Hi Brian! It was great to see you at both London and Nuremberg Toy Fairs! The Goliath booth was not just funtastic, but SO MANY new lines, including new toy lines. So exciting! What are you working on now?

BW: We are working on transforming Goliath from a best-in -class games company, to a best in class Toy and Game company. This is an organizational effort, and we are almost 18 months into this transformation. It’s very exciting, and pretty cool to see how far we have come in such a short time. It’s a testament to the team that’s doing the work:  R&D, brand marketing, sales, ops, and all of the people that have been involved in this endeavor.

What was the last thing that made you laugh or cry?

A chicken video on tiktok.

What are your roles and responsibilities in our industry?

BW: For everyone at Goliath, myself included, we have a responsibility to bring happiness to children and families. Right now, we live in scary times and there are a few ways to distract ourselves. Giving a child a toy or providing a game to a family not only removes outside noise from their lives, but also promotes family bonding and individual development.

What is it about the Toy and Game Industry that you love?

BW: I love that the Toy and Game Industry is product driven. If you have a great product, it doesn’t matter how big or small a company you are, you will be successful. It might take longer if you are a smaller company, but consumer demand will drive growth. You need marketing investment to drive that demand, too.

What has been your biggest achievement?

BW: My biggest achievement is my family. Throughout my career I have worked extremely hard, and have been fortunate to achieve professional successes, but without my family and their support none of my individual successes would have been possible. 

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

BW:  Be an individual! Everyone is unique, find what makes you unique and maximize your individuality. Incorporate your education to be the best version of yourself.  You will make mistakes along the way, we all do. I know I have made many, but learn from them and always push forward.  Don’t expect anything to be handed to you, if you want something you have to work for it. There are no shortcuts.

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

BW: The toy industry is fast paced, and never takes a break. It is like no other industry. Today’s top toys will be tomorrow’s closeouts. The ever changing product mix put stress on all aspects of Toy Companies. Marketing, need to develop new campaigns, analytics needs to read new data, R&D needs to develop new product, and sales needs to manage customer highs and lows. It’s fun, exhausting, and quite possibly the best industry all at the same time. Be prepared to learn. Fortunately the industry is full of many wonderful mentors. Also beware, once you’re in the industry many few people ever leave it.

What’s a problem you’re still trying to solve?

BW: What’s the next great toy or game. Every few years, a new phenom is introduced in the market. We want the next one to be from Goliath.