August 5, 2024 (press release) –
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DuckyWorld Products Inc., the parent company of the Yeowww! Catnip, is saddened to announce the death of its founder, Kevin Duck. Duck passed away on June 7, at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife Lisa, who is the president of DuckyWorld, his dog Monkey and two cats, Coco and Clover. The Minnesota native was known as the visionary of the company, with foresight into the pet industry. He was one of the first to fully stuff cat toys with organically grown catnip, proving skeptics wrong who initially dismissed organic products as a fleeting trend, and is how all Yeowww! Catnip products continue to be made.
The entrepreneur was behind the company’s world-famous Chi-CAT-a Banana toy that has garnered critical acclaim from cats and their humans when it was released, and still does today. The banana came about after customers were requesting bright colored toys. He decided a banana would be best with its fun shape that felines could bunny kick. He used a strong cotton twill fabric in a bright yellow color, which made it stand out. Bright colors have remained a focus for the brand ever since.
Up until his death, Duck had an active role in the creative aspects of the company, approving every toy design and advertisements featuring the company’s mascot, Desmond, at every step of the process. Marketing manager and toy designer Kris Kaiser worked closely with Duck, as she made his creative requests reality.
“Kevin was one of the most creative people I know. He knew in his mind what he wanted DuckyWorld to be, which is a company that makes cats happy,” Kaiser said.
Duck named the company DuckyWorld after a brief conversation with rock star Mick Jagger, who told the entrepreneur that he had a “DuckyWorld” in his head. Prior to his entrepreneurial pursuits, the late founder worked as a production manager for a concert promoter and that’s how he met the famous musician.
Duck’s wife, Lisa Harada-Duck, will continue her long-time role as president of the company and will oversee its 11 employees. Together they will continue to make sure that Duck’s legacy lives on through growth and its creative innovation of cat products
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