Three years later we are still using the same factories that popped up on that first search with outstanding results

Mary Pembleton, a speech language pathologist with over 20 years of experience, was constantly searching for new and interesting tools to develop functional learning skills for her students. Not finding products that met her needs, she began transforming squishy soccer balls into an educational game called Thumball with the use of a Sharpie and a few simple rules. The educational game proved to be very effective because it promoted language and social skills while encouraging children to pay attention and actively participate.

Mary and her husband Gregg soon found that her homemade Thumball had enormous potential as a teaching tool that could positively impact many learning situations across the globe. They decided to take Mary's idea and develop it into a product for the marketplace that was simple, low-priced and effective.

To get started, the Pembletons bought balls from local stores and hand wrote on them, but they quickly realized they needed to explore other options to produce their product if they wanted their business to grow.

"As we began our business we started looking for a variety of options to purchase balls at a lower cost. We were lucky to run across a friend who recommended we try Alibaba.com to source our products,," said Mary Pembleton. "Alibaba.com was extremely easy to use and when we typed in 'stuffed soft toy ball' we instantly received many contacts offering their services. Three years later we are still using the same factories that popped up on that first search with outstanding results."

Since the debut of Thumball, parents, teachers and therapists across the country have raved about its positive effects and how they see changes that they never thought would be possible in such a short time. In addition, the product has become an extremely meaningful tool for those with autism as well as the aging population.

"Taking Thumball from an idea and getting an actual product into people's hands quickly was amazing. We've recommended Alibaba.com to many other people who are starting a business and looking for products because it has worked so well for us," said Gregg Pembleton. “I don't know how we could have come this far without the help of Alibaba.com."

"Another great way Alibaba.com served our needs was by connecting us to manufactures offering organic and green materials for our products," said Mary. "For example, having access to organic cotton in addition to traditional materials gave us the ability to produce our products without limits."

Mary and Gregg plan to take Thumball to the next level this year by increasing their product line, branching out to larger avenues of distribution and hopefully tripling their sales numbers.

"We continue to use Alibaba.com to expand our line of learning tools and accessories," said Gregg. "I'm on the site all the time and always receive a lot of great buying leads from India and China that are important for growing our business."

Mary and Gregg credit Alibaba.com as an important factor in their ongoing business plan and say that they now knows the true meaning of "Global Economy."