Elliot Handler daughter, Barbara, who was the namesake of Barbie dolls; and a son, Kenneth (who died of a brain tumor in 1994) who was the namesake of Ken dolls. While a struggling art student and designer of light fixtures, Handler partnered with Harold Matson to design a realistic-looking miniature piano that received roughly 300,000 orders; however, they mispriced the product and lost a dime on each one produced. Mattel received its name from business partners Harold Matt Matson and Elliot Handler in 1945. Elliot's wife, Ruth, took Matson's role when the Handlers bought his share in the late 1940's. Ruth Handler
Brent Handler 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. In 2002, along with his brother Brad Handler, he founded Exclusive Resorts and served as the company’s president from 2002 to 2009, during which time he drove innovation that set the standard for the burgeoning destination club industry. He is based in Denver, Colorado. Handler was born October 21,