Founder Profile
Harold Matson
Last reviewed: October 2026 · By Swet Parvadiya
Who is Harold Matson?
Harold Matson is a founder of Mattel, Inc., which was founded in 1945 with Ruth Handler and Elliot Handler.
- Company founded
- Mattel, Inc.
- Founded
- 1945
- Co-founders
- Ruth Handler and Elliot Handler
Background
Harold Matson was a craftsman and builder who made the company's earliest products in the Handlers' garage workshop.
Founding Story
Harold 'Matt' Matson co-founded Mattel with Elliot Handler in 1945, and his nickname supplied the first half of the company's name. He worked on the early picture frames and dollhouse furniture, then sold his stake to the Handlers within a couple of years because of poor health. (Exact birth year remains publicly undisclosed).