Today we’d like to introduce you to Kj Thompson
Hi KJ, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Black Beard Fire was created in a small apartment in 2019 by two blue collar brothers. With a strong passion for American made craftsmanship and quality, KJ and Kaimahi Thompson went to work creating a product that would soon become a favorite tool of Americans all over the nation.
October 2019 the Thompson brothers were able to get their Black Beard Fire Starter into a small local store. The black and yellow hand drawn pirate logo and the fact that they were 100% made and sourced in America was an instant hit! Realizing the demand the brothers got straight to work in an unfamiliar setting. Behind a computer screen. A few months later on December 27, 2019 they made and opened an online store with only one product, the Black Beard Fire Starter.
The Black Beard Fire Starter was an instant hit. Video after video went viral on the internet while the Black Beard Fire Starter was featured in several prominent magazines. Black Beard Fire Starters also became one of the top ranked fire tinders sold on Amazon. At the time KJ and Kaimahi both worked full time as carpenters at a handmade furniture manufacturing plant in Salt Lake City. They would work their day job every day from 7am to 5pm, get home and spend time with the family then go to work all night answering emails, creating content, and fulfilling orders. On the weekends they would work all night from about 8pm to 5am manufacturing the Black Beards. They did this out of the kitchen of the top floor of an apartment.
As Black Beard Fire grew so did the need for adequate space to manufacture fire starters. The apartment could no longer satisfy the demands of space, storage and equipment. The brothers moved the manufacturing operations to their Grandmother’s garage. Because of limited space in the garage they had to have the fulfillment side of the business separate. Everyday they would manufacture in the garage then drive the freshly made inventory to KJ’s home where they would then fulfill orders in his basement before loading up the car and dropping the orders off at the Post Office. Looking back, the Thompson brothers will both laugh and say “It wasn’t the most efficient way to run a business, but we had to work with what we had.”
They now have their own warehouse in Salt Lake City, Utah. Have both retired from their day jobs and are happily pursuing their dream of making Black Beard Fire Starters a household name when it comes to fire.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Having adequate space to work in was a HUGE challenge for us because we weren’t quite ready to take on another rent payment for a building. For many years we had to deal with being inefficient because of that but at the same time it really built character.
The biggest challenge we had to face was time. Both of us working full time jobs with young families we literally had to steal time wherever we could find it. For a while we were probably only sleeping 4 hours a night. Mix that with a very physically demanding job like carpentry it is definitely hard on the body and more so on the mind.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I would like everyone to know that Black Beard Fire Starters was created by 2 Blue Collar American guys with a dream. Our Signature products, the Black Beard Fire Starters and Black Beard Fire Plugs are 100% made and sourced here in America with American materials and ingredients. That being said, nothing can beat American craftsmanship and quality.
Being a small business we have made it our priority to Treat others how we would want to be treated. That means getting all orders shipped out within 24 hours of purchase, responding back to all emails and comments, and doing other things to let people know that we truly care and appreciate them.
We love what we do here at Black Beard Fire and are honored to serve the American people with the BEST Fire Starters in the world!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Here are my essential qualities for running a business:
Emotionless. This really helps when we would have great financial days as well as the terrible ones.
Whatever it takes mentality. Do whatever it takes to win and you will win. Nobody can beat you if you don’t quit
Humility. My brother and I have never been the flashy, show-off, in your face type of guys. We are happy with anything. In the early days of our business most would have quit because of the difficult logistics we had or because of the very unique work space/hours.
Strive for greatness. I feel like if you are running a business striving for greatness in every aspect of your business or life for that matter will make everything better in the long run. Yes, it is a hefty price to pay upfront but it will be worth it.
Positive Mental Attitude. So much can be said about ones attitude. At the end of the day that attitude can make you or break you.
Here are the Essential Qualities of my product that I am very proud of.
✅50+ FIRES FROM ONE STICK
✅ WATER PROOF
✅ WIND PROOF
✅ Orders Ship NEXT Day
✅ Made in U.S.A
✅ 100 YEAR SHELF LIFE
✅NON TOXIC
✅ODORLESS
✅ HANDMADE
✅ECO-FRIENDLY
✅ Lightweight (65 Grams)
✅Cut what you need, save the rest.
We understand that one of the most important aspects of being outdoors is staying warm! That is why we have hand crafted a fully dried material that is both waterproof, windproof, and convenient in size and weight!
One of the best features of our Black Beard Fire Starter is that they do not have an expiration date opened or unopened. Our unique blend will never evaporate, deteriorate or dissipate and is designed to light up every time. Black Beard Fire Starters are a must have for every backpacker, bug out bag and 72 hour/emergency kit. Throw it in your packs and don’t worry about not having a fire again.
We start with fully dried and braided cotton rope and infuse it with our special blend of odorless, non toxic waxes and oils. This treatment process allows our product to be completely safe to handle while being an extremely efficient and simple fire starting aid.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blackbeardfire.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeardfire/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackbeardfirestarters
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackbeardfire
