In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we are thrilled to have Jeff, the president of Left Justified Studio and Prolific Games. Jeff brings over two decades of experience in the tabletop game industry, sharing insights into his career journey, from working at renowned companies like Atlas Games and Fantasy Flight Games to eventually founding his own publishing venture. Jeff dives deep into his strategic decision to acquire Prolific Games, detailing the evaluation and acquisition process, and the challenges encountered along the way. He highlights his best-selling game, Flapjacks and Sasquatches, and its success story. Additionally, Jeff discusses his partnership with Toy Launch for optimizing Amazon sales and managing digital marketing efforts. He also offers valuable advice for budding game designers and entrepreneurs in the industry, emphasizing the importance of starting immediately and leveraging available resources. This episode is packed with useful insights for anyone interested in the intricacies of the tabletop game business.

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Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed as we sits down with Kevin and Laurie from Create A Castle. Discover how a vacation frustration in 2016 led to a revolutionary toy that has changed sand and snow sculpting forever. Learn about their journey from crude prototyping to winning awards, their experiences on Shark Tank, and their exciting collaboration with Disney. Kevin and Laurie share invaluable insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of passion, and their mission to bring families together one castle at a time.

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In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we're thrilled to be joined by Ori, also known as the Kickstarter video guy and founder of Kagan Production. Ori shares his unique journey from a film enthusiast in Israel to a prominent figure in the board game industry, responsible for successful Kickstarter campaigns that have raised over $27 million. He discusses the importance of storytelling in creating compelling video content for campaigns and dives deep into his process of identifying a game's unique qualities and its 'super fan.' Ori also emphasizes the significance of pre-launch strategies and building a strong community to ensure crowdfunding success. Tune in to uncover the vital steps and insider tips from a seasoned expert that can transform your product launch into a phenomenal success story.

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In our episode of Toy Business Unbox, we are excited to have Willie Wilkov, the CEO of HABA USA, who brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the toy industry. Willie discusses his career journey from advertising to his current role, emphasizing the importance of customer-centricity, clear company strategy, and financial awareness in leadership. He offers insights on managing digital and traditional marketing channels, the shift towards e-commerce, and how to leverage various platforms for marketing success. Willie also delves into HABA USA's successful engagement with schools and libraries, and shares valuable advice for both newcomers and established brands in the industry. Tune in to hear about Willie's impressive marketing campaigns and his thoughts on the future of the toy business.

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In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we sits down with Curt Covert, the mastermind behind Smirk & Dagger Games. Curt shares his journey from a marketing agency creative to a renowned board game designer, driven by a passion for emotionally engaging gameplay. We also discuss the importance of narrative in modern board games, how early playtesting can guide marketing, and the crucial 'X factor' that makes a game unforgettable. Curt also opens up about how Kickstarter has transformed from a funding platform to a vital marketing tool and how his background in graphic design influences his game development. Tune in for insights on creating experiences that captivate both casual and devoted gamers alike.

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In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we welcomes John, the Patent Professor, a renowned patent attorney with over two decades of experience. We dive deep into John's personal journey into patent law, sparked by a childhood fascination with the Rubik's Cube. John shares invaluable insights into the importance and process of securing patents, including the nuances of design versus utility patents, the significance of provisional patents, and the intricacies of international protection. We also discuss the common misconceptions among toy entrepreneurs, the crucial timelines for filing patents, and effective strategies for monitoring and enforcing IP rights. Throughout the conversation, John emphasizes the need for innovation, creativity, and the courage to pursue one's ideas, regardless of perceived obstacles. This episode is a must-listen for budding inventors and seasoned toy entrepreneurs alike, offering practical advice and inspirational stories to empower your creative journey.

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In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we explores the profound impact of toy donations with Alyssa from Operation Christmas Child. Alyssa delves into the origins and mission of the project, which has delivered over 220 million shoeboxes filled with toys and essentials to children in need across 170 countries over the past 30 years. She highlights incredible stories of how these simple gifts can change lives, from an orphan in Russia finding a family to a child surviving genocide receiving hope and joy through a shoebox. The episode also discusses the logistics behind collecting and distributing 12 million shoeboxes annually and how companies can contribute surplus inventory to this heartwarming cause. Tune in to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children worldwide.

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Join us in this episode of Toy Business Unboxed as our host Jason Hsieh, a toy entrepreneur since 2016, dives into the intricacies of Amazon advertising for toy and game brands. He covers the structure of Amazon advertising campaigns, keyword targeting, avoiding common mistakes, and case studies of successful brands. Jason emphasizes the importance of conversion and profit optimization, ongoing adjustments, and creative strategies to boost your brand's visibility and profitability. With practical tips on keyword research, competitor analysis, and ad types, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to scale their toy business on Amazon.

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In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we dive deep with Ryan, the creative force behind the family-friendly card game 'What's the Point?' Ryan shares his inspiring journey, from the game's inception during his college years, influenced by a hospital stay battling Crohn's disease, to achieving the milestone of selling 17,000 copies. Discover the challenges of self-funding, the unique artistic process inspired by budget constraints, and how essential feedback and tenacity turned his passion project into a commercial success. Learn about Ryan's play-testing adventures, his unexpected success on Amazon, and invaluable advice for aspiring toy and game creators. Don't miss this engaging conversation on creativity, determination, and bringing joy through games.

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Join us in our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, as we delves into the toy industry with guest experts Ethan and Mark from Marky Sparky. Discover how Mark began his company almost 30 years ago with the iconic California Chariot and how it evolved into the renowned Marky Sparky brand. Ethan discusses growing up under his dad's legacy and eventually taking a leading role in the company, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode covers the intricacies of toy design, overcoming challenges like competition and maintaining enthusiasm for innovation. You'll also hear about the complexities of selling on Amazon and their strategies for staying competitive. They emphasize the importance of creating products they are genuinely excited about and offers practical advice for budding toy entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of building trustworthy partnerships and being financially prudent.

⭐Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Toy Business Unboxed 00:45 Meet Ethan and Mark of Marky Sparky 01:17 The Origins of Marky Sparky 03:37 Ethan's Journey in the Family Business 05:14 Challenges of Growing Up in a Family Business 06:37 Ethan's Role and Contributions 10:50 The Competitive Toy Industry Landscape 13:59 Amazon's Impact on the Toy Business 19:13 Challenges of Selling on Amazon 20:20 Addressing Misconceptions About Chinese Factories 21:36 Innovative Toy Design Strategies 23:56 The Importance of Excitement in Product Development 24:01 Flipping Rings: A Case Study 28:06 Advice for Aspiring Toy Designers 33:22 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Us

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