PAUL LAPIDUS, IDSA (Founder) Paul Lapidus is the founder of NewFuntiers. With a degree in Industrial Design and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bridgeport, Paul's professional background spans more than 36 years experience creating, designing and developing innovative consumer products within a variety of industries. Prior to forming NewFuntiers in 1978, Paul held the position of Director of Design & Development at Playskool Inc., the preschool toy division of HASBRO, INC. Paul has also headed the Design & Development Departments of several other major consumer products companies in the Houswares, Home Decor, and OEM Product/Packaging Industries. As a past member of the Toy Industry Association (TIA), previously known as Toy Manufacturers of America (TMA), the toy industry's trade association, Paul worked closely with the Association to promote the accomplishments and contributions of the professional creative community, and their work with independent and amateur inventors. As a result, the TIA board approved Paul's proposal to fully support independent toy & game inventors by providing them referrals and important industry information. As a long time member of the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA), Paul's advocacy of product innovation and design in the US, along with his strong background in the toy industry, resulted in his being asked to speak on the topic of "Toy Design & Invention" at the IDSA National Conference in Minneapolis, MN. Bill Ulch, the creative force behind Art Central Illustration & Design, founded in 1980, is an alumni of Art Center College of Design, Los Angeles, where he studied graphic and product design. Bill is also a graduate of California State College, at Chico, California, with a degree in Information and Communication Studies. As an accomplished product and graphic designer, Bill has more than 25 years experience in technical, traditional, and digital illustration in a variety of oem and consumer product industries. Working with Mitch Maloney, Bill is responsible for toy, game, baby and gift product design, and the fabrication of presentation quality prototypes and models for presentation to NewFuntiers'manufacturing clients. Mitch Maloney is an award winning designer with over 20 years experience in graphic, audio and visual design. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, from the College of Design, Architecture & Art, Micth was offered a "Full Graduate Scholarship" for Cincinnati's Master of Fine Arts Degree program. Mitch's background includes four years experience working as an in-house contractor for the Procter & Gamble Company designing, producing and directing audio/visual presentations and company instructional videos. He went on to establish his own company, Mitch Maloney Illustration, providing his clients with a wide range of services to include: graphic, product & package design; medical & technical illustration; animation & storyboard design; and (of course) toy, game, baby & gift product design. Working in conjunction with Bill Ulch on new product concepts for NewFuntiers, Mitch is responsible for the high quality graphic presentations we make to our toy & game, juvenile products & gift manufacturing clients. |