H. Ty Warner (born September 3, 1944) is a wealthy American toy manufacturer and businessman. He is Chairman, CEO, sole owner and founder of Ty Inc., which manufactures and distributes Beanie Babies, Ty Girlz and a variety of other Ty plush items. In 2005 Forbes estimated his net worth at approximately $4.4 billion — down from a peak of $6 billion — still making him one of the wealthiest people in the world.

Early years

Warner attended Kalamazoo College in Michigan but dropped out after a year and moved to Hollywood to commence a career in acting. He had little success as an actor and returned to Chicago. There he began working for plush toy maker Dakin, where he became an accomplished salesman — employing clever tactics to influence the decisions of buyers in large stores. After nearly two decades at Dakin and a long sabbatical in Italy, Warner returned again to Chicago. He enjoyed living in Chicago much more than anywhere else he had lived.