Let me start by saying, you don't have to read my posts, but if you want to learn something valuable, then keep reading. My last post was received with smiles & respect, although not by everybody. My point was/is: LinkedIn is not Facebook, people!
Let me start with a little history, as most people here on LinkedIn post their good & evil of the current moment. Let me give you some dept, something to think about and indulge you in some educational insights. This post is meant to highlight someone who made an impact on our industry, created a paradigm shift and should get some well deserved credit and respect from us. And he reminds me of someone...and I am not surprised.
Napoleon(e) Bonaparte was an ambitious, charismatic leader, but Napoleon was also a reformer, revolutionizing the French military, reorganizing French education, and sponsoring the Napoleonic Code, a model of later civil-law codes. His driving passion, however, was to expand French dominion through military conquest (source: Brittanica). His passion for expansion eventually led to his downfall, it was all about Napoleon himself at the end.
Our toy industry has many wannabe Napoleons. I don't need to name them here, do I? That would take me like 1000 posts to do so and requires Jeremy Padawer's help as I have zero experience, let alone time to do that. BUT do you know we have a genuine look-a-like Napoleon amongst us? Not only in terms of vision & strategy, but also from a physical perspective. Both Napoleon and he share the same length, also their hair cuts have a remarkable resemblance.
The man I am talking about created a toy hub that was recently attended by no less than 250 suppliers and 1000's of customers from around the globe, pretty much out of no where. He saw the opportunity a couple of years ago, then put some brains together and worked it all out with some local help from a Real Estate representative (John W. Ollen) who funny enough reminds me of Winston Churchill, would he only stick a cigar in his mouth.
So who is this man, the visionary, the look-al-like Napoleon? Well his name is Jonathan Busher and we can thank him for what the LA Previews are today. Of course I had to guide him a bit through the process. Jonathan being from the UK and being compared to a guy from France, that hurts as much as for an Italian to see Jonathan eating pizza with pineapple. Whatever it is all honours should go to Jonathan!
There is a significant difference between Napoleon and Jonathan. Jonathan is modest and his passion for expansion serves the industry and not for the sake of his own good. Therefore his desire for expansion will never lead to his down fall or that of the industry.
A big shout out to Jonathan Busher is the least we can do. Thanks!
#toys #toyindustry #LApreviews
