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A nylon stocking filled with sawdust that grows grass for hair launched one of the most successful toy companies in the world. Ronnen Harary, co-founder of Spin Master and co-creator of Paw Patrol, talks about his book No Experience Necessary with EconTalk's Russ Roberts. Harary traces his journey from selling grass-growing novelty heads at 23, through Devil Sticks and Air Hogs, to building Bakugan and Paw Patrol into global franchises touching the lives of millions of children. Along the way, he reflects on the artistry of commercial creation and what it means to build something that outlives its founders. The conversation closes on the eternal magic of toys and our childhoods.
Listen to the episode here.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Ronnen Harary is a Co-Founder of Spin Master and Chair of the company’s board of directors. Since the inception of the company in 1994, together with his two business partners, Ronnen has led and helped to establish Spin Master as a global leader in the toy, media, and entertainment space. Harary’s expertise and passion for children’s entertainment have led to the creation of award-winning programming and franchises including PAW Patrol, Bakugan, Rusty Rivets and Unicorn Academy, which have touched the lives of children in more than 190 countries. These wildly popular series transcend cultural boundaries with universal characters and storylines that have captured the imagination and play of millions of kids around the world. He has played an integral role in forging industry partnerships to bring Spin Master’s content to kids through multi-platform media channels, including the company’s foray into feature films.
RELATED SOURCES
- Air Hogs. Official Website.
- "The Americans." IMDb.
- Arnold Kling. "Arnold Kling on the Unseen World of Banking, Mortgages, and Government." Interview by Russ Roberts, EconTalk. July 5, 2010.
- Bakugan. "Bakugan Toys."
- Beyblade. Official Website.
- Medtronic. "Celebrating Earl Bakken."
- William Wordsworth. "The World Is Too Much With Us." Poetry Foundation.
- Spin Master. "Hatchimals."
- Spin Master. "Our Story."
- Spin Master. "Ronnen Harary."
- Jamie Whitney. IMDb.
- "Ratatouille (2007) – Anton Ego Tastes Ratatouille – Flashback Scene [HD]." YouTube.
