#242: How Wow Moments Became The Foundation Of This Toy Business with Richard North
Want to know how to ‘wow’ your way into the competitive toy industry?
In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade looks into Richard North's life, sharing how he went from a determined 19-year-old to a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Wow! Stuff. You will learn about his career’s turning points, such as being featured in Channel 4's Secret Millionaire TV Show, including the emotional inspirations behind the creation of Wow! Stuff and groundbreaking ideas that keep the company pushing forward.
Find out the importance of mentorship, early business ventures, and how innovation can stem from unexpected places like the novelty 'Butt Face' towel. Get ready to be inspired by Richard’s stories from personal heartbreaks to meeting scientists, forging a path toward tech-infused toys and revolutionary 'puppetronics.' Listen to this episode for expert insights and fascinating anecdotes that captivate and educate aspiring toy creators like you!
Listen For These Important Moments
01:17 Early Challenges in the Toy Industry
04:01 Building a Resilient Team
07:35 The Importance of Recruitment
09:40 Richard's Entrepreneurial Journey
21:20 The Psychology of Consumer Behavior
27:04 Why Richard Started Wow! Stuff
33:53 From Novelties to Toys
36:17 Innovating with Wow! Stuff
39:36 Collaborations and Future Plans
49:20 A Heartfelt Business Story
52:44 Childhood Toys and Final Thoughts