COMPANY NEWS

Anthony Laferrera
As principal of A.J.L. Associates, Ltd., Tony began his career in the Toy Industry in 1977.

His first position was that of Account Executive for the rep organization of Forman Corporation. Over the years, his account responsibility grew to include F.W. Woolworth, Lionel Leisure and Toys R Us.

Tony then moved to T.S.R. Inc. as Eastern Regional Manager. His responsibility included overseeing a sales force of eight people with an annual volume of over $11 million. He sustained an average growth of 14 percent per year throughout his tenure.

Just prior to starting A.J.L. Associates, Tony was National Sales Manager for Lewco/Blue Box Toys calling on and overseeing sales for accounts such as K-Mart, Sears, Wal-Mart, Kay Bee, etc.

Today, in addition to overseeing the everyday operations at A.J.L., Tony personally calls on Toys R Us, and is president of U.L.T.R.A., which is the United League of Toy Representative Association. ULTRA is an organization of Toy Representatives that provides a forum to help improve open industry by the means of sharing information and ideas. In addition, ULTRA acts a a liaison between the other trade organization, the retailer and our membership in coordinating trade shows as well as many other aspects of our industry.

A graduate of John Jay College, Tony and his wife, Kathy, have three children and reside in Basking Ridge, NJ.

Howard is an independent representative calling on the toy, leisure recreational trade for the last 25 years. He started as a salesman and became a partner of a very successful representative organization, Bravman Associates. Prior to 1977, Mr. Lipstein was a buyer and a senior executive at A&S and Macys Department Stores.

Howard is well educated with a BS at Rider University in Trenton and has an MBA from Farleigh Dickinson University as well. Participating in sports, being on the Board of Directors at Rider, advising students and coaching of career/personal choices, and family allow Mr. Lipstein to be well rounded.

Mr. Lipstein has one motto work hard and smart and treat everyone like he would want to be treated.

Fred Zubrin has been a manufacturer’s representative for over 28 years, representing many diverse toy and specialty lines. His territory has included the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. Fred began his career with The Processed Plastic Company and was responsible for the national and regional chains based in the Northeast. During his tenure, he opened many new accounts, and increased factory’s sales six fold in the 1990’s.

Prior to his time in the toy industry, Fred was an account executive with the Xerox Corporation.

As the principal of Gorman Zubrin & Associates, Ltd., since 1993, Fred oversaw a successful four man sales organization.

Fred currently covers all classes of trade for A.J.L. Associates, with special attention paid to the Drug, Grocery Discount, and National chains such as Kay Bee Toy and Toys R Us.com.

A graduate of the State University of New York at Albany, Fred resides in Long Beach, NY with his wife Madeleine. They have two grown daughters

Stacey Simmons

Stacey Simmons has been in the toy business for over 23 years having started her career with Lewco Toys. Over the years she has developed strong relationships with many different types of customers in the Northeast.

Stacey does not limit herself to selling toy accounts. She sells to many customers outside the normal areas of distribution, such as department stores, accessory and apparel chains to name a few. She has also been involved for many years selling the comic book trade and the hobby industry as well.

On the supply side, her experience is broad based having sold for businesses such as house wares, watches, apparel, as well as toys.

Stacey is very creative and encourages our suppliers to think out of the box. Since her experience is diversified, she is continually implementing ways to generate new business opportunities.

For the past twelve years, Abby has been the office manager at A.J.L. The nature of the business calls for her position to be very diversified.

She and her staff are responsible for customer service, order processing and tracking, data entry maintenance, sample preparation as well as responsibility for the administrative duties of the organization.

Additionally, Abby oversees arrangements for the three major toy shows the company attends in HongKong, Dallas and New York.

Rowena comes to A.J.L. with an extensive retail background having established and developed a high fashion clothing store that merchandised name brands such as DKNY, Polo, etc.

As Key Account Sales Coordinator, Rowena's responsibilities and primary focus is dealing with all aspects of supporting Toys R Us. From arranging sales presentations, expediting shipments and monitoring weekly product sales, Rowena functions as an extremely integral element of the business. In today's age of information, it is Rowena's responsibility not only to monitor sales, but also to utilize that information to create flow plans and forecasts. In addition to these responsibilities, Rowena also serves as the company's trade show coordinator.

In this multi-task position, she uses her sales support skills, extensive computer knowledge and strong organizational expertise.

Rowena holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree from Assumption College in Manila Philippines. She resides in Somerset, NJ.