How I Built This with Guy Raz Melissa & Doug: Melissa And Doug Bernstein (2016)
5 snips
Feb 5, 2018 Doug and Melissa Bernstein, co-founders of Melissa & Doug, share their journey from developing a simple 'fuzzy puzzle' to creating a thriving toy empire. They discuss the importance of analog play amidst digital distractions and their innovative approach to design. The couple reflects on early challenges like agent theft and their commitment to quality over trends. With a focus on direct retail relationships and a frugal start, they emphasize the value of iteration and staying true to their mission while balancing family and business.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Leap From Stable Jobs To A Risky Idea
- Melissa and Doug locked themselves in a B&B and decided to create interactive products for children.
- They quit their jobs, pooled meager savings, and committed fully to building the business.
Selling VHS By Carrying A TV In A Station Wagon
- They produced interactive children's VHS videos, casting kids from parks and grocery stores and spending nearly all their savings.
- They drove a TV/VCR in a station wagon to mom-and-pop stores and begged to demo the tapes to get initial distribution.
Direct Retail Relationships Matter
- They bypassed traditional manufacturer reps to build direct relationships with small retailers.
- Those relationships and hands-on education became core lessons for their long-term business model.
