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

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