ABC Exhibitors are Passionate about New Products… and Lucky in Love!
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In the ABC SEC spirit of new product news and business education in the good-luck town of Las Vegas, I asked exhibitors to tell me about their “must-see” product on the trade show floor, their favorite business tip and what is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to them. From what I heard, seems like most are lucky in love… and passionate about their new products!
Nested Bean (Zen Swaddle)
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Must-See…
The Zen Swaddle is the only swaddle with the soothing benefits of maternal touch, which is proven to calm and nurture infants. It applies gentle pressure on baby’s sides and center to mimic arms cradling them and a reassuring palm on the little one’s chest.
Best Business Tip…
Stay focused on your goal and stay true to your (brand) identity.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
In life, I am lucky to have my husband, two beautiful sons and wonderful friends. At a casino, I was lucky at Treasure Island when my friend and I were on such a roll at the blackjack slot machines that when we returned from getting refreshments, they had cordoned off the area!
SnoozeShade
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Must-See…
The whole SnoozeShade collection is so new to the US market that it is all a must-see: it’s a best-selling product in the UK and we know from the feedback we’re getting that there will be a big market in the US for these innovative products. We recently won two US awards –– a Gold NAPPA award and winner of a Cribsie Award for the Handiest Stroller Accessory. We are also introducing a new limited edition version of SnoozeShade Original for the US market. See it first at ABC SEC!
Best Business Tip…
Don’t be afraid to think big –– if you believe there is a genuine need for your product then just aim for the stars. I never thought I’d have a product on sale in more than 20 countries when I became frustrated with hanging blankets over my daughter’s stroller. But I’ve always believed in my product and that belief is very powerful.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
Meeting my husband was very lucky –– he’s been a real support through my life and believes in me 100%, which when I am working around the clock is very reassuring.
HALO Innovations
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Must-See…
Attendees must see our new HALO SleepSack 5-Piece Crib Sets – with no loose bedding or bumpers and 2 wearable blankets instead, they are the safer way to sleep! Plus, they are award winning products as reviewed by parents. This set was awarded the 2012 Cribsie award and PTPA award.
Best Business Tip…
Someone once told me at the end of the day, make one more sales call. I guess in 2012 terms, phone call could also mean email.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
Business wise, it would probably be the day almost 14 years ago that I met Bill Schmid, founder of HALO. That chance meeting turned into the most rewarding job of my life. Personally, it would be when I reconnected with my high school sweetheart (now my husband) after going through a disastrous first marriage. As a friend from the industry said, “You’re the only person I know who can get thrown off the Empire State Building and land on her feet.”
Regal Lager
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Must-See…
The new “miosolo” from Bambino Mio is a one size, all-in-one cloth, pocket diaper. The miosolo provides a close, snug fit for all sizes, from birth up to potty training age (around 35 lbs.). One size fits all with the help of smart snaps and Velcro® adjustments. It features a super-absorbent inner core. It is attached but can be pulled out with help of clever loops, before drying. The miosolo dries in a shorter time compared to all other AIOs. A full description is available on http://usa.bambinomio.com/usa/our-products/miosolo
Best Business Tip…
Enlarge your vision! We frequently limit ourselves by our own thinking. Discover the power of your own positive thoughts and find strength through adversity.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
I have been lucky most of my life. I have a wonderful wife of 26 years and two great kids — all of us healthy and happy. I have been blessed to find myself in good jobs working for good people.
Baby K’tan
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Must-See…
Our signature Baby K’tan carrier, recently voted “2012 Best Baby Shower Gift” by Babble. It is the only “ready-to-wear wrap” currently on the market.
Best Business Tip…
Follow your heart, but always make sure to LISTEN to your customers. Value their opinion. However great your product, or story behind it might be, it is the people who use it that are your true strength and greatness.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
Having my son Coby, who has Down syndrome. Not only has his presence in our family enabled us to be more accepting, loving and appreciative of life, his presence is the reason my company and the Baby K’tan carrier was even developed!
Bella B Bodycare
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Must-See…
The Bella B Bodycare, Inc. new Mom and Baby gift sets! These are very cute gifts for mom/baby, made with organic ingredients, great “curb appeal” and very affordable. Bella B has excellent brand awareness and works well for baby showers as gifts for mom or baby.
Best Business Tip…
Success is 99% failure.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
Meeting the woman in my life, Tisha Ansara, and learning that riches or no riches, it doesn’t matter much without someone to love!
Ubimed
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Must-See…
The LifeNest® Sleeping System has addressed every parent’s concerns to reduce the risk of Flat Head (plagiocephaly), while promoting baby’s relaxation thanks to its unique design.
Best Business Tip…
The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. (Steve Jobs)
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
The day my wife said, “I do.”
America Tung Ling Corp.
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Must-See…
Piyo Piyo 4 Stage Training Cup is the only sippy cup children will need throughout the entire cup training process. It’s revolutionary and truly leak free.
Best Business Tip…
Don’t be afraid to reach outside your comfort zone.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
Winning around $100 at the lottery. (That’s pure luck; everything else needed some work!)
Essentials Brands
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Must-See…
Our Hayley Fold Over Diaper Bag can be worn upright when moms need to carry a lot in their bag, or folded over for days that moms don’t need as much. It’s like having two bags in one!
Best Business Tip…
K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple Stupid.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
The day I found out I was pregnant with my baby girl. It took a while and I was so grateful when it finally happened!
Lambs & Ivy
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Must-See…
Fawn, one of Lambs & Ivy’s newest collections, features a trendy peacock in sophisticated styling and is a lovely mixture of embroidered linen, satin, velvet and an exquisite jacquard in taupe, soft pink, cream and peach.
Best Business Tip…
Our customer. Our friend.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
Thirty-two years ago I won a diamond ring at a charity event. I later sold that ring for $10,000 and used that money to start Lambs & Ivy.
Caden Lane
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Must-See…
Caden Lane’s new Ikat Chevron Collection. We have four new crib sets, big kid, and lots of accessories in six new fabrics. The chevron print is so popular right now.
Best Business Tip…
If you love what you do, then you’ll never work a day in your life.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
Hands down, the luckiest I’ve ever been is being blessed with my two amazing children (and a 3rd on the way)! I’m so lucky to love my work, and have a happy and healthy family and home. I’m so grateful every day. Okay… almost every day!
Keekaroo
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Must-See…
Our new Pumpkin color for all our cushions.
Best Business Tip…
Read and learn about other industries and take away things they do right that you may adapt to your business.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
My wife and I met on a blind date set up by a person I had briefly talked to once when leaving a dinner. If I hadn’t stopped, I may have never met her.
Bolton Furniture
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Must-See…
The Mission SSS Loft in the new Espresso finish with stairs. It’s an excellent use of space in a small area. We will also be introducing High Loft Kits, which allow customers to take any of our bed styles and convert them into a High Loft configuration.
Best Business Tip…
Stay focused on what you do and become the best at it. Filter out the “noise” and apply what works best in your business. You cannot be everything to everybody.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
I’m very lucky to have parents that taught me to be accountable.
J.L. Childress Co.
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Must-See…
With the J.L. Childress Diapering Station To-Go, parents can change diapers quickly and easily in the car or when out-and-about by keeping their car stocked with changing essentials, eliminating the need to bring along a diaper bag. Three large, easy-view mesh pockets hold multiple diapers and wipes while elastic loops hold ointments and wet bags. Easily attaches to car head rests.
Best Business Tip…
Think different. From Apple’s advertising campaign, a quote perfected by Steve Jobs. “Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently –– they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
When we (as an office) won the recent, record-breaking MEGA MILLIONS Jackpot! (Just kidding… we only wish we were so lucky!)
Brilliant Baby Products
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Must-See…
The Plush Pad by AhGoo www.AhGooBaby.com is the only hybrid changing station that is comfortable enough for both permanent and portable use. It’s made of a lush memory foam cushion that is ultra soft and comfortable. It is reasonably priced and rolls up to fit in a diaper bag.
Best Business Tip…
People make buying decision for emotional reasons and justify logically later. Also, make people your friends and they find a way to buy from you.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
I got a plane to come back for me after it had departed. I was in Memphis Tennessee, direct flight to Los Angeles (last plane out of the night). Got to the barren gate area and saw the walk ramp retracting back and the plane rolling away. I dropped my bags and ran up to that big window and jumped up and down with my hands flapping over my head and mouthing “Hey! Wait” and then I got down on my knees, clasped my hands together and begged, Come back…. Pleeeeease.” The pilots saw me. The plane rolled back towards me. They let me on the plane!
SBT Safety Systems
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Must-See…
Every year children are injured or killed across the U.S. by heat exposure when accidentally forgotten and left behind in cars. SBT Safety Systems ™ created the MyCue™ Streamer as a type of single-item checklist to increase driver awareness of a child passenger seated behind them.
Best Business Tip…
Doing what’s best is more important to long term success than always doing your best. People will not always perform at their optimal level all the time. Therefore success in any area of a business depends on the team performing the right things well over a sustained period of time.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
Was winning the heart and hand of my high school sweetheart, Carol. We have been married for over 28 years. Beyond this, a distant second was getting to see Super Bowl XXX for free.
Aqueduck
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Must-See…
The Aqueduck Faucet extender is the first item of its kind and helps promote independence in children and frees parents from the chore of lifting their children up to the faucet to perform the important task of washing their hands.
Best Business Tip…
Be original! If you are always following someone, you will not succeed.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
My husband and I were nearly run over by a bus that ran a red light. Luckily, my mom saw the bus coming and grabbed us before we stepped off the curb and into the crosswalk. Whew!
