classic brick system with multi-angle joining pieces that excite kids and frustrate Lego lawyers. We break down the secrets behind creating more engaging, versatile builds and how to protect your innovations in a complex global market. Colin shares the crucial lessons learned from nearly bankrupting inventions, patent disputes, and costly l...

In this episode, you'll discover how Molly transformed her passion into a thriving business with a small yet powerful team, and why she emphasizes relationship-building over traditional marketing tactics. She shares firsthand insights on how visiting hundreds of stores, demoing games with speed and sincerity, and cultivating real friendships with retailers create unstoppable sales momentum. Plus,...

Join us as we explore the journey of George Nebesnik, who transformed his passion for game design into a thriving business. Discover the challenges and triumphs of indie publishing, from refining his game Hastilude through years of playtesting to navigating the complexities of marketing and capital. Perfect for aspiring game designers and entrepreneurs, this episode offers insights into turning cr...

Join us as Dina Ramse, a crowdfunding expert, shares her insights on navigating the indie game crowdfunding landscape. Discover the secrets to building trust, engaging communities, and choosing the right platform for your campaign. Learn from common pitfalls and explore emerging trends to ensure your crowdfunding success. Perfect for creators ready to turn their passion into profit.

In this episode we interview the three co-founders of Pektis, an innovative board game studio founded in 2020, as they share how their backgrounds in architecture, visual communication/design, and education shape their approach to board game creation. They explain how the trio came together through work and a shared passion for playing and designing games, then discuss their three pillars for a su...

In this episode, we welcome Scott Jochim, an industry veteran known as Mr. Squishy, to discuss his journey within the toy and game industry. Scott talks about his early work in virtual and augmented reality, and how it influenced his transition to toys. He emphasizes the evolution from digital to physical play patterns and his success with the Squishland brand, including its unique approach to the...

In this episode we welcome Calli, a pediatric occupational therapist and consultant specializing in integrating OT principles into toy design. We delves into Calli's journey from camp counselor to OT, and how her expertise benefits child development through play. The discussion includes the importance of simplicity in toys, creating sensory-friendly toys, and balancing fun with therapeutic benefit...

Welcome to Toy Business Unboxed, your go-to source for insights into the toy industry. We share strategies, inspirations, and key mistakes to avoid for a successful Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Learn how to optimize your digital marketing efforts from creating compelling offers, optimizing your website for speed, and leveraging social proof to boost holiday season sales. Our host Jason Hsieh, em...

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...

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...

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...

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-publish...

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 t...

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...

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 tea...

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 a...

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....

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...

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 t...

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 industr...

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...

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 discusse...

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 impor...