As historic wildfires continue to devastate the Los Angeles area, the toy industry is supporting efforts to help impacted children and families. Toysmith is joining these efforts by donating to the Toy Foundation, who is already on the way to LA with essential supplies and pallets of toys and games.
Read about the Toy Foundation and their relief efforts here.
On Friday, September 13th, Toysmith proudly participated in the prestigious Women in Toys (WIT) - Wonder Woman Awards, held last Friday in Los Angeles, where the company celebrated four remarkable team members as finalists. The event honored women who have made significant contributions to the toy, entertainment, and licensing industries.
The Toysmith finalists included:
- Kylie Whitehead, National Key Accounts Manager, was nominated for the Commercial Sales Team award along with Lindsey Walling, Director, Customer Support and Martha McDonald, Customer Support Specialist.
- Jenny Lorton, Senior Director, Business Operations, was nominated for and won the Rising Leader award for companies with fewer than 500 employees.
- Dawn Till, Senior Director Sales, was recognized with a nomination for Mentor of the Year.
- Carrie Dash, Accounts Receivable Manager, was nominated for Unsung Hero at a company with fewer than 500 employees.
The highlight of the evening came when Jenny Lorton took home the Rising Leader award, underscoring her exceptional leadership and the positive impact she has made within Toysmith. Jenny's recognition reflects Toysmith’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, leadership, and excellence.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Jenny and our incredible team of finalists. Each of these women exemplifies the passion and dedication that drives our company forward. Their recognition at the Wonder Woman Awards is a testament to their hard work and the spirit of empowerment that we celebrate at Toysmith,” said Michael Keaton CEO of Toysmith.
Toysmith continues to support the development and success of women in the toy industry, contributing to a vibrant, innovative community. The company congratulates all nominees and winners from this year’s Wonder Woman Awards.
On Monday, August 19th, 2024, Toysmith CEO Michael Keaton announced that he has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer and will be leaving Toysmith. He will continue in his role until a new CEO is named in the fourth quarter of 2024 and assist with the transition to new leadership.
"Toysmith's strong position and promising future make this the perfect time for me to step down and allow a new CEO to take the helm, supported by our capable leadership team," said Keaton.
Keaton’s two-decade career in the Toy Industry began with The LEGO Group in 2002. He then transitioned to Schleich in 2015 before taking the helm of Toysmith in 2019. During his time at the helm, he helped the company navigate the COVID crisis, relocated both warehouse and office, and oversaw corporate restructuring, all while growing the company. His career also included industry service as a Board Member of the Australian Toy Association and the US Toy Association. With this departure, he aims to spend more time with his family while investing more energy into his volunteer activities, including his work with the Toy Foundation.
Keaton concludes with, “I want to thank the Toysmith owners for their confidence in my leadership and the Toysmith Team for an amazing experience.”
Toysmith Ushers in a New Era of Operational Excellence with Relocation to Pacific, WA
[Sumner, WA] - Toysmith, a beloved small toy company with a rich history of sparking joy in children's lives, is delighted to announce a significant milestone in its journey. The company is upgrading its operational capabilities with a strategic move to a new state-of-the-art operations and distribution center in nearby Pacific, WA. The move is set to take effect on December 1, 2023.
The new operations and distribution center is poised to revolutionize how Toysmith brings its extensive catalog of toys to eager children and retailers alike. The strategic location of 541 West Valley Hwy South, Pacific, WA 98047, positions Toysmith closer to major transportation hubs, allowing for more efficient and expedited product deliveries.
"At Toysmith, we are driven by the promise of ‘Simple, Efficient and Joyful’ in service to our retail partners. This relocation represents a pivotal step in our commitment," said Michael Keaton, CEO of Toysmith. "We’ve been able to design the entire new building, from the distribution center to the offices and showrooms, to optimize the benefits of our new NetSuite ERP platform. And once construction is complete, our new hub will unlock exciting opportunities for us to expand our product offerings, enhance the level of service we provide and further accelerate the speed at which Toysmith toys reach the hands of delighted children.”
Additionally, the decision aligns with Toysmith's ongoing efforts to bolster its operational capabilities and elevate the overall customer experience. With a renewed focus on innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, Toysmith is well-poised to cater to the evolving needs of the toy industry.
As December 1, 2023, approaches, Toysmith looks forward to a smooth transition and anticipates continued growth and success in its new home in Pacific, WA.
About Toysmith
For over four decades, Toysmith has been a trusted name in the toy industry, dedicated to igniting imaginations and fostering creativity through play. With a vast selection of toys spanning various categories, Toysmith continues to be a source of joy for children and families worldwide.
