The Story
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THE BEGINNING
Start’em Young was originally a t-shirt design sold by my former company, Draft Apparel. Start’em Young was available in six different sports designs; hockey, football, basketball, baseball, soccer and golf. It was by far Draft’s best selling t-shirt.
CLICK HERE > to see examples of a Start’em Young t-shirt.
Unfortunately for numerous business reasons Draft Apparel didn’t last. Even though Draft didn’t last the Start’em Young t-shirt did. I had dozens of each t-shirt and wore them all the time.
THE IDEA
I always thought that more could be done to expand Start’em Young. I always received a positive reaction while wearing one of the t-shirts. Friends, family and even strangers would see the design and comment on how much they liked it.
One day while wearing one of the Start’em Young t-shirts in El Segundo California, a lady approached me. She thought the Start’em Young design and characters would be perfect for a line of toys. I had heard this before but this time it was different because the person who approached me happened to be a VP at Mattel. After hearing this, I finally decided to pursue the idea. I would try to sell the Start’em Young toy line idea to an established toy company
SUBMITTING TO TOY COMPANIES
I started submitting the Start’em Young graphics along with a product brief to toy companies such as Mattel, Jakk’s Pacific, MGA Entertainment and Applause. The idea was rejected by all of them.
CLICK HERE > to see examples of the rejection letters.
I knew I would get many rejection letters but I thought one of the toy companies would have an interest in the idea. I think the toy companies are making a big mistake. I look at the graphics and the product brief and I still think it is a great idea. I really believe Start’em Young would sell as a toy.
HERE'S WHERE YOU CAN HELP
I am conducting research on the idea and I need your help. I want to know what you think. Your opinion matters!
I have created a simple 3 question survey that I would like you to take. Your responses will determine the fate of Start’em Young. I am going to keep track of everyone’s opinion. If it is positive I will contact the toy companies with the results. If it is negative, Start’em Young will fade away.
Thank you!
