Rooted in the vibrant energy and boundless creativity of Los Angeles, KessCo thrives as a true reflection of the city it calls home. Founded by Alex Kessler, who grew up immersed in LA’s diverse culture, the company reflects his commitment to investing in his community while building something that resonates far beyond its borders. For Alex, KessCo ‘s purpose is to create opportunities and showcase the power of a local business with big ambitions.

What sets KessCo apart is its ability to think globally while staying rooted in LA’s vibrant ethos and participating in both local and global distribution. Alex’s connection to Los Angeles and Youngstown, Ohio—his birthplace and KessCo’s distribution center—speaks to the company’s unique approach. It blends the creative pulse of one of the world’s most innovative cities with a hardworking, grounded spirit that ensures every product reaches families across the country with care and authenticity.

From Local Roots to Global Impact

While KessCo takes pride in its Los Angeles origins, its influence extends far beyond California. The company has mastered the balance of staying connected to its community while growing into a recognizable name in the $40 billion U.S. toy industry. Whether it’s their best-selling Ice Hoop or their tabletop games inspired by iconic franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man, KessCo demonstrates that small businesses can deliver big results without sacrificing heart.

Alex’s commitment to giving back is woven into the fabric of the business. He designs, refines, and tests products locally so KessCo can support the local economy and ensure each item carries the creativity and spirit that make LA so unique. Unlike many global toy companies that prioritize mass production, KessCo keeps things personal, which resonates with today’s consumers who value connection and authenticity in the products they buy.

The Power of Shopping Local

In recent years, shopping locally has become an essential way to strengthen communities and invest in the businesses that keep neighborhoods thriving. In fact, about 92% of Americans shop local monthly, with Gen Z leading the charge by visiting neighborhood businesses more frequently than any other generation. This growing movement supports companies like KessCo, which embodies the values that shoppers increasingly look for—creativity, sustainability, and a genuine connection to the community.

Each purchase from KessCo represents a vote for local innovation and a step toward reducing reliance on mass-produced imports. For Alex, this feels more like a personal mission to show that investing in your community can create a ripple effect of success and inspiration.

More Than Just Toys

KessCo is committed to creating experiences that inspire joy, connection, and imagination across generations. Their active play toys, like the Ice Hoop, encourage kids to get moving and have fun outdoors. In recent years, KessCo introduced the de.bored puzzle line, designed to help adults de-stress while solving boredom with colorful, strategic, and repeatable puzzle play. These puzzles feature artwork from top influencer artists, album covers from Sony Music’s The Thread Shop, and beloved anime properties, appealing to a wide range of tastes and interests.

For gamers, Kess Entertainment takes tabletop experiences to the next level. With a fan-first philosophy —“made by fans, for fans”— the division creates adult party games, strategy games, and licensed titles inspired by iconic franchises such as Contra and Mega Man. KessCo’s team, including Alex Kessler himself, brings their personal passions to the table, infusing their love for franchises like One Piece and Sonic into every design. This fan-first approach ensures their products resonate on a deeper level with those who cherish these cultural staples.

Bold Creativity, Deep Community

Los Angeles is a global hub for entertainment and innovation, and KessCo channels that same energy into every game, toy, and puzzle they create. From sparking joy in a family game night to inspiring kids to play outside, KessCo embodies the bold, unapologetic creativity that makes LA iconic.

KessCo plans to expand its product lines to include more impulse toys, puzzles, and games inspired by pop culture trends and commits to continuously evolve while staying grounded in its fan-first philosophy. 

Although the journey’s ultimate goal is to grow a successful business, for Alex Kessler, it’s about exemplifying that in an industry dominated by billion-dollar corporations, a local company with heart and vision can hold its own. From the streets of Los Angeles to living rooms across the country, KessCo proves that the best ideas often start close to home.

Published by Zane L.