Gary Caplan

Gary Caplan has been integral to the licensing industry for over thirty years helping to shape and influence the direction the industry has taken and garnering worldwide respect. A pioneer and visionary, he has earned the nickname “the godfather of modern day licensing” thanks to the breadth and depth of his work within the industry. Caplan is renowned for his intimate understanding of the business, and his high-energy and passion for licensing knows no bounds. He has represented some of the most recognizable consumer products brands in virtually every category of licensing, from apparel and toys to home furnishings and school supplies, and has worked with the biggest rights holders in the world.

In 1984, Caplan founded his own company, Gary Caplan, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in the marketing and management of licensed products. Caplan currently represents a number of leading consumer products companies, including such well-known brands as Buster Brown & Co. (division of Brown Shoe Company); Dan River, Inc.; DecoPac; Disguise, Inc.; Hanes (a division of Sara Lee Underwear); Pressman Toy; Thermos; VTech Electronics North America; and Wormser Company; among others. As the consummate professional, Caplan feels the greatest honor he receives and the accomplishment in which he is most proud is client retention. He has many long-term clients that have stayed with him for 10, 15, and one over 20 years, allowing him to form a true ‘partnership’ with his clients. Caplan believes, “the most important thing is to make a difference to our client companies and to the licensor/property owners with whom we work”.

Prior to establishing Gary Caplan, Inc., Caplan served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Stuart Hall Company. While at Stuart Hall, he pioneered the development of licensed products for the stationery, gift, and school supply categories. His strategies helped to shift the focus of the industry away from commodity products driven mainly by price, while bringing increased awareness to the unique marketing opportunities provided by the use of licensed characters, logos, and entertainment driven events. Before joining Stuart Hall, Caplan was Vice President of Sales for K&M Company of Los Angeles.

Caplan is a frequent speaker at seminars, universities and trade groups worldwide. He is a founding member of LIMA (Licensing Industry Merchandisers Association) and has served two terms on its Board of Directors in addition to a term as the association’s Vice President. In 1989, Caplan was presented the “Industry Support Award” from LIMA to recognize his “continual unselfish contribution of time, talent, and energy to all phases of the licensing industry.” In 1999, Caplan was inducted into the Warner Bros. Consumer Products Hall of Fame.

In 1994, in recognition of his achievements and contributions, he was inducted into the LIMA Hall of Fame joining the ranks of such legendary industry figures as Jim Henson; William Hanna and Joseph Barbara; Jim Davis, creator of Garfield; Mark McCormack, founder of International Management Group; Charles Schultz, creator of Peanuts; Dan Romanelli, President, Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products; Brad Globe, DreamWorks; Walt Disney; George Lucas; and Pete Rozelle, the former Commissioner of the NFL.

CHRISTI LANTZ

Christi Lantz moved to Los Angeles in 1995 shortly after graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in marketing. Her background in marketing and research serves her well as the Director of Client Services for Gary Caplan, Inc. Christi has an array of responsibilities for GCI's clients including property research, distribution of competitive information, database creation and management, trade show preparation and reports. In addition, she creates film calendars, property 'shopping lists',and television ratings information to keep clients informed and up to date in the fast paced and ever changing world of licensing. One of the shared key attributes of the GCI team is their comprehensive attention to detail, which enables clients to make informed decisions about property identification, selection, and execution. Christi is thrilled to be an integral part of the company ’s expansion that Gary and Josh are spearheading.