I’m a Step2 Brand Ambassador and this trip was sponsored by Step2. All opinions are mine.
Anyone else love those behind the scenes shows that give you a sneak peek into how things are made? I recently returned from The Step2 Company headquarters in Ohio, where I got to see how they made their toys. From the brainstorming phase to production and even shipping, my fellow ambassadors and I got to see it all. Seriously so cool!
We checked into the swanky Metropolitan at the 9 hotel in downtown Cleveland. There was a welcome gift from Step2 waiting for me in my room, filled with thoughtful Cleveland souvenirs. I had to leave my Progressive Field mustard behind because it wouldn’t have made it through security, but I hear that it’s the best mustard around. I’ll add it to my bucket list to try the next time I’m in Cleveland. Step2 totally spoiled us and even treated us to a relaxing spa day, which was quite fabulous!
Once all of the ambassadors arrived, we met with the Step2 marketing team at Progressive Field. They picked our brains and we got to share our feedback. After the meeting, we toured the stadium and got to stay for a Cleveland Indian’s baseball game. Unfortunately, the home team lost but it was still a lot of fun! Step2 sponsors the kids play area at Progressive Field and it’s filled with tons of Step2 toys. Make sure to check it out if you are ever in the area!
The next day, we visited Step2 headquarters and toured the factory. A giant U.S. flag greeted us at the entrance as we put on our safety goggles and stepped into Santa’s real life workshop. The factory was bustling with workers pouring resin in the giant toy molds and it was incredible to see the toys that my children love come to life! As a mother, I found it reassuring to see the numerous safety tests that their toys need to pass before they hit the shelves. They truly go above and beyond in this area.
While we were at headquarters, we met with Step2’s new CEO. Mr. Chris Quinn shared his vision for the future of the company with us and was eager to hear our honest feedback. I was so impressed to hear that the CEO makes a point to have breakfast with employees from different departments on a weekly basis. We also met with the Research & Development team and they let us in on a few of the newest design concepts that will hopefully make it to production. The WonderBall Fun House just hit the shelves and we got to see a mock up of it in foam last year at R&D. My kids can’t wait to play with it!
This is my second year as a Step2 Ambassador and I’ve grown to love this company and the the quality toys that they make. Everyone at Step2 is so passionate about their job and while it’s a large company, it feels like a tight knit family. I asked several employees what their favorite Step2 toy was and they were pretty proud of the Extreme Coaster, which just so happens to also be Logan’s favorite toy! It was so much fun seeing what goes on behind the scenes and I can’t wait until I can tell you all about the new toys that will be coming out soon!
Thank you so much to The Step2 Company for having me!
