Tony Diioia is a veteran entrepreneur, emerging author, and Character Commerce and IP strategist with over 46 years of experience building character-based brands and animation companies. He created the Balloonatiks characters, which became a #1-rated Fox Kids Special in 1996 and were chosen by Kids' WB in 2003 for production over the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He's now working on a “retro-modern” relaunch of the Balloonatiks, coming soon!

His forthcoming book, You're Here Right Now, chronicles his near-death experience and his 44-year journey with Vicki.

Since 2013, Tony has been Co-Founder and EVP of Consumer Products at AMGI Animation LLC, an independent company blending emerging technology and storytelling. He was on the original team behind AMGI's award-winning NFT and videogame property My Pet Hooligan, whose 8,888-piece collection sold out in 30 seconds. He has also helped pioneer AI animated avatars and selling agents in the Character Commerce space.

Earlier, Tony and his wife Vicki co-founded Balloonatiks Inc., a San Diego balloon bouquet, special events, and singing telegram company (1980–1989). He holds a BA in Human Communication from Rutgers College and completed a Master's thesis on Interactive Television at San Diego State University.

Tony consults with entrepreneurs on brand development and IP strategy, and has served as Chair of the Waldorf School of Santa Barbara.