Fleer, like Topps, began life as a candy company. I think where Fleer forgot their basic business planning (regarding diversification) is that in the 1990s, they sold off their candy operations to focus solely on cards. Topps has always had the candy side of their business to keep money flowing in, even if it was just Bazooka and Ring Pops. I think Fleer's failure was self-sabotage by losing their non-card related revenue stream and thinking they could succeed just by riding the current wave of trading card fad.
[MENTION=4047]mrmopar[/MENTION] yes, I'm a member over at Net54 (aren't we all on all the same boards these days?), and have tried to pry details out of Mr. Aronstein to very limited success. I'm glad he's a member over there, and I've really enjoyed reading his account of the hobby around his father's business, but he really doesn't answer all that many questions.
Hey, just seeing this now. Seems I didn't have my thread subscription setting turned on. Fixed! I'm more than happy to answer any and all questions you might have. Don't hesitate to contact me here or through Net54 with your questions, especially if I haven't answered something you may have asked previously.