Before Judd Zebersky was a toy company CEO, he was a lawyer who wanted to make something with his hands. The idea sounded unusual enough that his colleagues might have questioned it. His wife did not. Her encouragement sent him to China in 1997, where he spent months learning how toys were physically made.
Zebersky had earned a JD from the University of Miami School of Law and launched his own firm before pivoting entirely. In the factories of southern China, he studied injection molding processes, blow molding techniques, rotocasting methods, and the finer mechanics of hair rooting for doll production. He traveled to remote towns to see manufacturing at its most basic level. That experience shaped his management philosophy at Jazwares for years after the company launched.
From Licensed Products to a Viral Phenomenon
Jazwares spent its early years developing toys tied to established entertainment brands. Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Fortnite merchandise built the company’s reputation for delivering quality licensed products at accessible price points. As the business grew, Judd Zebersky pursued acquisitions. Wicked Cool Toys joined Jazwares in 2019. The following year, Kellytoy was added, and with it came Squishmallows.
Squishmallows combined rounded plush shapes with detailed character identities, including names, birthdays, and backstories. The formula proved unexpectedly powerful on social media, particularly TikTok. Celebrity fans emerged organically. More than 100 million Squishmallows sold in a single year, with retail prices between five and thirty dollars. The brand transformed Jazwares from a well-regarded mid-tier toy company into a name associated with one of the most recognized toy lines of the decade.
Stepping Back After Nearly 30 Years
Judd Zebersky concluded his time as CEO on March 20, 2026. Jazwares had grown to approximately 1,400 employees and was selling products in more than 100 countries. Alleghany Capital Corporation had taken a majority stake in 2016, and Berkshire Hathaway inherited that position in 2022. Throughout the ownership changes, Zebersky maintained day-to-day control until his planned departure. David Neustein, the company’s longtime COO, took over as CEO on March 23, 2026. Check out this page for related information.
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