Power Kid Podcast

‘Understanding people and how to relate to people - that’s the science behind marketing” Harold Chizick drops by today to pull back the curtain on his company Chizcomm. Previously he was the VP of Marketing at Mega Brands and VP of Global Communications and Promotions at Spin Master. Today he brings this tremendous experience to bear for his clients and partners as the CEO of Chizcomm. Chizcomm offers innovative and creative PR and digital marketing solutions to companies worldwide.

After successful ventures in digital gaming and real estate Ryan Magnon has a new vision for the action figure aisle! Today he and his team are at ASTRA launching their new creation - Alter Nation! Join us today as we discuss the origin of this new brand. Listen in as he discusses the rigorous focus testing he did on the line and the interesting directions the kids sent him. What are the important touchstones when creating a new boys brand? How do we create compelling characters and stories?

It is my pleasure this week to bring you my discussion with the Head of Sales and Business Development at Kidoz Ryan Lexer. Ryan helps kids and brands navigate their way safely through the digital landscape. If you are trying to grab the attention of kids online with your product or brand this is the episode for you. Joining us for this important show!

The Rock Father James Zahn brings a very unique combination of experiences and skills to the toy industry. He has written for Sprout AND Fangoria which puts him in a category all his own! On his website therockfather.com he provides open and honest reviews of products from the parents perspective. In todays show we talk about his media channel and why it is important to provide a parents perspective. We also dive into his research on the ever-evolving Toys R Us bankruptcy saga.

I met Brien Arone at NY Toy Fair 2017. His booth was filled with beautiful animation, unique character designs and prototype toys. Earlier in the day I had seen these costumed characters making a splash throughout the show. I had to know more! Today Brien shares with us his very human and heartfelt story that led to the creation of the SeaBelievers. Listen in as he takes us on his childhood journey and discusses some of the hurdles he has had to overcome to make SeaBelievers a reality.

John Baulch has spent 30 years working in toy trade press. He has applied his experience and love for the toy industry to his publication Toy World Magazine. He has vast knowledge of toy industry history and what it takes to succeed on the media side. We discuss his philosophy in journalism and his reporting during several historical shifts in the toy industry. He shares with us his unique perspective from the crossroads of 3 rapidly changing industries - toys, retail, and media.

A big thank you to Mathew Hudak who breaks it down for us today in this fun rapid-fire episode! Matthew is the Senior Industry Analyst at Euromonitor International. He is laser focused on the toy and game industry and gives his customers cutting edge market data. In fact his sole responsibility is to develop the toy and game system for Euromonitor. The Toy industry is always on the move (quicker than ever) and it is his job to keep us informed with global toy sales data and trends.

Super mom and two-time Women in Toys awards winner Lisa Orman joins us today! Previously she was a writer for the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Newsweek. Today she runs KidStuff PR to promote toys and games worldwide. I ask the questions:  What are some of the most coveted awards in our industry? How important are Mommy Bloggers and what should we expect from the bloggers and media outlets who review our products? Join us!

Since childhood Marissa Louie has dreamed of creating amazing plush toys. After 2 years in development and 11 hours on Kickstarter her dream is now a reality! Animoodles, the amazing magnetic mix and match plush creation, is shipping to her backers all over the world and is now finding it’s way into brick and mortar retail. Join us today as we discuss her journey to make her plush dream a reality. theanimoodles.com

"Show me”. Stay in the toy industry long enough and you will hear these 2 words thousands of times. Whether at a trade show or sales meeting - never underestimate the power of a looks-like works-like prototype….and a great presenter! Clayton Hodges previously served as the Manager of Global Toy Demonstration at Hasbro and is now the Manager/ CEO at FerventlyFunConcepts. His organization casts, trains and provides logistics for live toy demonstrations for companies and events worldwide.

Alex Prieto has worked in the toy industry since his childhood - assembling kites and wind-ups on his fathers factory line! He is now the Director of Fun at Eolo Toys. Their great brands include Aqua Gear, Heli Flyerz, Sandtastic, and Funtrix among many others. They have license contracts with Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Minions. Tune in to this candid conversation as we discuss the importance of outdoor play, solving problems for your customers and international distribution.

Creating characters, drawing, animating - it’s all Pat Giles ever wanted to do. His laser focus on animation and character design has led him to create content for some of the best known brands and characters on the market. Join Pat and I as we discuss his career - building and animating characters for children be it for toys, games or food. Who else has experienced Sonny the Cuckoo Bird fight Lion-O?

Monopoly, Clue, Sorry, RISK, Boggle, Trivial Pursuit - what do these household brands have in common? Not only have they each brought thousands of hours of joy to families but they have also been guided and expanded by our guest today Deb De Sherbinin! Deb has 25 years experience in the consumer goods and toy industry - first with Parker Brothers and now with Perk Consulting. She can help you evaluate your brand, create a brand strategy and keep your brand on top.

In today's market landscape direct to consumer strategies are more important than ever. No one is better suited to help you navigate those waters than Robert Yusim at Product Council. Robert has a passion for helping inventors and companies launch their new consumer products. Join us today as we dive into Robert's rich history in the toy industry. We discuss the great opportunities that exist by using a direct consumer model.

“If there is no Toys “R” Us, I don’t think there is a toy business.”   Isaac Larian 14 year veteran Toys “R" Us buyer Leila Nosrati shares with us her inside experience working with Toys “R" Us and sheds light on the current state of the business. What does a re-launched &  re-configured Toys R US look like? Her message - we are family!