Chief executive of Moose Enterprise, Manny Stul, has been named 2015 Australian Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, beating 27 other finalists to the title.
Stul started his career in 1974 when he created Skansen Giftware, which became one of the largest giftware companies in Australia and went public in 1993. Twenty-five years later he took over Moose Enterprise. The company has since grown from 10 people to more than 200.
On winning the award, Stul says it is a team effort. “I work with incredibly passionate, talented, driven people, and they should all feel very proud of their contribution,” he explains.
“I’m also delighted about the recognition this brings to Moose. It will help raise the profile of the company. While people within the toy industry and retail sector know what excellent work we’re doing, not many outside the toy industry , nor many everyday Australians realise that some of their favourite toys are designed and created right here, by a locally owned and run company.”
Moose Enterprise designs toys in Australia that are then developed and manufactured in China and Hong Kong and distributed to more than 80 countries. It is the fifth largest toy business in Australia and fourth in the US behind global giants Hasbro, Mattel and Lego.
Stul believes the key to the company’s success is its innovation, thinking outside the box and aiming for the highest standard and speed to market.
“Moving on from distributor models in the US and selling direct to the retailers has been a springboard for growth, seeing us firmly establish Moose as a force to be reckoned with in the world’s leading consumer market.
“We are now a significant player on the global stage, an amazing achievement for an Australian based company and something everyone can, and should, be proud of.”
Commenting on Stul’s win, chair of the judging panel Dr Glen Richards says the judges were impressed by his persistent determination to develop innovative, high quality toys in an extremely competitive global market.
“Moose Enterprise is an Australian company that is taking on the world by combining an incredibly innovative local design team with the cost advantages of low cost manufacturing,” he explains.
“Stul has demonstrated an ability to understand the demographic of his target market and deliver high quality, innovative toys that are now attracting extraordinary demand from retailers around the world.”
As the Australian winner, Stul will now go on to represent the country at the world event in Monte Carlo in June 2016.
By Marion Gerritsen
