Author: Mary Couzin

There are not many multi-generation inventor families, but if there were, the Ullman family would still be at the top of the list. I’ve had the good fortune of getting to know Don and Anne over the years as well as their boys, Al and Jack. Don has great stories (to start, ask him about owning an Italian Ice Shop and an Auto Detailing Shop) and has a playful soul… if you look closely, you’ll see the twinkle in his eyes that matches his mischievous grin. Enjoy reading about the Ullmans!

Our feature story highlighting the Zawitz family came to fruition in an unusual way. I had met Nick and knew a bit about the Tangle story of course, but it was Isabelle Hodges, their new team member who also consults on our POP website, who suggested we feature the Zawitz family. Richard shared his thoughts on Tangle’s life-affirming three generation story, and I know you will enjoy reading them as much as I did.

Lynn Pressman was one of the first people I heard about when I entered the toy industry. She absolutely fascinated me. People talked about her business acumen, flair, hats, stunts like bringing an elephant to NY Toy Fair and much more. I met Jim for the first time at the UK Inventor Dinner and he seemed quiet, thoughtful and reserved. Although their styles were different, both were exceedingly successful in growing Pressman Toy during their time at the helm, as was Jack Pressman obviously. Theirs is a great story!

In this installment of the Toy Family Series, Mary Couzin interviews Dieter Strehl of playing card and board came manufacturer Piatnik.

In this installment of the Toy Family Series, Mary Couzin interviews board game designer Leslie Scott, creator of Jenga, Ex Libris, and more.

In this installment of the Toy Family Series, Mary Couzin interviews Richard and Michael Albert about their family history as toymakers in Canada since the 1960s.

Theo and Ora Coster founded Theora Design in Israel in the ’60s. Now their sons Gideon and Boaz, plus Boaz’s wife Aliza, are involved in the family toy and game business. Read Mary Couzin’s interview with the Coster family about their company’s history and the stories behind their most popular products.