Berkshire Hathaway does not typically invest in toy companies, but Jazwares arrived in its portfolio through a particular chain of events. Alleghany Capital Corporation first took a stake in Jazwares in 2014 and acquired a majority interest in 2016. Both transactions allowed founder Judd Zebersky to retain control of day-to-day operations. When Berkshire acquired Alleghany […]
Month: April 2026
Judd Zebersky Built Jazwares With Squishmallows at Its Core
When Squishmallows began spreading across TikTok, drawing celebrity fans and generating millions of sales, the brand had already been in Jazwares’ hands for only a short time. Jazwares acquired Kellytoy in 2020, and with it, the rights to the soft, round plush figures with individual names, birthdays, and backstories that would become one of the […]
Justin Fulcher Connects Telemedicine Roots to Defense Technology Work
The distance between co-founding a telemedicine startup in Asia and advising the U.S. Department of Defense on technology modernization might look wide on paper. For Justin Fulcher, the distance is shorter than it appears. Both domains required building systems that earn trust in regulated environments where accountability is not optional. Healthcare as a Starting Point […]
Gulf Coast Western Reviews Highlight Leadership and Low-Risk Approach
Oil and gas exploration carries inherent financial risk, which makes investor relations a critical part of any energy company’s long-term viability. Gulf Coast Western has addressed this challenge directly, building a reputation grounded in disciplined operations and transparent communication. Gulf Coast Western reviews from clients and partners reflect a company that understands how to manage […]
Judd Zebersky’s Path from Law to Toy Industry Icon
The decision Judd Zebersky made in 1997 was not obviously sensible. He had a law degree from the University of Miami, a firm he had built himself, and a stable professional trajectory. He walked away from all of it to make toys. His wife, as Zebersky tells it, told him to follow his dreams. He […]
Justin Nelson and JP Morgan Offer Firms a Framework for Neurodiverse Inclusion
The financial services industry has long struggled to find and retain high-caliber analytical talent. Justin Nelson, a Managing Director at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Connecticut, believes part of the answer has been right in front of the industry all along. His work overseeing the Asset Management and Financial Principals Coverage Team, which manages over […]
Michael Polk Leading Through COVID and Transforming Implus
Taking on a new CEO role is never easy. Doing so at the start of a global pandemic is something else entirely. When Michael Polk became CEO of Implus LLC in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was disrupting supply chains, shifting consumer behavior, and threatening businesses across the consumer goods industry. For many leaders, the timing […]