George Rose (businessman)

George Rose (born c. 1940s) is an American businessman primarily known for his contributions to the sports collectibles industry, particularly his role in the rise and fall of Rose Art Industries.

Rose's career began in the toy and hobby business. He co-founded Rose Art Industries, a company that manufactured and distributed art supplies, toys, and craft products. Under his leadership, Rose Art became a major player in the industry, known for its affordable and accessible products.

The company experienced significant growth throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Rose Art gained prominence with its popular "Magna Doodle" drawing toy, which proved a commercial success and a staple in many households.

However, Rose Art's success was later overshadowed by issues related to product safety and recalls. These challenges, coupled with increased competition and changing market dynamics, led to financial difficulties.

In the late 1990s, Rose Art Industries faced several controversies surrounding the safety of its products, particularly concerns about lead paint in some toys manufactured overseas. This resulted in large-scale product recalls and significant damage to the company's reputation.

Ultimately, Rose Art Industries was acquired by Mega Bloks Inc. (now Mega Brands) in 2005, effectively ending George Rose's direct involvement in the business.