Harrison Brooks on ElevatorUp: Kid-invented, Kid-designed, Kid-marketed, Kid-shipped and Kid-loved!

What exactly do you do in the industry?

I am CEO (Chief Elevator Officer) of ElevatorUp, a brand new card game. I am the only employee, so I do the designing, marketing, shipping, and everything else.

What is ElevatorUp?

ElevatorUp is a kid-invented, kid-designed, kid-marketed, kid-shipped, and kid-loved, (and, yes, the same kid) card game. It is easy to learn, moves at a fast pace, and never gets old. The goal is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards. Higher Floor Cards can be played on top of lower floors. As the elevator rises to the Penthouse, special cards can make players Stuck, send you back Down to the Lobby, have the Doors Closed on you, or even start a brand New Building! This 50 card deck of 36 Floor Cards and 14 Special Cards, comes with guaranteed lasting memories and ear-to-ear smiles! Buy ElevatorUp today! Recommended for 2-5 players, ages 7+.

What is your claim to fame in the industry?

I hope I haven’t had my claim to fame yet and that it’s still ahead.

Why and how did you get into the Toy and Game industry?

I have loved toys and games, but mainly just games, my entire life. Games are a fun and engaging activity that don’t involve screens, which there are fewer and fewer of. I also want to bring joy (or should I say LIFT spirits) to as many people as possible.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

It hasn’t been that long and it has only happened a few times, but I love when people let me know that they’ve played my game and liked it!

How do you define creativity?

I define creativity as innovation, specifically doing something new or doing it in a new way.

How do you define innovation?

I define innovation as creativity, (since in my opinion, they are the same) but specifically solving problems in new ways.

What was your favorite toy or game as a child?

Practically every game. My favorite card game was Rat-a-tat-cat and would play for hours with my friends and family.

Where were you born?

New York City.

How do you jumpstart your creativity when you find yourself stalled on a project?

I have heard that many other people like to take a break in order to refresh their brain and re-approach the project. I do not do that. I double down and hyper focus on what is blocking me and think about it during whatever I do.

When is the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?

It doesn’t take much to make me laugh out loud. I hope to laugh as much as possible.

Are you named after anyone?

I was named after my grandfather, Harold. I, sadly, did not get to know him because he passed when I was very young. I am often told that I am a lot like him and wish that I could’ve gotten to know him. He also loved to play card games using a traditional 52 card deck.

Do you have any pets?

I love pets! I have one dog and two cats. I actually work at a vet’s office (when we’re not in a pandemic) on weekends and whenever I can. My second cat was part of a stray litter that was found and brought in, and my parents were very surprised when I brought a kitten home that night.

What’s in your fridge?

My favorite fridge foods would not be a good combination with each other, but they include pickles, olives, cheese (specifically, cheddar, more specifically cabot), plenty of orange juice, eggs, cream cheese, plums, and peaches.

Do you play any musical instruments? If so, which one(s)?

I have tried to teach myself two instruments. First, I wanted to learn the keytar, but I was far from coordinated enough. Recently, I have been teaching myself harmonica, but my family likes to put ear plugs in before I practice….

What’s your favorite cereal?

Recently, I have been eating a lot of Special K because it’s a good balance of sugar and savory. Lucky Charms and Froot Loops are also delicious, but I don’t have a huge sweet tooth so they are more like desert.

What’s your favorite TV show?

I love all sitcoms! I have watched almost all of the well known ones (except I could never get into Friends) I really liked 30 Rock (my favorite), Parks & Rec, The Office, Ugly Betty, and Superstore.

Favorite movie of all time?

Spaceballs by Mel Brooks (sadly, I’m not related to him, but my Uncle Stephen Brooks did do the special effects)

Do you have any hobbies / special talents?

I love to make sculptures (including balloon animals) and do woodworking.

What’s your beverage of choice?

I am a big fan of kombucha.

Summer of Winter?

Both, but I prefer extreme cold over extreme heat.

The toy and game industry clearly has….

a ton of really nice and fun people.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

My dream is to be a Veterinarian, but I also would love to have a career in games. It truly is a fun industry.