I'm writing this between browsing job postings on LinkedIn.  Over a year ago I left my job as founding Creative Director at Paragon FX Group, a collectibles startup focused on the growing adult collector market.  I wasn’t laid off or downsized, and I didn’t leave for a new opportunity. I simply quit. I needed a break after managing my mother’s physical and mental deterioration, her passing, and her estate. I was tired. Burnt out. The plan was to take a few months off and retu

What makes a product desirable? It’s not just design. Not just features. Not even price. It’s the story . Whether it’s a lightsaber...

I was at my favorite local bookstore the other day and when I went to make my purchase, the girl mentioned to me that the book was "like...

As a mentor for Stanford and StartX, many of my mentorship opportunities are short. Sometimes they are just one meeting, sometimes they...

My partner and I were the only two employees of Paragon FX Group when the company started. Aside from a shared love of pop culture, a...

Two conversations I had in the last two weeks inspired me to write this post. One was with a friend during a walk, and the other was...

2024 started with the death of my mother . While not unexpected, one can probably never properly prepare and “expect” the end of a...

One of the most frequently asked questions I get when coaching is, “How am I supposed to create when I’m not inspired?” (Short video...

A while ago, I created a series of five short videos outlining a basic path for anyone interested in getting into the toy and...

Associating your company with an established IP has many benefits, including potential for expanded market exposure and increased sales. ...

A lot of times, when I talk to someone just entering the freelance world, their biggest fear is not getting paid. While I can confidently...

When you are a child, you are told to follow your passions.  You are supposed to explore, take risks, play.  As you grow and develop you...

My dad was a prolific home builder, and while he never counted them, he probably built over 150 homes in his career all over Marin...

“How on earth did you become a mentor at StartX” Honestly, nobody ever asked me that… at least in THAT way. But I have asked myself that...

Writer's block has no friends. At some point it hits us all - even when you write rhyming books about monsters (That was a personal plug...

"If you want someone to say something nice about your work, show your mom." I had never had a teacher be so direct with me before. ...

You did it. You created a toy company. You have your first product idea. You even have your first factory ready to go into production....