For Subscribers

Edu-phibian Hopping from product to product, Leap Frog's founder makes learning lighthearted and lands his toys on store shelves everywhere.

By Peter Kooiman

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Vital Stats: Michael Wood,49, of Emeryville, California-based Leap Frog

Company: Manufacturer ofelectronic learning toys and products started in 1995

2001 Projections: $290million

Kid-Tested, Father-Approved:"My son inspired the first game. When he was 3 years old, hewould play with a little wooden alphabet puzzle. But I wanted toteach him that letters make sounds, so I took a chip from a talkinggreeting card and put it in a big, squeezable 'B,' then an'A,' then a 'T.' A lot of our products weredeveloped in [response] to things my own kids were having troublelearning."

Risky Business: "Ourfirst two products went to market in 1995 when I made an offer to abuyer at Toys 'R' Us, and he said, 'If you can makethem at that low a price, we'll buy 60,000.' It took Toys'R' Us some courage to place that order with a brand-newcompany."

Even Better Than the RealThing: "We're able to take something basic andfamiliar like a book and make it come alive. It's also betterthan having kids stuck staring at a computer screen."

Growing Up: "Now wealso have products that address specific needs for older kids, suchas our Twist and Shout multiplication [toy]. Kids can twist andbang the dials and buttons-it has a little beat, and they can quizthemselves on their multiplication tables. We take stuff kids needto learn and present it in a fun, engaging way."

Better Patent Those Genes:"My dad came up with an idea for an automatic soda cansmasher. He actually had one built, but he never got around toselling it. Something must run in our blood."

Contact Source

Leap Frog
(510) 420-5000, www.leapfrog.com

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Productivity

Squeeze a Whole Business Book into Your Lunch Break

Power through 1,800+ titles without falling behind on your calendar.

Starting a Business

How to Build a Side Hustle That Stands on Its Own — Without Burning Out

Ready to take your side hustle to the next level? This article shows you how to turn it into its own unique brand that gets noticed and grows on its own.

Science & Technology

101 Small Business Ideas to Match Your Personality, Investment, Skills & Goals

Still stuck on what biz to start? Use AI to uncover 101 custom ideas aligned with your skills, values & lifestyle—plus a 90-day roadmap to launch with clarity.

Branding

How to Remove or Bury Negative Articles on Google

Here's how to remove negative articles from Google search results, protect your brand reputation and suppress harmful content.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

AI Is Going to 'Replace Everybody' in Several Fields, According to the 'Godfather of AI.' Here's Who He Says Should Be 'Terrified.'

Geoffrey Hinton, called the "Godfather of AI" due to his pioneering work on AI, says some fields face a heavier risk of replacement due to automation.