athleticBaby Leadership Team
Karen L. Foster, Founder and CEO
Karen Foster created athleticBaby in 2003 with the sole goal of developing products that would spark a child's desire to be physically active.
As a busy working mom, exercise enthusiast and golfer, Karen believed in the importance of encouraging children to be physically active from an early age. She watched as her nine-year-old son participated in soccer, basketball, baseball and golf from age four, and marveled as his selfconfidence, independence, creativity and teamwork skills grew. She noted that these skills were important for her son, and all children, not just on the playing field, but in many areas of life. After her second child was born, she searched for products for her infant daughter that would promote healthy active living through physical activity, but found nothing that fit her vision.
Karen began forming the idea of a company focused on inspiring young children to be physically active. She talked with child development experts, pediatricians, sports and fitness professionals and parents – all whom supported her goals. Within months, athleticBaby was founded. Soon after, planning was underway on a series of short DVD presentations combining imaginative puppets, colorful footage of sports-related toys, and images of babies and toddlers engaged in energetic play. The first two in a series of DVD's, athleticBaby Golf!© and athleticBaby All-Star!©, were produced and made their debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York in 2005.
Karen's business and marketing savvy, and her prior 12 years of experience in sales, marketing and management have been instrumental in athleticBaby's success. Today the company has seen the release of three additional award-winning DVD titles, The Little Athletes Program, a music CD an innovative line of plush toys. They are working on additional products including a line of apparel that will be released in 2009.
Karen lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three children.
Steve Mann, Vice President of Sales
Steve Mann focuses on growing the company's presence in the mass retail market, expanding licensing opportunities and building relationships to further growth of the athleticBaby brand. Mr. Mann has more than 15 years experience in the consumer products industry and most recently held the position of National Account Manager at Upper Deck.
"Game on! Encouraging a child's natural interest in playing games, moving their body and experiencing the delight of physical fun is a precious gift. We are all athletes in the game of life and athleticBaby helps bring health, joy and "game on" into little lives all over the world." Jeff Olson, President, Well Nourished Worldwide Two-time Olympian, Pan-American Gold Medalist and former member U.S. Ski Team