Richard Gill - Global Domination

What was your favorite toy or game as a child?

Without a doubt LEGO – my creations were replicas (in my mind at least) of all the cool things I saw on TV from Thunderbirds, Dr Who and more. Multi-colored (as they were back then) the beauty was in the eye of the beholder – my parents were very kind – I wish I had photos!!

Why and how did you get into the Toy and Game industry?

Like most of us I think by accident! I was an owner in a small box making company in London back in the early 80s. We had a sideline – 1 machine and 1 legally blind operator – making games boards for UK companies such as Games Workshop, Gibsons Games. One day in 1984 – wow sounds like a fairy story J - a guy walked through the door asking us to make game boards for Trivial Pursuit…….the rest is history. I first worked as a manufacturer, then marketer before being asked to work for the owners of Trivial Pursuit from 1986 – 1989.

What trends do you see in toys or games that excite or worry you?

I still think we as an industry we follow trends rather than lead them, slapping technology onto toys/games that sometimes simply don’t need it. There are obviously exceptions to this with some major robotic successes and, in particular, some Toy creations that made it to the movies e.g. Transformers. For the most part however, I believe we rely on others for innovation and creativity – movies, TV shows, celebrities etc. Of course as an outside inventor representative I love this – opportunity for new inventors

What advice can you give to inventors who are presenting new toy or game ideas to you?

Tough question!! Some of the best ideas have come on a scrap of paper and been huge successes however, in general I think they need to think it t through first. Is it really new, provocative and innovative, is it unique and most of all it has to be practical. Cost is still a major hurdle for manufacturers – I cant tell you how many absolutely beautiful models I have seen but with no idea how to make it economically!!

What advice would you give a young adult graduating from high school or college today?

After all the hard-work of grade etc. one thing I like to see/hear is Networking.To be clear I am not talking about texting a million friends all over, I am talking about actual relationships, really meet people, learn some people skills and talk to people. Consider getting a job working on the front lines be as a server, barista, pumping gas (as I did) – talk to people, share your thoughts and dreams – those relationships could give you that insight, break or opening you did not even know existed.

What does your typical day look like?

Well after 30+ years in the business I am so fortunate to have a variety in my life – we still travel to numerous shows around the world (Hong Kong, UK, Germany, Australia, Japan and on) – sounds glamorous but it is arduous and not as much fun these days with all the airline cutbacks!! We visit with our clients in their offices from time to time so, travel is definitely a big part of my life. When not traveling, there is a lot of administration behind “playing with toy/games”. From sending samples, negotiating terms and drafting contracts, discussing potential marketing opportunities and looking at new idea and concepts for the next “big” one!! Thank goodness for the internet!!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The people – there is no doubt in my mind. Of course there are a lot of disappointments along the way but I have been fortunate enough to meet and become friends with some fantastic folks around the world. Whenever we travel we are going to see industry ‘friends’ as much as business contacts. These days I like to think I give back a little by helping ,at ChiTAG and giving some guidance to new inventors – whether I work with them, or not, does not matter – I want to see new inventors succeed and bring new life blood to our industry!

What is the worst job you’ve ever had and what did you learn from it?

Probably pumping gas – good old fashioned hi-test back in those days! Sucking in the fumes for hours on end was probably not great for me BUT I got an education in relating and interacting with folks from all walks of life, something that has stood me in good stead over the years.

What and/or who inspires you?

Sports players, musicians and my wife Catherine!! I think that performers personify the “overnight success” mantra that some people seem to expect. There are hours and years of basic work and practice, learning your skills, honing those down to ultimately - and if you’re lucky as well probably - to be a professional. I think a lot of people forget the value of basics in their professional lives.

Where were you born?

I am a true Eastender! Born in Bow Hospital London England - my folks moved the family to the ourskirts when I was 7 and I think I left the accent behind!!

What was your life like growing up?

I grew up in England during the 60s and 70s. I was a little too young for the peace and love part but, I grew up on the Beatles and the hey days of British music. My parents came from humble beginnings getting married right after WW2 and worked hard to give my sister and me a loving and solid family upbringing. I was honestly not a natural scholar but worked hard alongside my sporting life to leave school with passable grades!! As a young kid 8 or 9, I can recall helping the milkman deliver to homes in the area as well as leaving home in the morning and only coming home for “tea” at 6pm – something parents rarely allow these days. Here's a picture of me at age 7 enjoying the beach!

Where did you grow up and how did that influence who you are today?

The UK was not the melting pot it is today but there was still a good mix of people in my life from a very young age. I believe it taught me to be fair, open and accessible to all.

What is one mistake you’ve made, and what did you learn from it?

Only one!! Wow. Working for family owned businesses has been an issue for me in the past. I learned to protect myself contractually but more importantly to ask better questions of potential employers going forward!!

What do you read every day, and why?

BBC news – I still believe it provides the best global view of the news of the world in a balanced (most of the time) way. You can take the “Brit out of Britain” but I guess old habits die hard!!

What is your favorite gadget, app or piece of software that helps you every day?

My iPhone – it is hard to believe life before it!!

How do you jumpstart your creativity when you find yourself stalled on a project?

Listen to music – I find my brain works best in the “twilight” zone relaxed and wandering!

When is the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?

My buddy Mark from Barbados who see humor in everything good, bad or otherwise.

Are you named after anyone?

My mother laughingly always said I was named after ‘Richard the Lionheart’….not really sure that is true but she fought hard when I was young to make sure people called me by my full name J)

Do you have any kiddos?

No

Do you have any pets?

We have our 2 boys – cats Quinten (age 10) and Grady (age 3) – Grady likes to help me on long drives (see photo!)

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

James Bond movies J

Do you play any musical instruments?

If so, which one(s)? Sadly no – I was relegated to the Triangle in the school band before being kicked off entirely to stage manage!! Catherine has all the musical talent in my family!!

What’s your favorite cereal?

Bran….just is!!Raisin

What’s the first thing you usually notice about people?

The eyes quickly followed by their handshake!! Something I learned from my Dad I think!

What is your eye color?

Brown – I am a simple sole!!

Do you prefer scary movies or happy endings?

I love the thrill of the ride but happy ending movies leave me feeling better!

Summer or Winter?

Summer JI left the UK to get away from the wet, dreary cold damp days!! I love to go back but only in the summer!!

Hugs or Kisses?

Both of course!! Kissing on both cheeks which I picked up while traveling seems to be universally acceptable except in Asia!!

What’s your favorite TV show?

Tough one, many different faves along the way but overall MI5 (BBC drama called “Spooks” in the UK). Still love the unpredictability of UK shows versus American drama

Favorite movie of all time?

Oh boy….a lot to choose from besides my James Bond faves – I would probably say all time Die Hard – its my Christmas movie J)

What’s the furthest you’ve ever been from home?

I would love to say the Moon as this is a life time dream but, to date, the farthest I have been is beautiful New Zealand!!

Do you have any special talents?

I can wiggle my ears J)

What are your hobbies?

These days its limited to Golf, Premier League football (soccer!) reading and my wine collection…..previously I have been an avid sportsman playing soccer, squash, tennis, volleyball and a little cricket as a younger man!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

As a kid I always wanted to be an airline pilot…..these days I think I have my dream job.

What’s next?

Global domination for some, or even one of our clients – after the back to back global successes of Trivial Pursuit and Pictionary in the 80’s I thought it was easy and honestly did not realize just how lucky I was to be involved – I would love to do it one more time realizing a dream for one of our partners and reminding me what it felt like!!