American history is filled with defining moments that permanently affect proceeding generations. Among them is Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon, FDR signing the New Deal, and Ira Gobler witnessing a bar room brawl.

As President, Chairman, and CEO of Gobler Toys, Ira Gobler often reflects on the epiphinal moment that spawned his legendary toy company. Gobler recalls, "In 1937 I saw a bar fight, a couple of buffoons belting the life outta each other. Neither of them had the good sense to stay down. It kept me up for days, 'cause I knew deep down there I had a great idea for the kids. And then, bingo! I snagged it"! Mr. Gobler is referring to "Gobler's Wobblers", the wildly popular plaything that launched his career and was the first toy ever to be used in military combat.

Ira Gobler's life is filled with firsts. The earliest among them was being a first child. Ira Yamstake Gobler was born to Isaac and

Betsy Gobler near the turn of the century (Ira keeps his age a secret) in Nutley, New Jersey. He was later followed by 3 sisters: Doris, Monica and Irene. Ira recognizes his family as being the key reason for his success and unique sense of creativity.

"My father was no cow poke", Ira recalls. "Even when he was just a cobbler, he worked around the clock and was always tinkering with shoe ideas. Then he did it. Boy, did he do it! He and his partner, Wally Boyman, patented the edible shoe horn. We all had high hopes that the money would start rolling in after that, but it just never did".