Alumni Spotlight on Michael Plaksin and ATP Electronic's Award-Winning Product Sesame Street Video USB Drive

The Alumni Spotlight is a periodic feature on the official Mom’s Choice Awards® blog. It is part of our ongoing effort to “shine the spotlight” on you and your award-winning, family-friendly products, services, and media.

Michael Plaksin is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for ATP Electronics, a company with nearly 20 years of experience in designing and manufacturing high-performance electronics. Their products have application in various industries … and at home, too. “Sesame Street” is a household name (even if you don’t have kids!), and ATP Electronics created and now manufactures the Sesame Street Video USB, which recently earned GOLD in our Electronic Learning category.

Please welcome Michael Plaksin to the spotlight.

MCA: Michael, thanks for joining us today. I can’t think of any adult who doesn’t instantly recognize Sesame Streetand equate it with early childhood education. Can you please tell us about the inspiration for taking the Sesame Street brand to the next level?
Michael: My best ideas and inspirations come to me when I am running. When I’m out pounding the pavement, it is not only a peaceful time for me to exercise, but I can run ideas through my head without being interrupted.

In 2008, I started thinking about our award-winning flash drives: how could they be used in a dynamic new format? I wanted something that was multifunctional, easy to use, and never been done before. Kids! Children watch their favorite videos hundreds of times. Could we merge video content on a flash drive that is durable, waterproof, dust-proof, and drop-proof? It was multi-functional, would be easy to use, AND had never been done before.

I also wanted to merge educational content and also provide a one easy safe link to the Worldwide Web. This idea prompted me to approach Sesame Workshop, the non-profit producers of the Sesame Street show. They were very receptive and immediately understood the value we would be providing for Sesame Street fans of all ages!

MCA: What are your goals for your Video USB in the next year?
Michael: The Sesame Street Video USB has appeal for fans of all ages and the multi-functionality of the product provides usage for years to come. My goal for the next year is to increase the visibility of the product and increase the product line to include different characters.

MCA: If someone gave you air time for a 15-second commercial, how would you entice people to try your Sesame Street educational product?
Michael: “Instantly watch your favorite Sesame Street Video anywhere you are with your netbook! Store personal content such as photos, music, and written content and link directly to the Sesame Street website containing educational and entertaining activities all on your cute and portable Sesame Street Video USB Drive! Education, entertainment and technology are a plug away!”

MCA: You started with an idea and now have a successful, award-winning product with an internationally-recognized brand. Looking back on your journey, what was the easiest part? The hardest? What surprised you the most?
Michael: The hardest part of creating the product was making sure we preserved the integrity of the Sesame Street characters and created a product that was durable and safe for children to use. We created a product that is waterproof, dustproof and drop proof, and the special product design with a “wearable” connector strap ensures that both parts of the USB drive always stay together.

The easiest part was coming up with the idea given that ATP Electronics is the leader in innovative flash technology. The possibilities of different product lines with this technology are endless. We have the capability to manufacture high performance and durable flash memory solutions for countless applications.

The fact that people have started using the product as a fashion accessory was a surprise to me! I have seen women and children alike wearing the product as a ponytail holder, a bracelet and even as a backpack or bag accessory.

MCA: Since launching the Sesame Street Video USB drive, what has been your most rewarding experience in promoting or sharing it with the public? Do you have a favorite memory?
Michael: The feedback we receive from award programs and those who have reviewed the product has been the most rewarding experience for me. The Mom’s Choice Awards® is just the beginning. We are recognized award-winners by the Dr. Toy (Top 10 High Tech Product and a Top 100 Products), as well as receiving an award from the Flash Memory Summit. I am moved when people and hundreds of bloggers alike write about how much they love the product not only for their children but for themselves.

For example, you can find the Sesame Street Video USB in Sesame Place theme parks around the country. Visitors can purchase the USB and then pictures taken at the park are loaded to take home. I received a phone call from one mom who had bought the product at Sesame Place. She told me how much she and her daughter enjoy viewing the pictures after her daughter finishes watching the Abby in Wonderland USB. Her daughter is so thrilled to carry around her memories on the Abby Sesame Street video USB that she wears it on her wrist and never takes it off! Not even when she sleeps or even when washes her hands because the USB is waterproof!

MCA: Could you please tell us why you chose the Mom’s Choice Awards® program in seeking recognition for your Sesame Street Video USB line?
Michael: The distinguished set of judges who evaluate the product was a key factor in choosing to participate in the Mom’s Choice Awards® program. The experience and knowledge the judges provide in selecting the award winners is invaluable, which makes winning it even more honorable and exciting!

MCA: What does it mean to you to be a Mom’s Choice Awards® alumnus?
Michael: Being part of the Mom’s Choice family has given the Sesame Street Video USB drive the recognition I know that it deserves. I am so grateful to the Mom’s Choice Awards® and I am proud to have our product associated with so many others that further enhance educational growth and experience of today’s children and students.

MCA: What did you learn about yourself in the process of creating your award-winning video flash-drive product?
Michael: I learned how exciting it can be to see a concept grow from idea to fruition, and then have it be so warmly received by families who understand the educational and entertainment value the Sesame Street Video USB provides. The product has taken on a life of its own: people are replacing their DVDs with the drive; children are wearing it as an accessory; and adults are asking for the whole set as a collector’s item!

MCA: Would you recommend the Mom’s Choice Awards® to other entrepreneurs? If so, why?
Michael: Yes, definitely. Validation from the Mom’s Choice Awards® allows a product to be set apart from today’s overcrowded marketplace. I hope that other entrepreneurs will seek out the recognition from the Moms’ Choice Awards® and the numerous marketing opportunities that it provides.

MCA: How have you and/or ATP Electronics benefited by being a Mom’s Choice Awards® honoree? Do you have any tangible examples?
Michael: We look forward to continuously sharing our distinguished award with all of our partners and affiliates and look forward the increased awareness that the award provides. The award will further enhance our public relations efforts and we are grateful for all the opportunities that the Mom’s Choice Awards® provides for its recipients. In particular, one potential retailer was undecided about carrying the product and once we received the award he said yes!