How Judd Zebersky Turned a Law Career Into a Toy Empire
Judd Zebersky spent his early professional years practicing law after earning a JD from the University of Miami School of Law. But the consumer products world kept pulling at him, and in 1997 he walked away from his firm to do something most lawyers would find baffling: learn how to make toys in Chinese factories.
What followed was nearly 30 years of building Jazwares into a globally recognized toy company that now distributes products in over 100 countries and employs roughly 1,400 people.
Learning by Doing on Factory Floors
Judd Zebersky arrived in China with no manufacturing background. He spent months in factories learning the technical side of toy production firsthand, from injection molding and blow molding to rotocasting and hair rooting. This operational knowledge proved foundational for how Jazwares hired and developed employees in the years that followed.
“I visited toy factories throughout the south of China and immersed myself in the manufacturing, design, and engineering of toys,” he told Miami Law in 2014.
Jazwares built its early footprint through licensed entertainment products, partnering with properties like Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Fortnite. A pair of acquisitions expanded the reach considerably Wicked Cool Toys in 2019 brought Pokémon licensing, and Kellytoy in 2020 introduced Squishmallows.
Squishmallows and the Social Media Era
Squishmallows grew into a full-blown cultural sensation, driven largely by TikTok. The plush toys feature individual names, “squishdays,” and backstories. Celebrity fans including Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian amplified visibility. More than 100 million units sold in a single year, with prices ranging from $5 to $30 per item.
Alleghany Capital Corporation took an initial stake in Jazwares in 2014 and a majority interest in 2016, while Zebersky retained control of daily operations. Berkshire Hathaway subsequently inherited the Jazwares stake through its acquisition of Alleghany in late 2022.
Judd Zebersky stepped down as CEO on March 20, 2026. Chief Operating Officer David Neustein, who served in the role for 14 years, took over on March 23, 2026. Visit This Page for more information.
See Also about Judd Zebersky on https://www.linkedin.com/posts/university-of-miami-school-of-law_judd-and-laura-zebersky-jd-93-toymakers-activity-7249433715506843648-E0Af
