The closer I get to receiving the first batch of new Boilers, the more I think I sure could use some help around here. So I’d like to try something out…
The Boilerwerks Work Trade Program
- Duties: Assembling, picking, packing, and shipping Boilerwerks products from our wonderful, new Boilerwerks studio.
- Qualifications: Desire for a Backcountry Boiler or FlyGrill, a friendly disposition, innate conscientiousness, and the ability to follow rarely-arbitrary instructions.
- Compensation: $10 in Boilerwerks credit for every hour worked with a minimum commitment of 8 hours. So that’s a FlyGrill and retying kit for 8 hours, a Backcountry Boiler for 10 hours, or a Hard Anodized Backcountry Boiler for 12 hours. No cash compensation for these positions, sorry.
- Benefits: You get to check out the studio and hang out with me and my buddy Mat. We’re both pretty cool.
- Limitations: Work trade times must be scheduled in advance and are subject to my availability. For now, there is a limit of one work trade term (8-12 hours depending on desired product) per person.
- Location: Would love to make it virtual, but just Pittsburgh for now. Why not plan a visit to the exotic City of Bridges?
If you’re interested, please drop me a line @ devin@theboilerwerks.com. I think this could be a lot of fun. I could also sure use the help, and what better way to get a Backcountry Boiler?
[ 7 comments… read them below or add one ]
I would love to take you up on this offer if i wasn’t across the country in California
Silly question, have you thought of asking a local scout troop?
4-5 kids and an adult leader (or more kids & adults) could soon reduce your backlog over a weekend or two.
@ Greg: Well, if you ever want an excuse to visit exotic Pittsburgh, you’re more than welcome!
@ Jim: Not silly at all! That’s a great idea, and it was actually my younger Scout self I had in mind when setting the program up. I always loved cool gear but the paper route money (cliche but true) only went so far. The first work-trade recruit is coming tonight, so I’m going to try to make it work with one person so I can take on 4-5. :)
Devin: I’m a fan of your products. I just received my FlyGrill and I’m looking forward to receiving the anodized Backcountry Boiler I ordered few weeks ago. My advice: now that you made this a full time job and consider/dream of distributing your products to stores such as REI, you need to think about a sustainable business model. This means hiring employees – not relying on scouts or other volunteers to assemble/pack your products. At least this is how we’d do business here North, in Canada.
By the way, you’re making great products!
@Tibeu
I agree with you 100%, but your second last sentence will surely be grating to Devin. He has in fact seen how we do business in Canada–it was a Canadian company that caused him and his potential customers no end of headaches.
Devin,
I just received my BCB and love it. It’s a beautiful machine. On my first use I boiled a half litre in 6 minutes.
One small comment- the edge of the water inlet felt sharp and I was worried it might cut the silicone stopper. A couple minutes with a piece of fine sandpaper wrapped around my finger smoothed it out. I’m looking forward to an extended field test in the Sierras. Good job!
@Tibeu – Thanks for the kind words on the Boiler! On the sustainability of work trade, however, I respectfully disagree. I think there’s substantial evidence for the effectiveness of episodic, novice labor to augment skilled supervision. Right out of college, I lead volunteers in the construction of affordable housing for Habitat for Humanity, which operates on this model. And last year, they were the US’s 6th largest home builder!
@rj – Despite my experience with one manufacturer with whom no one else should contract with, ever, under any circumstances, I love all other Canadians!
@Les – Thanks for the kind words, and sorry about the burr! The new assembly shop is excellent in a whole number of ways, but they missed some of these. I de-burred those I found myself, but I must have missed yours as well. It’s on the tick list for improvement.