A biography for Ken Hakutahasn’t been written yet.
“There are some keys to success in the fad business. One is never give up. You need total motivation and the right kind of creativity. You also have to back the right activity. It is a disaster if you back the wrong idea with your energy. You not only lose money, but you take a big social risk.”
“I was the first person to export Teflon-coated ironing board covers to Japan.”
“People will try to tell you that all the great opportunities have been snapped up. In reality, the world changes every second, blowing new opportunities in all directions, including yours.”
“America is just a cool place.”
“I like things that don't go together.”
“Whatever you do, don't sink your life's savings into cliche items.”
“There are conventions for people with serious, boring inventions, but fad inventors need help. You need someone to talk to. You just can't tell your friends you're going to invent a pet rock and mortgage your house to pay for it. It's embarrassing... risky mentally. Your friends think you're crazy.”
“Anything I do, I do fanatically.”
“I hope to become the Dear Abby of fads.”
“Good ideas are a dime a dozen. It's what you do with them that counts.”
“When I did inventions, I always thought only of the invention itself, but the kids would ask for marketing materials.”
“I've had a real business education.”
“Most people who have had big fads have turned out to be just like their products: one-shot deals.”
“Fads get hot in California. A good idea can come from Des Moines, but it's not going to be anything there. Then it'll hit Venice Beach or Westwood and go all around the country, back to Des Moines.”
“I'm no Mattel.”
“California starts a lot of trends.”
“My life is a life of hobbies and enthusiasm.”
“A true fad has little utility beyond its entertainment value. Think of the Mood Ring, the Pet Rock, the Slinky, Silly Putty.”
“People in Los Angeles are more used to acting silly than other people.”
“Lack of money is no obstacle. Lack of an idea is an obstacle.”