Jast Company Management Background: Decades of Electronic development, Plush & Plastic Toy Manufacturing Experience and Sewn Goods Experience

President and Managing Director Steve Chen received his master's degree in Computer Science Engineering from San Jose State University and his bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Electronic Engineering from Feng-Chia University, Taiwan. After pursuing his doctorate at the University of Santa Clara he joined NASA Ames Research Center as a senior software engineer, and later IBM Corporation as a development team leader. Ultimately returning to Asia, Steve launched his own company designing and manufacturing computer peripherals. By chance, his technical expertise led to a working partnership with Gibson Greetings for the creation of the popular Silly Slammers sound plush line – the first in a long series of successful "high tech, soft touch" plush toy products produced by Jast. Contact Steve Chen

Vice President Justine Xiang has been with Jast since day one in 1995. Justine is responsible for analysis, research, strategy, and product development.

Senior Product Manager Phoenix Zhou has been with Jast since 2000. Phoenix is responsible for product development management of major accounts in the U.S., Germany, and Japan, and overseas a strong team of product managers handling a wide variety of product lines including electronic products, plush toys, collectible toys, dolls, wedding accessories, photo albums and journals, towels, and sewn goods.

UNITED STATES

1985 Iowa State University graduate Rhondi Ewing, Coordinating Director of Product Development, designed for Small World Greetings until advancing to Product Manager at Papel/Russ Berrie in 1997, managing Seasons, NFL, NBA, MLB, and Stationery/Gift. Rhondi joined Applause in 1991, managing toy design for major licenses, Wildlife, and Halloween. A key asset to the company, she revitalized the Sesame Street line and broadened the scope of Looney Tunes by winning plush manufacturing rights in 1993, driving a 300% sales increase. Advancing to Senior Director, Rhond's strategies achieved sales and profitability goals for her $50MM division, by ensuring that all product met cost, schedule, safety, contractual, and distribution criteria. In September 1999, Rhondi formed the specialty plush company Cutee Corporation. She joined Jast in January 2001, heading up their U.S. development and marketing office.

Designer Rachel V. Pasley has over 20 years experience in textile design, wedding and event planning, and interior decorating. As co-owner of Hummingbird Industries, Rachel designed home decor for clients such as Helig-Meyers and Thomasville Furniture. In 1987, she launched the "Country Sampler" boutique as an avenue for her unique creations, while also designing exclusively for local private clients. During the 90's she operated the Pasley Design Workroom, utilizing full-time staff to design and install elegant decor for interior designers from San Francisco to San Diego. Her client list included Kenny Loggins, Steve Martin, Bo Derek, Christopher Lloyd, Steve Shapiro, and Michael and Arianna Huffington. In 1999, Rachel joined the Beverly Clark Collection, co-designing the 2000 line and assuming primary design responsibility of the phenomenally successful 2001 line. Upon Beverly Clark's change of ownership, Rachel teamed up with Jast in 2001 to create the premier Promises line, while also contributing to the industry as a guest speaker at private and trade show events, and as a personal bridal consultant for select.