Play and Wellness as Learning Foundations with Drew Vernon

It’s all about the power of play this week as Kris welcomes Drew Vernon, the U.S. Marketing Lead at tonies, a popular European children’s audio system that has recently launched in the United States. Drew talks about his former experience as Brand Director at Lego and in marketing at Procter and Gamble, and how it helps him now in his role with tonies. Drew shares why he believes a child who is a strong player is also a strong learner, problem solver, and a more overall happy person. Drew explains how tonies provide an amazing learning tool for social and emotional wellness and screen-free enrichment. Let’s play!   Key Takeaways: [7:45] Yes, Drew is a Denver Broncos fan! [8:10] How did Drew’s path lead him to a role as the Marketing Director for tonies? He also explains how working for P&G; and Lego, along with opening his own child care center, influenced how he blended marketing with knowing how important it is for good communication and quality service. [12:17] Fun fact: Drew lived in Japan and was actually a Japanese tour guide. He also speaks enough Japanese to order at a restaurant, and get some nods from the chefs. [16:15] Drew explains the mission behind tonies, an imagination-building, screen-free digital listening experience. [18:25] Drew talks about the influencer marketing outreach to educators and childcare professionals and partnering with other companies to promote mindfulness and relaxation tools for children. [26:54] Drew’s advice would be to realize and recognize the impact you can have upon future generations, and not to take it lightly.   Quotes: “I would have loved to have something like this when I was running my center.” — Drew “I fell in love with marketing at an early age. I think I was in high school and I really found it just to be the intersection of human psychology of understanding how the mind works and putting a product or service to that to what are the products and services that meet the needs and wants of different consumers.” — Drew  “I've started to think of myself less as a marketer, and more as an advocate for children and early childhood development.” — Drew “My advice would be just to realize that the more we can remember that we have the ability to impact future generations.” — Drew   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit tonies — ENTER CODE “toniepodcast” for 15% off purchase of a starter set.  Hotel Nikko Kiwi Co Monti Kids