Everyone wants to know what is really needed to start a successful business. How can I be sure the timing is right? How much capital do I need? Is this product truly worthy? There are so many questions to consider. I’m sure many of them are swirling about in your...
One Simple Idea That Sold for More Than a Decade
Basketball has been a lifelong love of mine. I started playing when I was in the 5th grade. Soon after, I was shooting hoops in my driveway after school nearly every single day. Time seemed to float on by when I played -- it still does today when I head down to my...
How One Toy Company Gets Open Innovation Right
Every year around this time I get a little nostalgic for Toy Fair. My first ‘real’ job, at age 27, was at the toy startup Worlds of Wonder. On my first trip to New York City for the trade show, I stumbled upon one of my early designs in the toy store FAO Schwarz. With...
Have a Lot of Clever Ideas? License Them to the Novelty Gift Industry
Most inventors I know enjoy solving problems. They’re plagued by an annoyance, so they invent a solution. Me? I’ve always enjoyed making people smile. And yes, I know just how corny that sounds. But it’s true! That’s what motivated me to start designing my own...