Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Bies.
Hi Bill, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
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 is 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, Now I have to dry the logs perfectly and figure out how to drill them correctly. The next challenge came for finding the perfect type of fire starter to use. all the development of what is now a 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, now 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.
In 2009, Bill Bies and his family began selling portable, quick-start fire logs modeled after the traditional European single-log campfire (commonly known as a Swedish torch). Operating under the brand name, OneLogFire, Bill took his portable campfire totes to local home and garden retailers across Minnesota, inevitably growing his passion project into a full-fledged business. Now, as the leading Swedish torch producer on the market, Bill works to promote his single-log bonfires to help inspire others to gather around the fire alongside friends, family, and the serene sights, smells, and sounds of the great outdoors.
After being featured in an editorial opening of Lawn & Garden Retailer back in 2012, Bill’s portable one log fire business ignited even further, with orders coming in from all over the country. From that point on, OneLogFire’s sales began expanding from coast to coast, allowing the business to add new products and services, such as pizza oven firewood, local firewood delivery, camping gear, and more. Not long after that, the One Log Fire campfire tote was recognized by The Grommet as an innovative product made in the USA.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No, for the first 11-years I worked a full-time job and worked on OneLogFire in the evenings and weekends. putting all my extra energy into building a business that would support me. when I started making oneLogFire they were made with a drill press that was very labor intensive and then worked on developing a drill machine that took 15 months to make.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We manufacture fire logs that burn from the inside-out. They are the world’s easiest campfire for making lasting memories around a fire. All of our fire logs are kiln dried to the perfect moisture content to ensure a perfect fire burning experience. We offer fire fun for all ages. With three different sizes of OneLogFire. Original 2-hour burn time, Mini 1-hour burn time and Ultra Mini Bonfire logs 30-minute burn time. We also have Handcrafted Table Top Fire pits and Roasting Sticks and offer outstanding customer service.
Harvested from local forests here in Minnesota, our single-log bonfire totes are meticulously kiln-dried and cut with quality in mind. They feature a non-toxic fire starter on the side for quick lighting and a handle on top for effortless transportation. Mess-free, portable, and easy-to-use, our Swedish bonfire torches are perfect for lakeside s’mores, backyard barbecues, beach outings, or simply as a way to add ambiance at your next gathering.
Our One Log Fire fire log’s compact and innovative design takes the mess, hassle, and inconsistency out of traditional campfires. Designed for campers, adventurers, apartment dwellers, beachgoers, survivalists, and more, our lightweight Swedish torch fire log is perfect for anyone looking for an on-the-go campfire experience. Each bark-free, kiln-dried single-log bonfire tote provides up to two hours of warmth and entertainment. And since they burn from the inside out, our one log fires burn more efficiently while creating a spectacular display of fire.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs is a great place to live and work with all the lakes and parks it is great place any season of the year. We need more Bakeries and Butcher shops.
Pricing:
- $10.00-120.00
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.onelogfire.com
- Instagram: onelogfire_official
- Facebook: facebook.com/onelogfire
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsgxAw0Ul_Y
Image Credits
Bill Bies
