Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with William Bies, President of OneLogFire LLC., located in Plymouth, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We make firelogs that burn from the inside out for up to 3 hours, and we sell to hardware stores, specialty shops, campgrounds, convenience stores, and grocery stores.
Tell us about yourself
My love for building a fire began as a kid. Having to cut and split firewood after school to heat our family home. When I look back on this, I learned the value of hard work from my father, which helps me be successful today.
On a trip to Northern Germany in 2007, I discovered a new way to build a fire. I thought this was the coolest way to have a small fire. I need to try and make this Swedish torch and share them with fellow Minnesotans and beyond. In Northern Minnesota, at my cabin, this journey began. Finding the perfect pine trees for this took quite some time. After finding the correct trees to use, I have to dry the logs perfectly and figure out how to drill them correctly. The next challenge came in finding the perfect type of fire starter to use. All the development of what is now OneLogFire took 2-years to complete. With the help of some family members, OneLogFire was born.
My brother Mike came up with the name OneLogFire… Perfect! At first, we were in one store; today, we are in over 400 stores and have sold to all 50 states, Canada, and parts of Europe. We are grateful for the support of our customers.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I worked two jobs for eight years, and being able to quit my full-time job and focus all of my energy full-time on OneLogFire is a big accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Always having a positive attitude every day. And you have to be the best you can be each and every day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have an organized plan of attack.
- Reach out to the business leader from Score.
- Know your market and competitors.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.onelogfire.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onelogfire/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onelogfire_official/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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