“Micro Chargers was nominated by Toys’R’Us America as one of the top 15 toys for Christmas,’’ he says.
“It’s a huge achievement for an Australian company to have one of the biggest toy retailer in the world nominating one of its toys, especially when you look at the companies we’re up against, and we are one of only three companies, Hasbro and Mattel being the others, who had two or more products nominated. Our other release promoted was Gelarti, an arts and craft product.”
When Solomon joined the company 12 years ago, there were 12 employees. Now there are more than 150. The company also has offices in Hong Kong, China, London and in the US.
Indeed, Moose is now getting so big that it’s relocating to a new spot opposite Moorabbin Airport. Solomon says the new premises will be an innovation centre modelled on Google and Facebook.
“It’s certainly going to be a state-of-the-art, leading design hub. We are employing top architects and designers to come up with what we hope will be one of the leading toy design buildings in the world,’’ he says.
One of the things that attracts the best and brightest, he says, is the company’s flat management structure. Hardly any managers. It’s very conducive for growth, he says, and no one gets in the way of ideas.
Moose’s management has made it fun place to work. “One of our goals is to be an employer of choice,’’ he says. “We put a lot into ensuring it’s a great environment and it’s rewarding. And it is rewarding, particularly when the product is so successful. We’re innovative. It’s great for staff to be part of such an innovative, cutting-edge company.
“This summer, for example, we are having half-day Fridays where we are taking staff out to lunch.
“Also, they travel the world. Our staff goes to toy fairs around the world.
“It’s high pressure, there’s no doubt about it, but it’s rewarding.”
And in the end, it’s every kid’s dream to work in a toy factory.
“It’s fun – you’re making toys,’’ he says. “We are making designing and selling great product. Our company motto is that we are in the business of making children happy so it’s a great industry to be part of.”
The company spends a lot on marketing and advertising. But the important part, Solomon says, is keeping track of what the customers are saying so that Moose can stay ahead of the trends. It has invested heavily in social media and YouTube where it is getting direct feedback from consumers. Moose now has one person dedicated to each of its 10 Facebook pages.
“You’ve got to monitor what’s going on and you’ve got make sure you’re getting back to the questions being raised online,’’ he says.
In the end, it’s all about keeping up with the trends. As Solomon says, stand still and you die.
You can follow Leon Gettler on Twitter @leongettler. This article first appeared on LeadingCompany. Download your free LeadingCompany eBook “10 Key Considerations for Succession and Business Exits”.
