Maker of toy wagon found way to keep rolling
CHICAGO — Like a lot of kids, Robert Pasin grew up with Radio Flyer. Unlike most kids, he didn’t just have a little red wagon — Radio Flyer was the family business.
Pasin, a grandson of founder Antonio Pasin who as chief wagon officer has run the company since 1997, has spent his entire career at Chicago-based Radio Flyer, but for one post-college year teaching sixth grade.
When Pasin joined the com- pany, Radio Flyer — caught off guard when competitors’ products proved a hit — was shifting from manufacturing its classic wagons to focusing on developing new toys. Today, the company still sells those wagons, but alongside fully customizable tricycles and scooters and electric kiddie Teslas. It’s grown about fivefold since the mid-1990s, Pasin said.
As Radio Flyer approaches its 100th anniversary next year, Pasin, 47, sat down with the Chicago Tribune to talk about how Radio Flyer aims to keep in touch with its history without getting left behind. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How did you decide to join the family business?
The thing that always really attracted me to the business was what our brand means to people. Any time you say the name “Radio Flyer” to someone, the first thing they do is smile and the second thing they do is tell a story, and they’re always these warm stories about childhood. And I really fell in love with the creative aspect of the business. When you create that great prod-