Hi Andrew! Thank you for taking time for this interview. We know there is a lot going on at Funko. What are your roles and responsibilities at Funko?

Chief Executive Officer - which includes the oversight of the Funko business globally.

What is your claim to fame in the industry?

My claim to fame is pushing Funko to release a four pack of golden girls action figures during New York Comic Con in 2017. People thought it was a crazy idea but I pushed it through and it was a big success.

(Veronica Wlaters, Andrew Perlmutter, Ellen Heaney)

What has been your biggest achievement?

My biggest achievement far and away is my family. I have a wife and four children , I could not think of a bigger achievement than that.

Why and how did you get into the Toy and Game industry?

I am third generation toy business, my grandfather and both my mother and father were in the toy business. Growing up around this business I grew to really like the relationships that I saw my parents form with others in the industry. This industry has always felt like home to me.

(John Willimas and Andrew Perlmutter)

If you look back at yourself 10 years ago is this where you thought you’d be? Where did you think you’d be? What changed? What went right?

Looking back to 2012, I running a small company with a good friend of mine. One of the lines we represented was Funko and I knew there was tremendous potential with this brand. I can't say that I thought I would end up being the CEO. That being said, I had a pretty strong suspicion that I would be working with this brand as an employee as opposed to a rep.

What advice would you give a young adult graduating from high school or college today?

Decide what you’re passionate about, start at whatever level you need to in order to build the experience and knowledge to become a real asset to whatever company you decide to work for. There is no shortcut, hard work and dedication will result in success.

What advice do you have for people starting in the industry?

Worry less about your next big move and focus your energy on where you are. If you become really good at what you're doing at the time, the future will take care of itself.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

By far the best part of my job is interacting with our fans. The energy and enthusiasm that they have for our brand is unlike anything I've ever seen in my professional career. The pure joy of collecting or participating in pop culture is palpable with our fantastic base of fans. When they're happy, you know you're doing a good job.

What was your favorite toy or game as a child?

My favorite toy as a child was the USS flag. It was a 6 foot aircraft carrier that Hasbro made for the GI Joe brand. At the time, I did not realize how lucky I was to have this awesome toy. I knew I loved the toy and unbeknownst to me, only later in life did I find out that many of my friends dreamt of having the USS flag!

Where were you born?

Highland Park, IL

What was your life like growing up?

I lived in a small town outside of Chicago called Glencoe, Illinois. It was a wonderful place to grow up. Whether it was running around the neighborhood with my friends, riding my bike downtown Glencoe for a slice of pizza from little Red Hen or visiting the library to watch film strips of Curious George.

What is your favorite gadget, app or piece of software that helps you every day?

My favorite gadget is my Apple Watch. I feel that the watch helps me remain accountable to ensuring I am meeting my daily goal of activity. It's easy to get lost in the moment but when I look down at my watch and see that I have not met my goals for the day, it reminds me to schedule in time for activity.

Are you named after anyone?

I'm named after my grandfather Arthur Perlmutter. Because he was still alive when I was born, my family used the first initial of his name to honor him. Interestingly enough, Arthur Perlmutter was the first member of our family who made his living in the toy business. He worked with Lionel trains in the very early days.  

Do you have any kiddos?

I have four wonderful children, two boys and two girls. The only way I am able to manage the demands of my daily job and four children at home is because of my wonderful wife. She keeps all of us in line!

Do you have any pets?

I have a dog, her name is Lily and she is a Boston terrier French bulldog mix otherwise known as a Frenchton.

What music are you listening to now?

I love music and listen to just about every genre there is. That being said I'm really into Imagine Dragons right now. I feel like their music is applicable in many situations whether it's working out, driving or just relaxing.

What’s your favorite TV show?

My favorite TV show is Seinfeld. For some reason I can watch this over and over again without getting tired of it. It's pure genius!

Hugs or Kisses?

Definitely hugs , I grew up in a family that hugged everyone.

I’m lucky that….

There are many reasons why I consider myself lucky. If I had to pick one I would say that I'm lucky to have a wonderful family that is supportive of my busy lifestyle.