Indianapolis, IN (April 9, 2010) – The hobby of collecting is an activity that has been entertaining the masses for decades and includes countless possibilities. But in the index of American Collectibles between baseball cards and railroad sets would be the collecting of die-cast replicas.
Entrepreneur Kevin Davey without a doubt has a passion for cars that he drives into his business GreenLight Toys, LLC. Located in Indianapolis, IN, USA, GreenLight is a premier manufacturer and marketer of officially licensed die-cast replica cars. Their models vary from Indy Cars to 1960s/1070s muscle cars, modern sports cars and other fun-to-collect themes. These themes include Muscle Car Garage Series®, Auction Block®, County Roads®, Hot Pursuit, Motor World and many more. The die-cast models are sold in 1:18, 1:24, 1:43 and 1:64 scale. These collections are sold to customers in three different segments – mass retail, hobby specialty retail and the corporate marketplace.
GreenLight also makes custom cars for clients that can assist with marketing, promotions, and brand recognition objectives for any business. The custom program allows clients to choose from a variety of high quality die-cast models, superior graphics and creative packaging to meet each businesses individual marketing needs. GreenLight also hosts an official collector club, Under-the-Hood, which is limited to the first 1,000 members and offers exclusive product information. Customers can receive product release updates via an e-mailed newsletter.
Founder and president Davey, an Indianapolis native began his love of cars as many young children growing up in Indiana, through the Indianapolis 500. He collected Matchbox cars and even cut out cars in magazines to play with as not many American cars were out in the market. This passion was nurtured through many school field trips to the track and decorating school class rooms for the upcoming racing event.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from Marquette University, Davey worked in commercial real estate for Mansur Development after graduation. Later Davey accepted a job at the exact place that fueled so many of his childhood memories; the Indianapolis Motor Speed way as a Sales and Licensing Coordinator. By 1993 he was the Director of Licensing at the Speedway. This decision proved to be a winning ride eventually leading to his entrepreneurial career path.
“At IMS, I was their licensing director and worked with a lot of toy companies, which included die-cast replica brand Johnny Lightning that made Indy Cars. When I left IMS in 1998, I started a freelance consulting business and acted as a sales representative to companies that we represented in custom product sales on pace cars, race cars and historic cars built in 1:64, 1:24 AND 1:18 replica models,” he said.
After Johnny Lightning discontinued manufacturing their Indy Car product line, Davey was approached by the Indy Racing League to take over the program. “I saw an opportunity and the Speedway supported me on it,” said Davey. By June of 2002 GreenLight manufactured the first product line; Indy pace car replicas in 1:64 scale. From this car, models for 1:24 and 1:18 scales were created and offered into the market. The collection was a total success within the niche market of Indy Cars.
Davey decided he wanted to introduce a universal theme that could be appreciated and enjoyed by a larger die cast collector market. So in 2005 GreenLight introduced its first line of Muscle Cars. It included six castings that had not been represented well but were popular models in the die cast market.
GreenLight continues to create flawless detail in their die-cast models and implement fresh marketing strategies that make for a constantly growing revenue stream. Each die-cast replica is officially licensed, by various property rights holders in the automotive and entertainment industries. This credibility ensures each die-cast is a 100% authentic replica complete with high detailed rubber wheels, authentic graphics, opening hood and real engine detail. Unlike other die-cast car companies that use third-party tooling for their products, GreenLight manufactures its own. Davey and his team are constantly brainstorming new ideas for the business, staying cognizant of market trends in the automotive industry as well as the hobby circuit. “Attending auto auctions, markets and collector shows allows me to pick up on a lot of information as well as make a variety of contacts for GreenLight,”
“GreenLight has set a goal to create a collectible brand of high quality authentic die cast replicas, the difference is in the details,” emphasizes Davey. This is the motto that the company uses to drive each of their die-cast replicas into the hearts of their collectors. The mission of the company states “To develop unique, innovative and branded products that provide enjoyment and satisfaction to our end customers.” This has proven successful as GreenLight continues navigating into new product markets, keeping their finger on the pulse of the die-cast car industry. Complete with a dedicated staff, unique product and entrepreneurial drive, Kevin Davey is set in gear to take GreenLight Toys beyond the checkered flag to the open road ahead.
Public Relations Contact: Allie P. Rudd | GreenLight Collectibles | Sales & Marketing Coordinator | 2605 East 55th Place | Indianapolis, IN 46220 USA | p. 1.317.287.0600 Ext. 108 | f. 1.317.205.3501
