MJ Whalen Associates was founded in 1973 by Matthew J. Whalen who saw a need for better consumer education and client representation in the juvenile products industry. What started out as a small California operation has since turned into a trusted national leader for juvenile products, working with top industry brands and being a strong advocate of specialty retail stores. MJ Whalen Associates provides concentrated sales and full service representation for selected manufacturers of juvenile products throughout the US market.
Chris Blay joined the team 7 years ago, but has been around MJ Whalen Associates since diapers. He brings an attention to detail that helps manufacturers execute 360 strategies and retailers have best in class product representations. Chris believes that the key to a successful strategy is listening as well as being eager and willing to learn; it’s with that mindset that he approaches each opportunity to grow and build on the last.
Ann Whalen Blay has over 30 years of experience in the juvenile industry. She brings an expertise that spans multiple categories and can be leveraged by manufacturers and retailers alike. Ann has a keen eye for products that will be successful in brick and mortar stores in addition to unique insights on improving product development. She focuses her efforts on spending time with retailers in the field and consulting with manufacturers on strategy implementation.