CONSUMER PRODUCT STRATEGY, LAUNCH & INVENTION LICENSING – SINCE 1989

Turning Great Consumer Products into Global Retail Brands.

Since 1989, founder Robert Yusim has helped inventors, breakout startups and industry leaders launch hundreds of hit products and brands worldwide, including the ThighMaster, Air Hogs, Moon Sand, Wubble Ball, Laser X, Floam, Kurio, Pixicade and ZipString.

Pixicade mobile game-maker pallet display in a retail storePixicade
Laser X laser tag pallet display in a retail store, launched with NSI InternationalLaser X
ZipString Aracna wrist launcher, the viral toy scaled by Product CounselZipString
Wubble Ball endcap display at Target, launched with NSI InternationalWubble Ball
35+ YearsIn Toys & Consumer Products
100+ BrandsLaunched to Global Market
Millions of Units & Billions of DollarsSold Across D2C & Retail
  • TAGIE Award Winner
  • Mojo Nation Top 100 Award
  • UIA Top 100 Award

Three Ways We Build Hit Products

Whether you have a working prototype, are a breakout single-product company or an established brand preparing for a major release, we eliminate the learning curve, get your product to market faster and help you scale across every channel, at home and around the world.

For Young Companies, Viral Brands & Shark Tank Alumni

Strategic Company Mentoring & Scaling

Going viral is not a business model. Young companies often lose years and millions in revenue and profit to avoidable mistakes in pricing, margin management and distribution. We step in as a hands-on strategic partner to fix unit economics, architect US and international retail distribution, and transform single-product breakouts into multi-brand consumer businesses.

  • Cost of Goods (COGS) & Margin Optimization
  • US Retail Channel Architecture
  • Multi-Product Pipeline Strategy
For Professional & Independent Inventors

Consumer Product & Toy Invention Licensing

Having a brilliant invention is only half the battle. Getting it in front of the right decision-maker is what closes a deal. We are highly selective about the inventions we represent. When we take on a product, we refine the pitch, bypass the gatekeepers, put you directly in the room with top-tier manufacturers, and negotiate the deal in months rather than years. Historically, the royalties we’ve secured have exceeded our inventors’ expectations.

  • Commercial Viability Evaluation
  • Pitch Scripting, Video & Presentation Coaching
  • Direct Executive Introductions
  • Royalty & Licensing Deal Structuring
For Established Toy & Consumer Brands

Direct-to-Consumer & Brand Launches

A great product still needs stories that sell. Since helping pioneer the direct-response model in the toy category with Spin Master in 2006, we have spent two decades designing and directing integrated digital, social and TV campaigns that ignite consumer demand. We work with a trusted ecosystem of experts and lead the strategy from start to finish. We don’t just run ads to break even online. We engineer direct-to-consumer campaigns that build undeniable momentum with Amazon and brick-and-mortar retail buyers.

  • Situational Analysis & Financial Modeling
  • Offer Development
  • Creative & Commercial Production
  • Omni-channel & Retail Pull-Through

Counsel in Action: How We Create Value

The ZipString team with Robert Yusim at the ZipString booth
Scaling a Viral Phenomenon

ZipString

The Situation

Two young founders went viral on TikTok with 20 million views in four hours, ran a massive Kickstarter, and landed a deal on Shark Tank. They had tremendous consumer buzz, but needed retail channel architecture and a long-term brand strategy.

The Counsel

Robert reached out immediately after seeing their Shark Tank appearance and became the mentor to the founders guiding them on overall strategy, margin management, US retail placement, international distribution, and Product Development.

The Result

Merchandised from Walmart and Target in the United States to over 50 countries globally, ZipString has successfully transitioned from a single viral gadget into a multi-SKU brand. Product Counsel won the 2024 TAGIE Award for Most Innovative Supplier of the Year in large part for its work with ZipString.

Robert Yusim with Nikki and Courtney Sixx
Toy Invention Development & Licensing

Helping to Develop a Toy Invention and Then Licensing It

The Situation

In 2024 Robert was introduced to Courtney & Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue). Inspired by their daughter, they had a passion to develop a girl’s toy collectible. At the time they were DIY’ing the development through open sources.

The Counsel

Robert brought in professional design and engineering to help Courtney & Nikki develop an exciting girl’s collectible that includes patent pending features.

The Result

Robert, within months, licensed the innovation to a well known toy company. The new brand will launch by Spring 2028.

Robert Yusim at the Pixicade booth in Japan
Fixing Unit Economics & Scaling D2C

BitOGenius / Pixicade

The Situation

The inventor had already launched the innovative mobile game-maker on Amazon with the wrong brand name. Manufacturing costs were high and limited marketing were capping its ability to scale.

The Counsel

Product Counsel pushed for a new brand name (Pixicade) and overhauled the business fundamentals by leveraging manufacturing relationships to cut Cost of Goods, restructuring the Amazon strategy, and launching a targeted D2C campaign.

The Result

Achieved a 40%+ reduction in Cost of Goods and a 2,000%+ year-over-year increase in Amazon sales. That became a catalyst for massive growth at Walmart, Target and internationally.

Robert Yusim with Nockles at the Fun In Motion Toys booth
Fast-Tracking a Licensing Deal

Nockles (Sky Designs)

The Situation

Veteran toy inventor David Silverglate (creator of the iconic Oball) met Robert at the People of Play conference with several product concepts.

The Counsel

Robert bypassed the lesser fits and zeroed in immediately on Nockles, an ecosystem of connectable geometric fidget toys. He helped script and coach a tight pitch presentation and arranged targeted meetings with top licensees.

The Result

Licensed to Fun In Motion Toys (makers of Shashibo), the very first company they pitched, with a signed deal closed in under 4 months.

A Consistent Track Record of Hits

In an industry driven by constant change, Robert Yusim’s reputation is built on something rare: hundreds of products and brands launched, and a consistent record of hits, across more than three decades.

Current & Past Hits

ZipString Aracna wrist launcher, the viral toy scaled by Product Counsel

ZipString

Shark Tank viral sensation. Guiding global retail expansion into Walmart, Hamleys London, and multi-brand growth.

Pixicade mobile game-maker, scaled by Product Counsel

Pixicade

Mobile game-maker. Reduced COGs by over 40% and grew Amazon sales by over 2,000% YoY.

Laser X 4-pack home laser tag set, built with NSI International

Laser X

Helped NSI International build LaserX into the #1 Home Laser tag Game in the world, with over 25 million LaserX blasters sold.

StickFlip flip-and-catch game with LED lights

StickFlip

Originally from Germany, the founders relocated to the US in 2026 and engaged Product Counsel to help them grow. Today StickFlip is a top seller on Amazon & is positioned for amazing growth in 2027 and beyond.

Brands Robert Has Helped Launch

Collage of toy and consumer brands Robert Yusim has worked on, including ZipString, Pixicade, Laser X, Nockles, StickFlip, ThighMaster, Sweepa, All-Pro Passer, Pop2Play Hot Wheels, FlipAZoo, Bugville, Air Hogs, Moon Sand, Wubble, Kidz Bop, Gak, Kurio, ProjeX and ZippySack

Product Counsel Creates Award Winners

Products Robert has guided have reached #1 on NPD / Circana, and his work has earned top industry honors.

Robert Yusim and Frank Landi with Wubble Bubble Ball and its NPD #1 Selling Toy award
#1 NPD / Circana: Robert and Frank Landi with Wubble Bubble Ball
Robert Yusim with Pom Pom Wow! and its NPD award plaque
#1 NPD / Circana: Robert with Pom Pom Wow!
  • #1 NPD / CircanaWubble Bubble Ball and Pom Pom Wow!
  • 2024 TAGIE AwardMost Innovative Supplier of the Year
  • Mojo Nation Top 100Award honoree
  • UIA Top 100Award honoree

Executive Endorsements

“Over 40% lower COGs and 2,000% YoY Amazon growth.”

“Robert isn’t just honest, he cares. His guidance and shared relationships resulted in a COGs reduction of over 40%, increased efficiency on Amazon leading to sales increases year over year of over 2,000%, and incredibly strong results from our D2C campaign.”
Martin HorstmanCEO, BitOGenius (Pixicade)
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“Prior to working with Robert, I spoke to several friends and colleagues in the industry to learn more about him and the response was consistent: he’s a honest guy that gets amazing results and we would be fortunate to work with him.

I’ve been working with Robert directly for over a year now. I can honestly say those reviews were right. Robert isn’t just honest… he cares. He uses his years of experience and makes thoughtful decisions that are in the best interest of our company. Robert consistently goes the extra mile to be involved and ensure the highest level of excellence in everything he does.

Robert has been providing us business guidance, connecting us with the right people and frankly, saving us from making mistakes along the way. His guidance and shared relationships have resulted in a COG’s reduction of over 40%, increased efficiency on Amazon leading to sales increases year over year of over 2000% and incredibly strong results from our Direct to Consumer Campaign. In short my company would not be where it is right now without Robert’s involvement.

As a final note, he’s a standup, honest guy, and anyone that has the opportunity to work with him is indeed very fortunate.”

“Licensed to the first company we met with in 4 months.”

“I consider myself a professional toy inventor with numerous industry contacts. Robert was very selective, helped script and coach our presentation, and placed my invention within 4 months. He is the only person I’d like to work with for Invention Licensing going forward.”
David SilverglateFounder, Sky Designs (Inventor of Oball & Nockles)
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“I met Robert Yusim of Product Counsel at a Toy Invention conference in November 2022. I had no intention of hiring anyone to help me license my inventions, as I consider myself a professional toy inventor with numerous industry contacts. However, I thought I’d take the chance and meet with him as I had heard great things about Robert and that he knows most of the important players in the toy industry, which is obviously very helpful.

Robert was very selective and only showed interest in one of several inventions I shared with him. He had a fair degree of certainty that he could place it quickly and he did so within 4 Months! The process was simple… Once we signed our Agreement, Robert helped script and coach me and my son into a very tight presentation and then he organized meetings with prospective Licensees to present and demonstrate. The first company we met with Licensed my invention. Interestingly, it’s a significant toy company I hadn’t even heard of.

He did a great job of calmly listening to and working with me and my wife regarding our needs for the royalty agreement. Robert was able to work through the issues to make the deal happen.

In addition, at the event where we met, there was an award ceremony at the end. I was surprised to find that Robert was the only individual up against major toy companies in the PR and Marketing category.

I find Robert professional and easy to work with, but he’s also very firm when he needs to be. He is the only person I’d like to work with for Invention Licensing going forward! In summary, I would recommend Robert Yusim due to his great success with my Invention and how invested he is in his clients, our positive working relationship, and our success.”

“Over 5 million units sold.”

“We started working with Rob Yusim with the launch of Bendaroos. With Rob’s help we were able to sell over 5 million units. The knowledge Rob brought to that campaign is a real value add and a key component to success.”
Scott BoilenCEO, Allstar Products Group
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“We started working with Rob Yusim over 5 years ago with the launch of the Bendaroos flexible building sticks. With Robs help we were able to sell over 5 million units. The knowledge Rob brought to that campaign as well as many other he has worked on is a real value add and a key component to success”

“Our longest-running and most successful campaigns.”

“We work with dozens of campaign consultants at Mojo, and Robert Yusim leads the pack. Our longest-running and most successful campaigns are nearly exclusively managed by Product Counsel.”
Gregory SilvanoCEO, Mojo Research & Development
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“We work with dozens of campaign consultants at Mojo, and Robert Yusim leads the pack. Our longest-running and most successful campaigns are nearly exclusively managed by Product Counsel. I don’t know if their campaigns succeed due to Robert’s ability to pick a winner or if his campaign management creates the winners, and I don’t think it matters. Either way, Robert’s campaigns succeed at an unequaled rate.”

“The rare ability to combine creative with campaign analysis.”

“Rob has the rare ability to combine insightful creative with the practical campaign analysis necessary to achieve success in this highly competitive DRTV business. He is an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Peter HuttonCo-Founder, Hutton Miller
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“Rob has the rare ability to combine insightful creative with the practical campaign analysis necessary to achieve success in this highly competitive DRTV business. in many cases, his involvement has literally made the difference in a winning promotion. I’m proud to say that over the years, he has become a valuable partner and trusted friend.”

“A tremendous advisor on one of the largest kids brands.”

“Rob was a tremendous advisor and consultant to Razor & Tie on the management of the Kidz Bop business, one of the largest music brands for kids. His insight into the overall kids market was extremely useful as we diversified our revenue streams.”
Victor ZarayaCOO, Razor & Tie / Kidz Bop
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“We worked with Rob Yusim of Product Counsel to re-launch our Kidz Bop music brand in Canada and saw immediate results. Rob is an expert in DRTV strategy, media, and campaign management. By working with him we were able to proceed quickly and confidently with our plan.”

“Capable of delivering on every front.”

“I personally searched for years for someone like Rob to help us bring all the requisite pieces of a successful DRTV campaign together, and Rob Yusim is the only one I have found capable of delivering on every front.”
Frank LandiPresident, NSI International
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“Regarding Robert Yusim and working with Product Counsel; Rob’s experience, insights and integrity pierce the industry normal veil laid over the very dynamic, fast-paced world of direct response television.

Rob has the ability to help any business that is looking to expand their marketing reach with financially sound, clear and all inclusive business management and development services.

I personally searched for years for someone like Rob to help us bring all the requisite pieces of a successful DRTV campaign together, and Rob Yusim is the only one I have found capable of delivering on every front.”

“Close a deal in the timeframe we set for ourselves.”

“We’ve been working with Robert for the past 2 years, initially for launching our product and recently to broker a licensing deal. Robert is an expert on launch strategy using DIrect To Consumer Marketing, and his comments were always on the spot. He has a vast network, which enabled him to find us a relevant licensee for our innovation in a short timeframe. He’s the only reason we were able to source, negotiate and close a deal in the timeframe we set for ourselves, and I highly recommend working with him.”
Yechiel KurtzChairman, Popin Toys

“An uncanny ability to detect promising new products.”

“Having worked very closely with Robert Yusim of Product Counsel, bringing ZippySack to market, I can tell you, first-hand, of his uncanny ability to detect promising new products and concepts, then foresee a product strategy and roadmap almost immediately. This deep market knowledge and a track record of highly successful product introductions speak for themselves.”
A. KhanInventor of ZippySack
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“Having worked very closely with Robert Yusim of Product Counsel, bringing ZippySack to market, I can tell you, first-hand, of his uncanny ability to detect promising new products and concepts, then foresee a product strategy and roadmap almost immediately. This deep market knowledge and a track record of highly successful product introductions speak for themselves.

If you are a budding inventor, and are able to catch Robert’s eye, you and your product are very likely doing something smarter and different than the rest.

Simply put, Robert is a supremely dedicated, super-involved, and passionate expert in product positioning, product development, TV/DRTV advertising, marketing, and analytics…as well as one of the most connected people in the toy industry.

It has been a pleasure working with Robert, and I look forward to many more years of doing amazing things together.”

“Deep experience and strong business relationships.”

“As a successful, professional inventor, working with Robert Yusim allows me to spend more time creating by relieving me of some of the sales aspects of inventing. Rob shares solid direction and feedback on how to improve products in each stage of development, and has done good work building partnerships and making deals on my behalf. Timely and responsive, Rob draws from deep experience and strong business relationships to create promising new opportunities and foster existing ones.”
Peggy BrownInventor

“A must to speak to if you are involved in consumer goods.”

“Robert is a must to speak to if you are involved in consumer goods. He brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and deep understanding of the business. Not only does he work fast, he works with your best interest in mind. From quickly weeding out what will and what won’t work to taking the ones that will to a solid network that make decisions and take action.”
Sergei BaranoffManaging Partner, Iegres
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“Robert is a must to speak to if you are involved in consumer goods. He brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and deep understanding of the business. Not only does he work fast, he works with your best interest in mind. From quickly weeding out what will and what won’t work to taking the ones that will to a solid network that make decisions and take action.

I typically do not write endorsements, however, when you cross paths with someone like Robert it becomes evident that his skills, briskness and straightforwardness warrant a note of endorsement.”

“He has helped me transform my business.”

“I have worked with Rob for almost 3 years. In short, He has helped me transform my business and educate me in new methods of marketing that I did not know existed.”
Jason MarsPresident, Red Planet Group
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“I have worked with Rob for almost 3 years. In short, He has helped me transform my business and educate me in new methods of marketing that I did not know existed. Rob is extremely talented, knowledgable and beyond professional. He brings complete confidence in every step of the process and has total mastery of our objectives at all times. He views My success and failures as his own, which is extremely rare in today’s world, as He shares a genuine concern for maximizing my company’s return on investment. I have nothing but respect for Rob and in this short time He has also become a true and dear friend.

Only wishing you continued success Robert!”

Robert Yusim accepting the 2024 TAGIE Award for Most Innovative Supplier of the Year

35 Years of Spotting What Sells.

Robert Yusim started in consumer product marketing in 1989. In the early 1990s, while tasked with finding new toys to fill a growing product pipeline, he spotted kids playing with devil sticks on the street. He tracked down the small Toronto warehouse making them, before the internet existed, and walked in to meet its three 21-year-old founders. That meeting resulted in Spin Master’s first-ever international deal, and it sparked a lifelong relationship.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Robert served as the North American partner for two leading European consumer product companies, bringing Industex’s Gymform fitness line and JML’s full range of household, kitchen and hardware products to the US and Canada. In 2006, he founded Product Counsel and became an exclusive consultant to Spin Master, bringing the company into direct-to-consumer marketing and launching its brands across the US, Canada and the UK. Today, he is one of the toy and consumer product industry’s most trusted advisors, maintaining long-term partnerships with toy companies of every size, from emerging startups to industry leaders, while scouting and mentoring the next generation of breakout inventors and founders.

Robert is the winner of the 2024 TAGIE Award for Most Innovative Supplier of the Year and an honoree on both the Mojo Nation Top 100 and UIA Top 100 lists. He is also a regular speaker and pitch panelist at Toy Fair, People of Play (ChiTAG), Licensing Expo and The Inspired Home Show. Through it all, Robert brings the same commitment to every project: he cares deeply about each product, brand and partner, and he does everything possible to help them succeed.

FEATURED SPEAKER, PANELIST & INDUSTRY HONORS
  • 2024 TAGIE Award Winner (Most Innovative Supplier of the Year)
  • People of Play Global Inventor Conference
  • Licensing Expo
  • The Inspired Home Show
  • Mojo Nation
  • The Toy Coach Podcast

Let's Talk About Your Product.

Reach out directly to discuss launching your brand, scaling your company, or licensing your invention.

A Note for Independent Inventors:

Ideas alone are not licensable. If you are reaching out for licensing representation, please ensure you have already invested in at least one of the following: a working prototype, a patent application, initial inventory, or concrete product development. Please do not send confidential files in your initial message. We will provide mutual protection agreements once we connect.

How can Product Counsel help you? *
Thank you for reaching out. Your inquiry has been sent directly to Robert Yusim, and we will review your product details shortly.