Judd Zebersky did not study business or manufacturing. He studied law, earned his JD from the University of Miami School of Law, and opened his own firm. What drew him out of the legal profession was something more personal than a market opportunity. He wanted to make toys. His wife encouraged him to pursue it. So he did.
In 1997,Judd Zebersky traveled to China with no manufacturing experience and spent months embedded in toy factories across the southern part of the country. He learned injection molding, blow molding, and rotocasting techniques. He observed hair rooting and studied engineering specifications. The experience gave him a working knowledge of how toys were designed and built, which he later described as foundational to how Jazwares developed its internal culture and hiring practices.
Securing the Partnerships That Built the Business
Jazwares established itself in the market through licensing agreements with entertainment franchises. Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Fortnite were among the properties that gave the company early footing. As the business matured, Judd Zebersky pursued acquisitions to extend the portfolio. Wicked Cool Toys joined in 2019, bringing Pokémon licensing with it. Kellytoy came in 2020 and, with it, Squishmallows.
The Squishmallows line turned into one of the most commercially successful toy launches of the decade. The plush figures found a massive following on TikTok and attracted fans including Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian. Over 100 million units sold in a single year across a price range of $5 to $30.
Alleghany Capital Corporation invested in Jazwares beginning in 2014 and gained majority ownership in 2016. Berkshire Hathaway inherited the investment through its 2022 acquisition of Alleghany. Throughout these changes in ownership structure, Judd Zebersky maintained operational control. He stepped away from the CEO role on March 20, 2026, with the company operating in more than 100 countries. Visit this page for related information.
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