In March 2026, Judd Zebersky officially stepped away from Jazwares, the company he founded nearly 30 years ago after leaving behind a career in law. Under his leadership, a startup built on factory floor knowledge and licensed toy deals grew into a global operation with 1,400 employees and distribution across more than 100 countries.

Zebersky’s legal background came from the University of Miami School of Law, where he earned his JD before launching his own firm. The pivot to toys happened in 1997, driven more by conviction than by industry experience. He described the moment simply: he told his wife he wanted to make toys, she told him to follow his dreams, and he went to China.

The Operational Foundation

Zebersky did not manage from a distance. He traveled to manufacturing plants throughout southern China, learning injection molding, blow molding, rotocasting, and hair rooting processes from workers on the floor. He later recalled visiting remote facilities on dirt roads, immersing himself in every technical detail. That operational depth shaped how Jazwares built its teams and selected its partners for years.

The company’s licensing strategy brought in major entertainment brands: Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Fortnite among them. Acquisitions extended the portfolio further, with Wicked Cool Toys joining in 2019 and Kellytoy in 2020. Kellytoy’s Squishmallows brand turned into something Zebersky likely did not anticipate when the deal closed.

The marshmallow-soft plush figures became a TikTok sensation, with each character carrying a name, a squishday, and a personal biography. Over 100 million sold in one year. Fans ranged from children to celebrities including Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian.

Recognition and Transition

Jazwares collected honors from TIME, Fast Company, and Fortune during Zebersky’s tenure. He personally received the South Florida Business Journal’s Ultimate CEOs recognition in 2024 and appeared on The Business Report’s Top 50 Entrepreneurs list in 2023.

Judd Zebersky also established Jazwares Cares at the company’s founding, running toy donations to children’s hospitals, Title I schools, and nonprofits including Make-A-Wish and Toys for Tots. His family donated $2 million to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Long-tenured COO David Neustein became CEO on March 23, 2026. Refer to this page to learn more.

Learn more about Judd Zebersky on https://www.jazwares.com/about-us/leadership