Page 22 - Toy & Hobby Magazine Feb-Apr 2021

ATA RISING STAR FINALISTS
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While she is early into her toy industry
exposure, she is looking forward to sharing increase his own skill set while growing the
new heights - always striving to be better and that she not only values the input and contributions
the insights she has gained from her four years running her business. Leanne is looking forward to being able to develop her standing in the toy industry like she has in the women in business community.
Innovation/initiative
Leanne has an innate ability in being able to read her customer and innovate products. In 2020 she added another subscription line to her product base, the ‘Big Creatives’ STEM-based box, after listening to her customers. She continues to seek out new and scalable ways to deliver innovative learning experiences to her customer base.
of others but is a proactive team player herself. business overall. In 2020, Andrew oversaw the Connetix Tiles was founded by two parents with
year’s major distribution deal - securing Hape for a business idea, and Brea was very aware of the
the Australian market. This range adds over 400 new products to the growing U. Games Australia portfolio and enhances the business’ presence in the Australian Toy and Gift market.
Leadership
Andrew was appointed the leader for U. Games Australia in 2020, which is testament to his skills
to lead the business and the team. 2020 was a challenging year both personally and professionally for all industries. During the COVID pandemic, Andrew was an understanding leader, that kept the team working towards overall business growth and stability.
strengths we each brought to the business. She was aware of how our individual expertise could be honed to help create and bring to market something we would both personally be proud of, whilst simultaneously valuing that we both needed to contribute to all aspects of developing our business.
Financial performance
Connetix Tiles launched in July 2019 and has gone on to have outstanding success. In this short time, we have acquired retailers in over 34 countries worldwide and have had a 1400% increase in revenue in the past year. Connetix is now known as a brand name alone associated with magnetic tiles.
ANDREW MCCOSKER
Managing Director at U. Games Australia
Culture/colleague empathy
Andrew has been employed by U. Games Australia for over 15 years. He started in logistics, before moving into product and marketing, then sales, and was most recently
promoted to managing director in 2020. Andrew has always contributed to the friendly, ‘can do’ culture at U. Games Australia. As managing director, he continues his always present support of all departments and a company culture that is more about family than co-workers.
Teamwork
Andrew has been integral to the team dynamic at U. Games Australia. No task is too big or too small. He is always happy to lend a hand, whether it be a consultative ear or unpacking containers in the warehouse. His unfaltering attitude encourages the team to work hard and enjoy a lunch time ping pong game or a Friday afternoon beer.
Financial performance
During his first year as managing director, Andrew has facilitated significant growth for the company - with over a 25% revenue increase on projected budgets for the year. His continued management of the Big W account has brought U. Games Australia to a position where it has taken significant market share in 2020 with SKUs on range.
Ambition
There are few companies that can boast employees that have stayed from their first entry level position to the rise of managing director. As Andrew learns a new role, he takes that department to
Standing in industry
During his long-standing tenure at U. Games Australia, Andrew has solidified relationships with retailers, suppliers, licensors and significant industry partners. He has earned the respect of his peers and the leaders of the University Games Corporation, which appointed him to his new position in 2020. Through his relationships Andrew has accelerated the growth of U. Games Australia.
Innovation/initiative
During 2020 Andrew secured two significant distribution deals, Hape and Australian Geographic Science kits. These renowned brands demonstrate Andrew’s strong level of initiative. During a tumultuous year he looked further afield to grow the business and ensure that U. Games Australia continued to strive to reach new heights.
Culture/colleague empathy
The wonderful reality of working alongside Brea, is seeing how she inclusively makes everyone feel like
a valued part of a
team. Through her genuine concern and interest in everyone as
an individual, regularly following up on their personal wellbeing, validating contributions and encouraging development, Brea fosters a culture where our employees and business associates alike feel like a part of our business family.
She establishes open and clear communication networks for our employees and provides various avenues for which she can be contacted.
Teamwork
It is very evident in how Brea manages our business,
Ambition
It is not surprising to see that Brea’s ambition
to create a leading brand of magnetic tiles has come to fruition. I strongly believe this is because she has maintained strong ethical values and is personally in tune with our customers - parents and educators. Brea’s desire to start our business was in seeing the potential that magnetic tiles offered for learning and development through play, whilst noticing the lack of certain qualities and features in what was available at the time.
Leadership
As a leader, Brea is someone with integrity and high emotional intelligence. She motivates all those around her (including our staff, retailers, ambassadors and customers) with a shared vision of the philosophy behind our product and the exciting possibilities for the future and development of Connetix Tiles. A key strength of Brea’s leadership is that she is an effective and empathetic communicator who is not
only approachable but also checks in on our team members.
Standing in industry
Connetix quickly rose to be one of the most sought-after and admired magnetic tile brands. We have become renowned for our high-quality products, unique design and customer service. In an industry that can be highly competitive and oversaturated, Brea strives to ensure we continue to focus on creating high-quality products that are in line with our values for open-ended toys. The success of our products and brand stems from this ambition and foresight.
Innovation/initiative
Brea is always looking for ways to elevate what Connetix Tiles offers. She often works closely with our manufacturers to personally design elements of our product and pays great attention to ensuring the details from quality, to aesthetic, safety and ethical production are being met. ❉
22 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER FEBRUARY / MARCH / APRIL 2021
BREA BRAND
Director at Connetix Tiles