Hi,Tracey! Thank you for taking time to chat. Although we've known one another a long time, there are still questions unasked! What is it about the Toy and Game Industry that you love?

The people! It’s like a family…but better!

Do you have a mantra that you live by?

Do it – change your job, buy the shoes, eat the cake, go to the concert, book that flight.

What keeps you up at night?

Everything! I’m a planner and overthinker.

Why and how did you get into the Toy and Game industry?

As with most of us, I never planned to be in Toys, it was a happy twist of fate. After completing a Child Studies degree with a minor in Child Development I went into teaching. It was always my plan. As a pre-school teacher, I quickly discovered that I loved the kids and the lesson / activity planning but the politics and bureaucracy was something I knew would eventually darken my soul and kill my enthusiasm. Back to University for business courses and took a 90 degree career turn. Happened to reply to a job ad in the newspaper (yes, that’s how old I am!) and it turned out to be a toy company. That was in 1999 and I’m still here! In fact, I have come full circle having rejoined the Family Games team that started it all!

What are you working on now?

These interview questions!

What has kept you motivated to stay in the toy industry?

I am not sure if you can define it as motivation but when I even think about possibly doing something else it ends up to be a fleeting thought and quicky dismissed. Like in the Godfather, you can’t really get out, it just pulls. You. Back. in.

What was your favorite project to date?

Working on Perplexus with the PlaSmart team. Took it all the way to a TOTY. It was a super fun project from beginning to end with loads of adventure and great success. Best part was in-store events and consumer shows like CHITAG and ESSEN where we were really able to see the joy at play. Its home is with Spin Master now and it still brings a smile to my face when I see it on a store shelf or even better – in a child’s hands.

What advice would you give a young adult graduating from high school or college today?

You don’t know what you don’t know. Be open to u turns, roadblocks, detours – grab opportunities that may take you off of your planned path.

What advice do you have for people starting in the industry?

Be a sponge! Read, watch, listen, ask, learn, network – get out of your lane, take it all in, fully immerse yourself.

How do you recharge or take a break?

Some may say the spa, beach, cabin…I say rollercoasters!! Clears my mind like nothing else. As an annual passholder for Universal Studios Orlando, I’ve been known to schedule day-long layovers to get my faves in and reset but long weekends and week-long stays there are a true recharge.

What words describe how you think or how your brain works?

You know the sounds when you used to fast forward a cassette tape of VHS tape? That sound is my brain most of the time, there is no perfect word to describe that.

Who is your all-time favorite Disney character?

Stitch – a perfect mix of attitude, uniqueness and sweetness

Where were you born?

Montreal. Bonjour!

Do you have any kiddos?

None of my own but a proud Auntie & stepmom 

Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Dog – 100%! Bernese, labs, goldens and any kind of doodle. I’m that person that stops to pet (and talk) to them on a walk, in airports, cafes, when they are tied to a post… Work travel prevents me from being a dog-Mom so I get my fix where I can. I have dog treats in my home for canine visitors and carry them with me on walks.

Do you play any musical instruments? If so, which one(s)?

Definitely not. You’re welcome everyone!

What music will you always dance to?

Everything and anything 80’s

What’s your favorite cereal?

Anything sugary: Lucky Charms, Frosted Flakes, Alpha Bits. Sometimes it’s desert.

What are your favorite books and/or magazines?

Genres: Historical Fiction, true crime, Book: The Paper bag Princess

For a day, would you rather be a hobbit or an elf?

An elf – cuter outfits.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Currently Cillian Murphy

What’s the furthest you’ve ever been from home?

Brunei

What’s your beverage of choice?

Pomegranate martini, anything tequila

Summer of Winter?

Spring and Fall

What is your eye color?

Blue

What do you want to be when you grow up?

No plans on being a grown up just yet