Spin Master Toys
Harary and Rabie first teamed up in university, forming Campus Faces, a company that made a profit selling advertising along the side of posters.[6] In 1994, soon after graduating from university, they founded Spin Master, and were joined by Ben Varadi, a former classmate of Anton's. With an initial investment of $10,000 each, they were able to launch their first product, the Earth Buddy: a nylon-stocking-covered head of sawdust, topped with grass seeds, which grew to emulate hair. Earth Buddy generated $1.5 million in sales within the first six months of business launch and springboarded Spin Master into the toy industry.[6][9][10]
Following the success of Earth Buddy, the founders introduced a number of successful toys into the market, including Devil Sticks, in 1995, and Air Hogs, in 1998. The Air Hogs Sky Shark put Spin Master became one of the most popular toys in the world.[9]
From 2002 to 2007, Spin Master expanded its international footprint, establishing sales and distribution offices across western Europe. The company also opened a marketing and design hub in Los Angeles, which allowed the company to access local toy design, marketing and engineering talent. During this time, Spin Master made its first significant acquisition, acquiring X-Concepts, Inc., maker of Tech Deck. Spin Master's growth allowed the company to expand its licensing capabilities and relationships with major entertainment companies.[11]
One of Spin Master’s most successful toy lines, Bakugan, was launched in 2007. Working with Sega, TMS, Japan Vistec, Corus Entertainment, and Nelvana. It was successful because a revenue sharing model was instituted that the company continues to use.[12]
Harary was one of the co-creators of Paw Patrol, a TV series and toy line created in 2010.[13]
Through a number of major acquisitions, Spin Master has become a steward of several legacy toy brands. In 2013, Spin Master acquired the Erector Set by Meccano, a line of model construction sets.[14] In 2015, Spin Master acquired Cardinal Industries, a 60-year-old game and puzzles company, making Spin Master the second largest games company in the U.S. That same year, Spin Master made its initial public offering on the Toronto Stock Exchange.[15]
The company continued to diversify its product offering over the next several years with new acquisitions, including the purchase of Etch A Sketch as well as water and outdoor sports company Swimways Corporation, in 2016, and of 120-year old premium plush toy brand GUND, in 2018.[16] In 2022, Spin Master acquired Rubik’s Brand Ltd., owner of one of the best-selling toys of all time, Rubik’s Cube.[17]
Spin Master Entertainment
Ronnen Harary led the development of several programming and entertainment franchises for children, including PAW Patrol, Bakugan, Rusty Rivets, and Mighty Express, as well as more multiplatform entertainment series, which are available in more than 170 countries. The popularity of the series worldwide is attributed to the fact that they transcend cultural boundaries, with universal characters and storylines that have travelled the globe.[20]
In August 2021, PAW Patrol: The Movie, Spin Master’s first foray into feature film, was released in theatres.[21] In November 2021, Spin Master announced that the sequel - PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, is set for a theatrical release on October 13, 2023.[22] Ronnen Harary served as Executive Producer for both films.
Harary also served as Executive Producer for over 10 TV series, including PAW Patrol, Rusty Rivets, Super Dinosaur, and Bakugan Battle Brawlers.[23]
