Learning Resources
Learning Resources
Toy Legacy and Leadership Reimagined
For more than 100 years, Learning Resources has been a trusted name in educational toys and tools that inspire hands-on learning for children of all ages. With such a rich legacy, the brand was ready for a fresh, modern PR approach to reenergize its presence and attract new attention to its wide product range. A proven toy and games PR agency, Startr Co. stepped in to deliver that renewed perspective, honoring the brand’s century-long history while introducing a more contemporary, dynamic approach designed to help Learning Resources show up in the media with greater depth, variety, and impact.
Learning Resources partnered with Startr Co. to amplify its brand presence through a targeted PR strategy that highlighted its unique position as an educational icon while also embracing its forward-thinking, modern approach to the toy industry. As a PR agency for toy brands, Startr Co. brought a nuanced understanding of how to elevate products that serve both parents and educators while ensuring priority items were thoughtfully spotlighted throughout the year.
Building Modern Relevance for a Legacy Brand
Our efforts focused on:
Highlighting Learning Resources' legacy and reputation for offering award-winning products that inspire creativity and hands-on learning
Diversifying media coverage to ensure that both new and flagship product launches received the attention they deserved
Driving product awareness while infusing the brand with fresh energy to resonate with today’s parents, educators, and children
This foundational work was designed to strengthen Learning Resources’ authority in the educational toy category while expanding the breadth and consistency of its media presence.
A Strategic Pivot: Navigating a High-Stakes Legal and Business Challenge
Less than four months into our campaign together, Learning Resources took on an unexpected and unprecedented role, challenging the legality of the Trump administration’s tariffs. This development marked a critical inflection point for the business, requiring an immediate shift in PR strategy. Rather than continuing with planned product storytelling alone, our focus expanded to include crisis communications, reputation management, and high-level media relations support during a moment of national significance.
The ongoing lawsuit brought on by Learning Resources, Inc. and its sister company, hand2mind, Inc., made its way through the court system and eventually to the Supreme Court. Startr Co. collaborated with the brand every step of the way, helping translate a complex legal and economic issue into clear, accessible messaging for the general public. We positioned CEO Rick Woldenberg for national and international media opportunities to articulate the real-world impact that tariff policies had on his business and, ultimately, on educators, businesses, and families across the country.
Our media relations support for Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (Tariffs) generated extraordinary results, with more than 1,000 media placements in just eight months and widespread international attention. Learning Resources’ perspective appeared in long-form features and lengthy broadcast interviews across nearly every major news outlet, including, but not limited to, Associated Press, Bloomberg, The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, ABC, BBC, CNN, CBS, NPR, and MSNBC. This chapter of the campaign underscored the value of a nimble and dedicated PR partner capable of guiding brands through complex, high-pressure moments.
Sustained Momentum Through Product and Seasonal PR
Separate from the tariff work, our ongoing PR campaign, which focused on consistent media outreach, product news, and seasonal pitching. This steady drumbeat of coverage delivered equally meaningful traction for the brand and ensured continued visibility beyond the legal spotlight.
Across this stream of work, Startr Co. delivered:
189 National Media Placements
99 Regional Media Placements
57 Trade and Blog Placements
12.9 Billion+ Impressions
Together, these efforts solidified Learning Resources’ presence in the educational toy category and reinforced its relevance with families, educators, and retailers.
The Impact: Leadership, Trust, and Long-Term Visibility
Together, these two streams of work, one carefully planned and one entirely unanticipated, showcase the depth, agility, and effectiveness of Startr Co.’s partnership with Learning Resources. As a top public relations agency working with brands at every stage of growth, Startr Co. supported Learning Resources through both consistent product storytelling and unexpected, high-profile moments in the national spotlight.
Our partnership extended far beyond generating coverage. Through thoughtful and strategic PR services, we helped the brand navigate a rapidly shifting political landscape, ensuring its leadership emerged as credible, trusted voices in both business and education. At the same time, we maintained strong momentum for new and existing products, ensuring they reached parents, educators, and children who rely on Learning Resources’ tools every day.
Together, Startr Co. and Learning Resources continue to shape the educational landscape, honoring a long-standing legacy while showing up with relevance, clarity, and purpose for the next generation of learners.
