Bloomberg Businessweek Family-Owned Toymaker Waiting on the Supreme Court
Jan 16, 2026
Rick Woldenberg, CEO of educational-toy companies Learning Resources and hand2mind, shares how his family-run businesses are battling Trump-era tariffs, having challenged their legality in court. He discusses the severe impact of these tariffs, including $10 million in increased costs. Greg Stohr, Bloomberg's Supreme Court reporter, provides insights into why smaller firms like Woldenberg's are leading the legal fight. Together, they explore the broader implications of trade actions and the ongoing uncertainties surrounding U.S. manufacturing.
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Supply Chain Rebuilt Under Tariff Shock
- Rick Woldenberg describes rebuilding his supply chain on the fly after sudden tariffs disrupted manufacturing.
- The tariffs cost his companies well over $10 million in 2025 and diverted up to 30% of staff time to crisis response.
Tariffs Act As An Economic Depressant
- Tariffs acted as an economic depressant, forcing price increases and slowing growth for Rick's firms.
- He compares the impact to
Lawsuit Driven By Family And Community
- Rick explains his motive for suing: protecting employees, customers, and a multigenerational family business.
- He felt more worried about doing nothing than taking legal action to defend the company.