West Hartford, CT, February 17, 2018 – Toy Fair, Javits 6838 - They say good things come to those who wait. Luckily for Madd Capp, they didn't have to wait long. Four years after launching their first product, co-founders and brothers Bernie and John Moran were on a roll. The summer 2017 gift shows had been wildly successful — retailers didn't just love their new Madd Capp Puzzles, they were buying them up, and momentum heading into the fourth quarter was strong. On the morning of September 6, a good run became a great one. There, in an overcrowded inbox, was an email from O: The Oprah Magazine —"Congratulations! You've been selected for 'Oprah's Favorite Things!'" And just like that, this small company that was growing steadily, was on the fast track. By New Year's, sales had doubled, and the brothers, with 30 years of industry experience between them, had earned their entrepreneurial stripes.
An endorsement from Oprah is a coveted distinction that validates a product like no other. A high profile thumbs up, it's like winning the Super Bowl and hitting the lottery all at once. You don't get it unless you deserve it, but you don't even get the chance unless you get lucky. That's what happened to Madd Capp at the Atlanta Gift Show last July. Two women stopped by the booth, struck, they said, by "the amazing art and dramatic images" of Madd Capp Puzzles. Bernie and John Moran did what they always do — gushed about their products, just as they would their kids. They showed them the unique die-cut "animal head-shaped" jigsaw puzzles, the beautifully designed packaging, and the fun facts insert; the quality of the chipboard, the compelling animal photography, and the giant poster size finished puzzles. Turns out, it wasn't a hard sell. The women requested samples and handed them their business cards. It was only then that the brothers learned who they were — editors at O: The Oprah Magazine, shopping for 'Oprah's Favorite Things' (OFT). "They told us they almost walked right by," said John. "That our booth was so beautiful it made us look like a bigger, more established brand." "They were on the hunt for something new and undiscovered," according to Bernie. "It was the perfect time to be a small company with a really unique product."
Madd Capp had two months to ready themselves for "The Oprah Effect." News of the announcement was embargoed until November 2, so while they ramped up supply to meet an expected surge in demand, they couldn't breathe a word of it to would-be buyers and current customers who would surely buy more. Projecting just how big a bump in sales they'd get was tough. Even harder was getting the puzzles made at crunch time, then shipped from overseas and on-hand for Christmas delivery. As they wrestled with forecasts, inventory, and logistics, the big news kept coming — Good Morning America (GMA) wanted Madd Capp Puzzles for Deals & Steals in early December. A container with 10,000 units had just arrived, but with OFT and GMA about to raise their profile, the brothers ordered more and crossed their fingers that manufacturing, shipping, and customs would stay on track. Back at the office, they focused on the details, integrating technology and creating efficiencies, writing marketing plans and training customer service. They were poised to seize the momentum as soon as the announcement broke.
Being a hot product for the fourth quarter can be a blessing or a curse. For Madd Capp Puzzles, it was a blessing, but not without lessons learned. More veteran companies than Madd Capp have been struck by Oprah lightning, only to be sunk by improper planning or an inadequate supply chain. Not so for entrepreneurs Bernie and John Moran, who managed to capitalize on their good fortune. They drew on their experience and the expertise of those who would lend it. And they relied on a high dose of optimism tempered by a solid reality check. Oprah's big reveal revealed the true worth of Madd Capp: a growing family business that just so happens to make some of Oprah's favorite things.
Madd Capp manufactures die cut jigsaw puzzles and unique board and card games for children and adults. Products are available at retailers nationwide, including Barnes & Noble, Go! Games Stores, Hallmark, San Diego Zoo, Cabela's, Learning Express, Amazon, and Smithsonian Museum Stores.
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