Toy Pioneer. In 1948, together with friend and partner Arthur "Spud" Melin, he founded the toy enterprise Wham-O Inc. Wham-O is best known for introducing to the world the American fads the Hula Hoop and the Frisbee, which were both reinventions of old, forgotten toys. In April 1958 the first Hula Hoops were marketed and became an instant craze; by the end of the year the company had $45 million in profits and over 100 million international orders. That same year Wham-O released the Frisbee, an enduring classic with more than 100 million being sold to date. The company also branched into sporting goods, making slingshots, boomerangs and crossbows. Their other toys included the Superball, Slip 'N Slide, Water Wiggle and Silly String. In 1982 Knerr sold his interests for $12 million to the Kransco Group. Mattel Inc. acquired Wham-O in 1994.
Toy Pioneer. In 1948, together with friend and partner Arthur "Spud" Melin, he founded the toy enterprise Wham-O Inc. Wham-O is best known for introducing to the world the American fads the Hula Hoop and the Frisbee, which were both reinventions of old, forgotten toys. In April 1958 the first Hula Hoops were marketed and became an instant craze; by the end of the year the company had $45 million in profits and over 100 million international orders. That same year Wham-O released the Frisbee, an enduring classic with more than 100 million being sold to date. The company also branched into sporting goods, making slingshots, boomerangs and crossbows. Their other toys included the Superball, Slip 'N Slide, Water Wiggle and Silly String. In 1982 Knerr sold his interests for $12 million to the Kransco Group. Mattel Inc. acquired Wham-O in 1994.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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