InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023-24 12 Up in flames TerraFlame by Solo Stove CEO and Founder Lenny Vainberg said Made in USA is a testament to “unmatched quality and commitment to the environment and local manufacturing.” The company develops clean burning and sustainable fireplace fuels and fuel burning devices that “showcase flame in its truest form.” The products range from tabletop fire bowls, modern indoor and outdoor gel fuel burning fireplaces, ethanol powered concrete fire pits and fire chat seating collections. “But our crowning achievement is our clean-burning gel fuel, proudly blended in the USA with all ingredients sourced domestically,” Vainberg said. “Our gel fuel stands out as the cleanest, brightest and longest burning on the market. It’s not just a fuel; it’s an experience, promising a cleaner, more sustainable burn, for ambiance and the coziest of s’mores nights at home.” He explained, “By blending our fuel domestically, we guarantee a product that burns cleaner, upholds rigorous standards, supports our local economy and reduces the carbon footprint. Our customers can be confident they’re choosing a product that’s top-tier and eco-friendly.” Every ingredient that goes into the TerraFlame gel is sourced in the United States, and that, according to Vainberg, supports the company’s local suppliers and minimizes environmental impact from transportation. “We are proud to provide a product that’s 100 percent American from inception to ignition,” Vainberg said. “While economic challenges persist, we believe in the intrinsic value of our American-blended gel fuel. It’s not just about buying a product; it’s about supporting a vision of cleaner, more sustainable living. Vainberg articulated several thoughts on what the U.S. government might do to help level the playing field between Made in USA products and foreign substitutes. They include: • Offer tax incentives for companies that prioritize eco-friendly, domestic production. • Foster research into green technologies to drive innovations in clean burning and sustainable products. • Strengthen fair trade policies that highlight the environmental and quality benefits of American-sourced and produced goods. • Launch public awareness campaigns showcasing the merits of eco-conscious, domestically produced products. For the children One of the more unique companies participating in this story is Kid Caddie Golf, which is built around the company’s flagship product – a golf club carrier that turns a stroller into a pushcart. Kid Caddie Golf Founder Ben Fairbanks said, “This product is made by families for families. I’ve been able to work shoulder to shoulder building this product with a second-generation, family-owned manufacturer in South Dakota. “They agreed to work with me as an inventor who had a vision of building a product that brought families together,” Fairbanks continued. “I was able to trust in their integrity and know that the protection of my IP through the development process was taken seriously. I also knew that I’d be getting the best quality product available.” He added that by working with the South Dakota family, he faces no communications barriers, and the two parties remain aligned on the vision, which results in “a top-notch product.” Fairbanks said, “Another giant benefit of having a local partner is that I can fulfill orders to customers and retailers without the fear of long delivery and times and products stuck in customs.” Material for the Kid Caddie includes polycarbonate and ASA manufactured by the South Dakota partner from regional material providers. Kid Caddie is “an investment in family time and is buying into a brand that is deeply rooted in family values,” Fairbanks said. “This story is amplified by our commitment to supporting our country and community. The origin story of this product is a Midwest dad who wanted to spend time with his kids. The design of the product was in partnership with a veteran owned small business for the engineering. “Using the Kid Caddie ended up being so enjoyable that my family invested our time and resources to bootstrap this company from the ground up so that other families enjoy that in the same way.” Fairbanks added, “Our story is a hometown USA story and feels like a breath of fresh air in comparison to corporate companies outsourcing their products to all over the world and never trying to hide how their products were made.” Like Vainberg, Fairbanks said offering tax incentives for products that are manufactured and sold in the USA would be a welcome change. “Incentives like this could allow businesses to recoup the higher cost required to build the tooling here by committing to producing parts and sourcing materials in local markets.” He added, “Improved tariff rates and export relations to allow USA products to be imported into other markets would be great to improve the appetite for retailers in other countries to carry USA made products.” Keeping it cozy At The Cozy Cloak, Jon and Gen Sheets simply want to pass their passion for the outdoors to their children. They say they have dreamt up assorted products or product improvements over
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTg4Njc=