Todd Elliot, Founder of Sweet Ventures Group
How did you end up in this industry?
I worked closely with a CTO and he shared his stories of once being a full-time toy inventor. We traveled a lot together throughout Europe at the time for work, and eventually, we started working on some toy ideas together. Long story short, we licensed them to some major toy companies.
This “hobby” that started with just brainstorming an idea and turning it into creating a tangible product really resonated with me. Upon the sale of our last software company, I decided to follow my passion for creativity and brand building, first in toys, then in candy+toy collectibles, and now, in more pure mainstream consumer confections.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
Starting every day, very passionate about innovation, creative problem-solving, team-building, and delivering an amazing customer experience. I love striving to deliver something that will create a “Wow” moment, that kids of all ages will remember.
What is your favourite kind of sweet?
I really love gummi candies, of all varieties. And I also love donuts.
Who did you admire growing up and why?
My mother instilled a real sense of exploration, adventure, and a little bit of mischief, which has really carried through my life. She also taught me to appreciate the little things in life, which truly do bring me happiness, and therefore, striving to deliver small moments of joy that can create truly happy moments for millions of people is something that I take great pride in.
How do you define success?
By delivering pure innovation, especially when there’s a challenge to overcome, and even better when there are many challenges to solve in meaningful ways.
Where did you last travel to and why?
I recently travelled to Whistler, BC, to reconnect with a close group of college friends, a tradition we’ve maintained for over 20 years. It’s a meaningful reminder of the value of long-standing relationships, and something I prioritize making time for each year. On a more adventurous note, I also had the opportunity to visit Argentina.
Read the full interview in our latest issue here
