Annmarie Percic

Tell us about your career journey and how you ended up here.

My background is in Logistics/Warehousing. I have worked in my family owned business for 28 years (since 1998). We have moved a lot of import/export freight throughout the years. The idea of being able to have the tools to import freight and knowing the inner workings has always intrigued me. In 2023 the concept of a dinosaur-unicorn hybrid came about one evening after a lengthy tattoo session with my good friend/artist, we discussed how her daughter and my granddaughter love unicorns and dinosaurs. I said wouldn't it be cool to have a "unicornasaurus?" A few days after that tattoo session the thought still lingered, so I decided to do a little deep diving. To my surprise I found out that there was not a design patent on a unicorn-dinosaur. We began to generate unicorn-dinosaur design sketches. I found a consulting firm nearby that helps with concept to sourcing. Consulted with an attorney and got the ball rolling legally to patent, copyright, and trademark all of the entities. My husband and I began creating bio's for the characters. He wrote stories about each character and formed a land in which they came from. We started building the Wyldshyres because we wanted to create characters that are imaginative, emotional, and memorable. We want something that can grow beyond just content into the real world children connect with.

Describe yourself in 5-7 words

Loyal, caring, empathetic, hard working, disciplined, loving, trustworthy

Tell us about a time when you thrived at work, and what you learned about yourself from that experience.

My father passed away in 2011 after some major health issues, I had worked for him for 16 years at that point. I did not think I was fit to take over a delivery/warehousing company being a woman in a predominantly man's world at that time. I persevered pushed through and have kept the business my father built successful. Made his ceiling my floor, like he wanted me too. Overcame many obstacles these past 14 years, with the biggest one being my own self limitations. I embraced a leadership role. I learned that I am capable of whatever I put my mind to. Then at 49 years old in 2023 a toy concept is born, an idea, unchartered territory. I decided to embrace the challenge, learn something new, and forge ahead with the process since this had been a life long dream to come up with something tangible that people will love and relate too.

What is your favorite part of your job?

The favorite part of my job is meeting great people and learning a new industry. I love to hear how people began their journey and their success stories. I enjoy interacting with creative people.

How about when you "turn off" and go home? Any hobbies or fun activities you are involved in?

First and foremost when I turn off and go home,  I love to spend time with my family, I have a close group of friends that I enjoy spending time with too. I have many hobbies! I love to workout, bike ride, train my dog, read, run trails, travel, and drink good wine. I am also learning Italian from the Duolingo app.

Any must-read, must-watch or must-follow recomendations?

A must read is "Fearless" the Adam Brown Story, super inspiring and also "Leadership Not By the Book" by David Green with Bill High (Hobby Lobby Founder), a different way to look at leadership, very resourceful, not conventional. A must watch is "How Disney Built America" being newer to the toy industry these types of stories give me hope. I love all of these types of shows, there is a series on toys, food, automobiles etc... and how they built America. You can find them streaming on Disney/Hulu. Must follow John Maxwell, his leadership principles and training are second to none. I have a coach/mentor who has gone through the program, and has a wealth of knowledge that not only helps in the business world, but personal life too.

Anything else you want to share with the WiT Community?

What I hope to bring to this community is the perspective of someone actively building an original world from idea to reality; across storytelling, products, animation, and licensing. I believe some of the most meaningful innovation happens when people are willing to create something that doesn’t exist yet. I’m passionate about collaboration, sharing lessons learned, supporting other women creators, and building connections that help all of us grow.

Where can people find you online?

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