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2018 Krider Prize for Creativity

The 2018 UCDA Foundation Krider Prize for Creativity was awarded to Tegu Toys, a toy company based in Honduras and the United States that sells magnetic wooden toy blocks.

In 2006, co-founders and brothers Chris and Will Haughey asked themselves this question: “Could we create a for-profit company based in Honduras that would foster a positive social impact through its business?”

After conducting almost a year’s worth of research and market validation, that’s just what they. In 2007 they created Tegu, and established a fully independent toy factory outside Tegucigalpa to make a statement: they’re in Honduras by choice and they’re there to stay. They produce their product from resources native to the country and local labor, which stimulates their economy. And, by paying employees a living wage and prioritizing long-term career growth and development rather than simple task-based jobs, Tegu brings world-class employment standards to Central America. They do all of this and still manage to create a incredibly well designed and beautiful product.

Their business model follows three core principles:

  • POTENTIAL—Unlocking the creative in all of us
  • GOODNESS—Making the world better than we found it
  • QUALITY—Investing love, sweat and tears

See his video to see more about Tegu.

 


Richard Jividen, UCDA Foundation President and David Whaley, who serves on the UCDA Foundation Krider Prize for Creativity presented the award.

Accepting the award on behalf of Tegu was Nate Lau, design director at Tegu.

Nate’s interest in design began at an early age with countless doodles and sketches. This passion blossomed into an education in Architecture and Product Design - the perfect combination to join a startup toy company with visions of changing the world through play.

From its humble beginnings, Tegu has since grown into an industry-recognized leader in design, with sales in over 80 countries around the world. Today, Nate is responsible for new product development, and oversees the look and feel of all things Tegu, including graphics, packaging, and visual branding.

Currently, Nate resides in Mountain View, California with his wife and two little girls.

Nate Lau accepted the award at the UCDA Design Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 30, 2018.