The Story of Rich Boyd, Page 2

The next three years were spent eating, sleeping, and dreaming about cars, and developing design skills, When he graduated with “honors” in May ’76, and a Bachelors of Science Degree in Transportation Design, Chrysler Corporation answered his prayers, and off he went (with his new bride Linda) to Motor City. The next three years, Rich lived the life of a professional designer, working on a variety of exterior design projects, including the package and design development of the Chrysler minivan.

After three years of great fun working in a professional design environment, he and Linda (and a newborn daughter, Erin) left Detroit. They decided the family's future was in the warmer Southwest.

Shortly after returning to L.A., Rich met former Ford designer Larry “Mr. Hot Wheels” Wood, and interviewed for a job as Larry’s assistant. Mattel needed someone to design Hot Wheel playcases and other boy’s toys. However, the growth department at Mattel was the Electronics Division. He moved on to design electronic toys and computer-controlled musical instruments. (And the Boyd family was growing — a son, Brayden, was born in ’82.) Unfortunately, in ’83 the Mattel Electronics ship also ran a-ground, and again the entire division experienced a “reduction-in-force” (laid off with no hope of rehire).
(continued on page 3)

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