Barbie play with paper dolls, and noticed that she often enjoyed giving them adult roles. At the time, most children's toy dolls were representations of infants. Realizing that there could be a gap in the market, Handler suggested the idea of an adult-bodied doll to her husband Elliot, a co-founder of the Mattel toy company. He was unenthusiastic about the idea, as were Mattel's directors. During a trip to Europe in 1956 with her children Barbara and Kenneth, Ruth Handler came across a German toy doll called Bild Lilli. The adult-figured doll was exactly what Handler had in mind, so she
Brent Handler the company has helped raise over $2 million for nonprofit organizations, schools and hospitals across the country, including March of Dimes and National Children's Cancer Society, by providing vacation homes for auction at fundraising events. Handler serves as an advisory board member of the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education. Brent Handler Brent Handler (born October 21, 1969) is an American entrepreneur and pioneer of the destination club industry. Throughout his career, Handler has been recognized for his success building businesses that capitalize on nascent consumer trends and transform established industries. He is founder/CEO of Inspirato, a private, luxury destination club.