Burnglo

The beginning...

Canadian born, and now Ohio resident, Cornelius Fehr, was burning a hollow log while camping which sparked the Burnglo idea. The idea has grown and now includes his son Jacob Fehr and Ohio muralist Ruston Baker.  The Burnglo ownership has recently expanded with the new partners Ken and Pete Parsons, CPA’s from Washington, IN and Larry Wittmer of Montgomery, IN.  Sales and marketing is now under the leadership of Denny Prior of Huntingburg, IN.  You will never meet a better group of guys!  They are true entrepreneurs not only willing to take the risk but also willing to do whatever it takes to be successful.  They have proven their ability to be successful in other business ventures and now have proven their success in this one!

The problem....

The need for the Burnglo system is great!  The Emerald Ash Borer is an insect that was accidentally imported and has since been infesting ash trees. Discovered in 2002, it has been spreading rapidly, killing millions of dollars worth of ash trees.  This is a growing threat in North America and someone can be fined up to $ 4,000 for crossing the state lines with infected firewood.  “The Burnglo system solves this problem!” states Mr. Prior.

The product...

The Burnglo product is a new concept in packaging a campfire, which comes in a fiberboard octagonal container with environmental appeal. It is filled with hardwood chips and shavings with a patented chimney design in the center.  It flames up to 4 feet high and burns for 1 ½ hours and embers continue to glow for an additional ½ hour.  It is a campfire in a box and fulfills a wide variety of campfire needs, from sitting on a residential patio, tailgate parties, wilderness camping to an emergency heat source.  The product is stamped with the USDA shield for compliance of the Emerald Ash Borer problem.  It is the easiest, safest and most portable way to enjoy a fire! 

How did the SBDC help...

Originally, beginning at the Chamber of Commerce in Jasper, IN, the owners were directed to the Small Business Development Center in Evansville, IN. They met with advisors, Sheryl Olivey and Pete Sabella with the SBDC where the key items of the deal were discussed.  To ensure success of the purchase of the patent, manufacturing, and the product itself, they proceeded with a series of meetings with the advisors.  “The help of the SBDC is the reason we are where we are today!” reported Denny Prior.  “We knew that if we were going to make this work, we had to listen to the experts and follow their advice!  I truly appreciate everything that the SBDC has done for us and look forward to continue working with them into the future!” 

What does the future hold...

Currently, things are going extremely well as the interest in our product is overwhelming!” reports Mr. Prior.  Future plans include expanding manufacturing to multiple states to reduce transportation costs.  Presently they produce the “Papa Bear” which is 32 lbs and burns for 1 ½ hours and the new “Momma Bear” which is 10 lbs and burns for 1 hour.  Our future plans include the “Baby Bear” which will be 5 lbs and will burn for ¾ hours.  So, the next time you are in the mood for a fire, purchase one of these safe campfires in a box.