Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Ritchie.
Hi Mark, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My career as a product designer was born from what I refer to as actually being a “Consumer Inventor” Historically when I search for a product to purchase and nothing suits my needs or available products could be improved upon, have inspired me to design and build better products. I maintain no formal education in engineering or design. My ideas begin on the notepad that sits on the nite stand next to my bed always handy to document thoughts and ideas at all hours. In 2008 I maxed out my credit cards and imported a container of Stud Bar Pull Up Bars which as luck would have it arrived just in time for the explosion of Crossfit which accelerated the growth of my first product which went viral. Timing as they say is everything.
Fast Forward to 2021 when restaurants closed and we were trapped in our homes, I took the opportunity to teach myself to become a grill chef. While searching for a portable BBQ that allowed me to cook gourmet dishes anywhere, I was disappointed with the selection. The options were the same tabletop grills my dad used to burn everything on when we were kids. This is where my idea of the perfect portable Propane grill was born. Using the Swiss Army Knife as inspiration, I envisioned a four in one BBQ Wok Fire Pit and Pizza Oven. Within months I had built a prototype BBQ that could bake wok grill or cook anything. Gear that performs two functions is valuable. Gear capable of four functions in one is invaluable.
Using outdoor expos and YouTube influencers to launch the product kept our ad spend to a minimum and engagement high. Our organic growth has allowed the brand to finance itself with no investors or banks involved.I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Manufacturing inherently comes with defects and supply chain disruptions. Quality control and oversight are mandatory. Tariffs have negatively affected us as the manufacturer we absorb the loss rather than pass it along to the consumer.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Trail Fire ?
Trail Fire Grill is based in San Marcos. We manufacture and distribute the only four in one BBQ Wok Fire Pit and Pizza Oven. We are known for our design which is unique amongst other Grills that only perform one function. We are proud to offer a product that promotes good food in the great outdoors.
Any big plans?
We are currently scaling growth on Amazon and preparing to sell the business in 2027.
Pricing:
- $449
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trailfiregrill.com/
- Instagram: trailfiregrill
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9A9toXf3mId3EUoxo198w
