A Toymaker’s Tale of 10 Business Lessons Learned from Timeless Toys
“Learn from someone I consider to be the best at living life full out! Brad Pedersen is an extraordinary individual… in business and in life.”
A Toymaker’s Tale of 10 Business Lessons Learned from Timeless Toys
EXCLUSIVE AUTHOR INTERVIEW – Get early access to Brad’s “Startup Santa” success principles (where you can learn how to fully unlock your greatest potential).
CHAPTER GUIDE – A downloadable quick reference chapter guide with Brad’s thoughts, actions and strategies.
In Startup Santa, Brad Pedersen, Co-Founder and Chairman of Open Mind Developments Corporation (makers of Pela and Lomi) and former top toymaker, brings practical advice on building a durable business and meaningful life. In 1994, Brad started his entrepreneurial journey in toys, making his first sale. In time, what began as a few simple mall kiosks grew into a large distribution company that eventually evolved into a maker of toys, generating more than $100 million in annual revenue. How did he overcome countless adversities to build a thriving children’s entertainment company—that delivered joy, created smiles, and distributed millions of playthings around the planet?
Join Pedersen on an astounding adventure in this “how-to” guide like no other, exploring entrepreneurship through ten key lessons derived from iconic toys.
Brad Pedersen is an award-winning entrepreneur, philanthropist, investor, author, and coach. In 2008, he founded and scaled one of Canada’s leading toy companies, eventually merging it to co-found Basic Fun, the company behind the iconic brands: Lite-Brite, Tonka, and Care Bears.
He exited that venture and went on to co-found Pela, a sustainable smart device protection company that created a completely new product category in the $20B sector, attracting interest and investment from globally renowned icons including Jay-Z.
In 2021, Brad and the team at Pela launched Lomi, the world’s first electronic kitchen composter. The product raised a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign and helped define the emerging Smart Waste category.
In 2023, Brad released his book Startup Santa, sharing hard-earned lessons from his 30-year entrepreneurial journey. From toys to impact-driven ventures, the book explores what it means to move beyond traditional achievement, learning to live a more connected and purposeful life. It also served as the catalyst for launching Full Spectrum, a carefully curated mastermind designed for accomplished business leaders, exploring what it means to build wealth beyond money; by building deeper connections, developing more meaning in the work they do and making greater impact by using their resources as a force for good.
Brad’s life today is shaped by his commitment to his partner Kelly, pursuing personal growth, deepening his faith, and pursuing vitality through several outdoor pursuits. He is the proud father of two incredible children, Bretton and Megan, who reside in Toronto. Brad and his wife live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, surrounded by lakes, vineyards and mountains where they are intentional about designing an adventurous and fulfilling life.
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BRAD’S SUCCESS BLUEPRINT – Get exclusive access to Brad’s “Startup Santa” success blueprint (where you can learn how to fully unlock your greatest potential). CHAPTER GUIDE – A downloadable quick reference chapter guide with Brad’s thoughts, actions and strategies. 
