| | |
 |
Dan Marshall, President: Dan is the founder of the Handmade Toy Alliance and co-owner with his wife of Peapods Natural Toys and Baby Care (www.peapods.com), a brick and mortar retail store in St. Paul, Minnesota, which he has helped to manage since 1998. Dan is a former board member of the Metro Independent Business Alliance, a Twin Cities trade organization that promotes locally-owned independent businesses. Dan holds a BA in History from the University of Minnesota. |
 |
Randy Hertzler, Vice President: Randy is the owner of euroSource, LLC, a family business that imports and retails specialty European Toys online. Established in 1999 in Lancaster, PA, euroSource was a professional outlet for a new stay-at-home dad and has grown to include the children who are now teenagers. Randy also is owner of BigWindow LLC which provides information technology services including hosting and web surveys. He has a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MS in Engineering Science from the Pennsylvania State University. |
 |
Jolie Fay, Secretary: is the owner and designer of Skipping Hipps (www.skippinghippos.com), vintage inspired outerwear with a modern twist. Skipping Hippos clothing can be found in boutiques across the country, as well as in several other countries, and are often at unique craft fairs from Massachusetts to Seattle. Before having children, Jolie was a wedding and event planner in San Francisco. Jolie's interest in children's fashion started in college, at the Otis Parson's Institute of Art, where she majored in photography. |
 |
Mary Newell, Treasurer: Mary is the owner of Terrapin Toys, LLC, makers of the nationally-distributed Mary's Softdough, which she established in 1988. She is also the bookkeeper for Terrapin Guitars, LLC, a online custom guitar business owned by her husband. She also has ten years experience in member and information services at Register Guard Federal Credit Union in Springfield, Oregon. Mary has a BS in General Science from the University of Oregon and has completed the SBA's Small Business Management Program. |
 |
Jill Chuckas, Director: Jill currently owns and operates a home studio craft business called Crafty Baby (www.craftybaby.com), known for its fun and functional accessories for children. Crafty Baby products are sold throughout the country at specialty gift shops, major catalogs and via the internet. Jill holds a double BA in Child & Family Studies and Psychology from Syracuse University and a Masters in Social Work from New York University. After working as an elementary and middle school social worker for 10 years, Jill devoted herself full time to her company and family. Jill resides in Connecticut with her husband and 3 children. |
 |
Marianne Mullen, Director: is the founder and owner of Polkadot Patch Boutique, www.polkadotpatch.com. Polkadot Patch is a children’s retail store dedicated to unique, colorful products for children. With a passion to support artisans, Marianne selects products that embody fun, originality, and are non-stereotypical for children. Her background in Elementary Education has served her as well as her retail experience in running Polkadot Patch. Marianne lives in Vermont with her family and is often found creating art or reading when not working! |
 |
Rob Wilson, Director: Rob is the Vice President of Challenge & Fun (challengeandfun.com), an importer and manufacturer of unique toys located in Massachusetts which distributes through specialty toy retailers nationwide. Rob is the founder of CPSIA-Central, a web forum devoted to discussing all aspects of the CPSIA. Rob has a BA in International Relations from BYU, and an MBA from McGill University. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife and two children. |
 |
Adam Frost, Director: Adam Frost is the owner of The Wooden Wagon, a company he founded in 2003 while a stay at home father. The online store specializes in natural wood and cloth toys and products imported from small manufacturers in Europe as well as in America. The Wooden Wagon also offers several wholesale product lines as well as special seasonal decorative items. Since 2008 Adam and his family have lived in rural Massachusetts. Adam has been a member of the HTA since its founding, and holds a BA in English Literature from Colgate University. |
|
| | |
| |