WHO WE ARE
Although there are countless people whose hard work and dedication come together in every Tom Kuhn Custom Yo-Yo, the driving force behind our company comes from two men:
Tom Kuhn: The Visionary Behind the Perfect Yo-Yo
Residing in San Francisco, Tom Kuhn balances his life as a dentist with his enduring passion for yo-yos. As a child growing up in Detroit, he showcased his talent by winning the local Duncan yo-yo contest. But it wasn’t until adulthood that his journey as a yo-yo innovator began.
The spark? A gift—a stunning rosewood yo-yo—that, to his dismay, broke apart within hours. Determined to create something better, Tom embarked on a mission to design the “perfect yo-yo.” In 1976, his pursuit of excellence revolutionized yo-yo design and technology, setting new standards for craftsmanship and performance.
For over four decades, Tom’s inventive spirit and boundless enthusiasm have been at the heart of the company. Today, he remains its creative and philosophical “center,” inspiring generations of yo-yo enthusiasts while ensuring that every Tom Kuhn yo-yo reflects the same dedication to quality and innovation that sparked his journey.
Meet Brad Countryman: The Master Craftsman Behind Tom Kuhn Custom Yo-Yos
Nestled among the hardwood forests of Maine, Brad Countryman blends artistry with science to oversee the production of Tom Kuhn Custom Yo-Yos. A master of his craft, Brad constantly pushes the boundaries of wood—embracing its natural quirks to achieve unmatched levels of precision, balance, and beauty.
With over three decades of experience in the production of wooden toys, Brad’s portfolio includes beloved classics such as Fisher Price/Toy Town Collectibles, Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Wooden Railway, and Little Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Play System. His mastery of wooden craftsmanship extends far beyond toys; his handmade carousel horses and other exquisite creations have been showcased in renowned institutions, including:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Lemelson Center at the Smithsonian Museum
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- The Burchfield Penney Art Center
- The Albright-Knox Art Gallery
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Brad’s unparalleled expertise in wooden and mixed-media yo-yo manufacturing makes him the undisputed authority in the field. With his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication, Brad ensures that each Tom Kuhn Yo-Yo is a masterpiece in both form and function.
When you hold a Tom Kuhn Yo-Yo, you’re not just experiencing a toy—you’re connecting with decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and artistry led by one of the finest in the world.
What We Care About
Quality and Design: The Tom Kuhn Legacy
Tom Kuhn Yo-Yos are celebrated worldwide for their unmatched innovation and timeless aesthetic. There’s nothing quite like a Tom Kuhn Yo-Yo—each one a perfect blend of artistry, engineering, and playfulness.
Every Tom Kuhn Yo-Yo is proudly manufactured and hand-assembled in the USA, reflecting the highest standards of craftsmanship. Before reaching your hands, each yo-yo is rigorously tested for quality and precision-tuned for optimal performance.
Designed to last, Tom Kuhn Yo-Yos are built for a lifetime of fun, ensuring countless hours of enjoyment for beginners and seasoned players alike. We stand behind our products with pride and confidence, offering an unconditional guarantee of customer satisfaction.
Choose Tom Kuhn and experience the gold standard of yo-yos—where quality, design, and joy come together.
People: Why Yo-Yo? It is a timeless cure for boredom and connection.
In today’s modern world, boredom is easily defeated with a multitude of distractions—streaming shows, handheld games, and endless social media scrolling. But have you ever considered how these diversions often create invisible walls, leaving us isolated and disconnected from the world around us?
Enter the yo-yo: a simple yet profound toy that does so much more than just pass the time.
Why Choose Yo-Yo Over Modern Diversions?
Unlike isolating activities, yo-yoing sparks curiosity and interaction. It’s impossible to walk past someone pulling off amazing tricks without stopping to watch. Whether it’s a friend, a stranger, or even a playful pet, the yo-yo captures attention and inspires connection.
Playing with a yo-yo in public makes a statement—it shows a light-hearted, carefree spirit. It’s an invitation for others to engage, to marvel at your skills, or even to reminisce about their own childhood yo-yo adventures.
More Than a Toy
The yo-yo is universal. It transcends language and culture, a shared experience that bridges generations. Whether you’re just learning to loop the loop or mastering advanced tricks, it’s a tactile, mindful activity that reconnects you with the world.
So why yo-yo? Because it’s not just a cure for boredom—it’s a way to bring joy to yourself and those around you. It’s a reminder that the simplest things often have the greatest power to connect us.
Take your yo-yo and let the world marvel, smile, and maybe even join in!
The Planet: Tom Kuhn’s Commitment to Sustainability
At Tom Kuhn Custom Yo-Yos, we are dedicated to creating products that reflect our respect for the environment. Our wooden yo-yos are crafted from FSC-certified hardwood sourced from mills that meet the world’s highest standards for sustainable forestry. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) promotes healthy forests and thriving communities—a mission we’re proud to support.
Our metal components are RoHS compliant, ensuring minimal environmental impact, with over 85% of the materials sourced right here in the USA.
Holding, playing, and admiring a wooden yo-yo is more than just a pastime—it’s a subtle reminder of our responsibility to care for the living world that sustains us. While we don’t claim to be idealists, we firmly believe that small actions can spark meaningful change—just like the simplicity of a yo-yo.
Yo-yo play may not change the world, but it’s inherently compatible with a more sustainable future. Yo-yos are portable, electricity-free, and built to last for years, offering a joyful alternative to energy-hungry gadgets that are often discarded within months.
We encourage everyone to unplug from virtual reality and reconnect with actual reality—one throw at a time.
∼ Happy Yoing! ∼