by Scott Friedland | 21 Mar 2024
Biographies and Interviews
I'm a Swiss Army Knife on steroids for those who don't know me. I'm so busy that I sometimes feel like I'm living my life fast-forward. I don't do downtime, I don't do lazy, and I don't do boring. I'm like a superhero without the spandex suit and the catchy theme song.
My journey started when I graduated from Indiana University with a sports marketing and management degree. I was eager to conquer the sports industry, but little did I know what life had in store for me. I started working for the Chicago Sky (read with my very clear Chicago Accent), a professional women's basketball team, but I needed a better fit. Maybe it was because I couldn't dunk; who knows?
Next, I landed a job at a gym that trained professional athletes during the off-season. I even got to work with NFL offensive and defensive linemen, which was a great experience. But then I decided to explore a new career path and worked as an office manager for a law firm. It was a good gig, but I realized I missed the sports world.
That's when I joined my father's accounting firm as a small business accountant and consultant. It was an excellent opportunity to combine my experience in sports marketing and management with my newfound skills in client relations. But then, something magical happened. My father's client, Timeless Toys, was looking for new owners, and I jumped at the chance to own a toy store. Who wouldn't want to play with toys all day?
Fast forward a few years, and Timeless Toys became a million-dollar company, thanks to our creative ideas and fantastic staff. But then, we tried to open a boutique clothing store called Timeless Tots, and it was a financial loss. We should have stuck to toys.
And then COVID hit. I was away for National Guard service, but the staff at Timeless Toys kept the business going and even improved it. Then, I was deployed overseas for 13 months. Again, the staff did their thing and kept growing the business.
When I returned, I realized it was time to step back and let the managers run the show permanently. I decided to become a rep for Enchanted Moments and started my own consulting company, BOJACK Inc.
Looking back, I've had a wild ride, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Who knows what the future holds? Maybe I'll finally create my toy line or become a professional athlete (just kidding). Whatever happens, I'm ready to take it on with my dedication, passion, and hard work superpowers. I will have to wait until I retire from the military, just under seven years away. Until then, I am focused on making the most of my time with my family and continuing to help others succeed in the toy industry.
Looking back on my career, each experience has taught me valuable lessons and helped me grow as a person and a professional. I am grateful for the opportunities I've had and the people I've met along the way. I know that the future holds even more exciting challenges and opportunities, and I am ready to take them on with the same dedication, passion, and hard work I have brought you this far.
Enough of the boring stuff, though. Let's get to some fun things!
What's your workspace setup like?
Since I just started working from home, my space could be better. When we moved in, I wasn't planning on having a work-from-home job, so my "office" is in the corner of an unfinished basement, right next to a tool bench, slop sink, and furnace. I have tried to brighten the mood with tons of Military regalia and Sports Memorabilia hanging on the wall!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love sharing ideas and helping others improve their lives and businesses. As a store owner, I love spreading joy and talking to customers to get them the best toy, not the most popular toy at the time. As a rep and consultant, my favorite part of the job is chatting with other business owners and sharing ideas that help make the industry better as a whole.
What was your favorite toy or game as a child?
Hot Wheels. I took them everywhere with me. I had a case to put them in, too. Funny story: I grew up in a house with three older sisters. They always had a purse on them. So, naturally, any bag you took with you was called a purse. Therefore, my Hot Wheels case was mine.
"Car purse." I still get made fun of today for it, and my son just got a car purse for his birthday from you know who.
What is your favorite gadget, app, or software for work?
Motion. This is a lifesaver, primarily if you simultaneously work on multiple projects or jobs. Synced to my phone and computer, it syncs all my calendars on the app. Then, I add tasks as they come up, how much time they will take, a deadline, and a priority (high, medium, low, etc.) This app takes all that information and plans my day by the minute! It reminds me of my next task and when things are due. I don't miss anything and do way more during the day than I used to. (You can even have multiple people with tasks for a single project and assign stuff. It's great!)
Do you have any kiddos/ What do you play?
I have a 3-year-old boy and a 6-year-old boy. We love playing board games, Nerf wars, pillow fights, baseball, hide-and-seek, and much more. We love to play and have a basement filled with toys.
Do you have any pets?
YES! We have a Bearded Dragon! He is one year old, and his name is Drago. We used to have dogs, and my 6-year-old suggested this pet. I never thought I would own a lizard, but he is fantastic, and I can't believe I didn't have one sooner.
What are your favorite sports and sports teams?
GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!!!!
If I could have any superpower, what would it be?
I have thought this one through many times. Teleportation. Think of how much you can do, the people you can see, your access to everything. Suppose we were able to teleport from place to place. In that case, you can see friends all over the world, you can access unique attractions anywhere, and you can meet with people whenever you want. Traffic is a thing of the past. And yes, I know what you're thinking “. Scott, what if too many people are in the same place simultaneously? What about security and crime? What if you get somewhere, and it scrambles your body, so now your nose is on your butt?"
There needs to be some regulation. Airports would turn into regional teleportation centers. You can hit security to fly from country to country and then teleport to your following location. This way, we maintain jobs, use the land, maintain security, etc. And if your nose ended up on your butt? Well, I hope you washed your butt.
What is a weird fact about you?
I have freakishly long arms. Although I am only 5 foot 8 inches tall, my wingspan is over 6 feet 1 inch. As a person of my height, I can achieve many things.
That's all for now but contact me if you want to know more! I love talking about nonsensical things for hours......It's why I work in toys!
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