Hi Joe, thank you for taking time to answer a few questions. You've led such an incredible career. How many years have you been in the Toy Business?

I was in the Toy Industry for 78 years from 1948 to 2025.

How did you get your start, and where did it take you?

After serving as a Staff Sergeant in the Intelligence Division of the Marines for two years, I returned home newly married and looking for work. I saw an ad in The New York Times for an “Office Boy” position at Louis Marx, Inc., then the largest toy company in America, paying $15 a day. Mr. Marx was a demanding boss, but he pushed me to excel. In a few years, I worked my way up to Vice President of Sales.

From Marx Toys, I gained the experience, skills, and drive to start my own toy company. The industry was changing, so after years of success marketing my own products, I merged with View-Master and later acquired IDEAL Toys—makers of Erector Sets, Baby Dolls, and countless classic games.

I always had an eye for product—spotting trends and translating them into toys. In time, I became known as a consummate dealmaker.

What’s your claim to fame in the toy industry? What makes you a legend?

Product is king in this business, and I’ve been fortunate to help create and market some iconic ones:

• Disney 3-D Figures – Among the first to manufacture true sculpted Disney character toys rather than using stickers.
• Talking Big Bird – The first animatronic Sesame Street plush that sang and spoke in sync with a book.
• Magnadoodle – The modern version of Etch A Sketch, later featured on Friends.
• Magic 8 Ball – Still going strong decades later and even being adapted into a motion picture.
• Charlie Doll, Holly Hobbie Miniatures, The Original Teddy Bear, and Big Wheel – Each a phenomenon in its time.
• Michael Jackson View-Master and Michael’s Pets Plush Line – Selling millions worldwide. Meeting Michael at Neverland Ranch was memorable—he was gracious, friendly, and engaged.

Beyond individual products, I’m proud of building a global distribution network and attending toy fairs across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. It was always a two-way exchange—bringing international products to the U.S. and exporting our toys abroad. Those travels led to lasting friendships.

What were some other highlights of your career?

I loved sourcing product and supporting factories in the U.S., Japan, China, England, and the former Yugoslavia. The supply chain begins with trust—you must believe you can create the unimaginable, fast.

After selling View-Master IDEAL to Tyco, I stayed active in the industry by facilitating a number of mergers, acquisitions, and product deals. I worked closely with companies such as Hasbro and Ravensburger—helping align classic and innovative brands to expand their reach in a changing marketplace.

Meeting Sam Walton at his home, back when he was running Ben Franklin before founding Walmart, stands out as a turning point. I also served on the boards of major companies, including View-Master IDEAL, Russ Berrie, and Singing Machine, where I remained until age 95.

What advice would you give young graduates hoping to enter the toy industry?

Work hard. Make friends. Take chances. Be creative. Delegate. Reward generously. Spot trends. And always look beyond your borders—the international market is vital.

Your greatest achievement? Any closing thoughts?

My greatest achievement isn’t business—it’s being a devoted husband and raising a wonderful family, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

I’m now the oldest living executive from my generation in the toy industry. It’s been an extraordinary blessing—and hard to believe how swiftly the years have flown.