Elliott Handler, born on September 4, 1916 in Illinois, was destined to become a trailblazer in the toy industry. From a young age, Handler showed a talent for entrepreneurship and a keen eye for innovation. Little did he know that his passion for creating toys would lead to the founding of one of the most iconic toy companies in the world.
In the early years of his career, Handler founded a successful business creating dollhouse furniture. It was during this time that he met Harold Matson, a business partner who would play a crucial role in the formation of Mattel. Together, Handler and Matson founded Mattel, with Matson's name forming the "Mat" in the company's name.
One of Handler's most enduring contributions to the toy industry was the creation of Barbie dolls. Despite initial doubts from Handler himself, his wife Ruth Handler spearheaded the development of the iconic doll, naming it after their daughter Barbara. The Barbie doll became a cultural phenomenon, setting the stage for Mattel's future success.
In addition to Barbie dolls, Handler was also responsible for introducing Hot Wheels cars to the market. These die-cast cars were designed by real General Motors engineers, with a special focus on the plastic wheels that allowed them to roll smoothly. Hot Wheels quickly became a favorite among children and collectors alike, solidifying Mattel's reputation as a leader in the toy industry.
Handler's wife, Ruth, played a significant role in the success of Mattel, bringing a sense of innovation and creativity to the company. Together, the Handlers created toys that would shape the childhoods of generations to come. Ruth's influence can be seen in the creation of the Ken doll, named after their son, which complemented the Barbie doll perfectly.
Throughout his career, Handler's keen business acumen and passion for creating innovative toys propelled Mattel to new heights. The company's success with Barbie dolls, including ones modeled after celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, solidified its place in toy history.
Today, Mattel continues to be a beloved toy company, thanks in large part to the vision and dedication of Elliott Handler. His legacy lives on in the toys that continue to bring joy to children around the world.