Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed as we chats with Steve, an 81-year-old former teacher and school administrator turned toy entrepreneur. Discover Steve's early inspirations from his humble beginnings, playing with toast crumbs, to his experiences teaching in a challenging Brooklyn school district. Learn about his innovative educational toy store, catering to children with special needs, and his current venture, the Eco Connect Bottle system, which transforms plastic waste into creative, useful items. Steve shares his inventive journey, the importance of hands-on, imagination-driven play, and his heartfelt advice for aspiring inventors and toy industry entrepreneurs.
⭐️ Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Toy Business Unboxed

00:42 Meet Steve: From Educator to Toy Entrepreneur

01:51 Steve's Early Life and Toy Experiences

04:05 Teaching in Challenging Environments

09:33 Founding the Learning Store

16:57 The Eco Connect Bottle System

21:25 Challenges in Mass Production

21:49 Breakthrough with High-Speed Machines

22:33 Designing the First Eco Connect Bottles

23:43 Innovative Connector Prototypes

24:49 Versatile Applications of Eco Connect Bottles

28:32 Patent and Business Plan Development

29:59 Pandemic and Personal Challenges

30:46 The Vision for Repurposing

37:08 Encouragement for Inventors

40:12 Conclusion and Contact Information

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