Behind The Print: Keeping You Warm, The Coolest Way Possible
Welcome to the latest episode of Behind The Print, where we bring you the creative stories of industry leaders shaping the world of professional printing. In this episode, I sit down with Tyson Traeger, owner and inventor of Timber Stoves to discuss his journey of building a brand centered on craftsmanship, efficiency, and rustic charm. We’ll explore Tyson’s passion for high-quality stove manufacturing, his experience in the industry, and how print materials play a crucial role in educating customers and elevating his brand. From product manuals to marketing materials, Tyson’s approach to business reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation.
Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.
8-minute read
“Print is huge for us. Our product is something people need to feel in order to understand, and that’s a really hard thing to relay online. We get to show them the fire, and that’s a huge part of our product. An image can show that flame, and it’s great.” Tyson Traeger, Owner & Inventor
Transcripts from Behind The Print with Tyson Traeger, Timber Stoves Owner & Inventor
Welcome back to Behind The Print podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds behind businesses in the professional printing world. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources to elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print.
Today’s episode is Keeping You Warm, The Coolest Way Possible, and I’m here with owner and inventor of Timber Stoves, Tyson Traeger.
Tyson Traeger: Hi, nice to meet you, Zoe.
“It is a game of survival, and anybody that’s saying it’s different is lying. It is not easy to run a business. You have to stay consistent, believe in yourself and your product, and march forward.” Tyson Traeger, Owner & Inventor
Zoe Fisher: Nice to meet you too! I’m so glad to have you on the show.
Tyson Traeger: Thank you. Glad to be here.
Zoe Fisher: Who is the ideal customer for Timber Stoves, and what kind of people benefit most from your product?
Tyson Traeger: Pretty simple. It’s for anyone who gets cold. People like me who don’t like the cold and want a way to enjoy the outdoors without freezing. That’s the need we set out to solve.
Zoe Fisher: What are some common challenges your customers face when it comes to outdoor cooking and heating, and how does Timber Stoves solve those problems?
Tyson Traeger: The core of invention is identifying a need. We experience things every day and figure out what we like and don’t like. For me, the problem was wanting to enjoy the outdoors but being stopped by the cold. Timber Stoves provide a solution by using wood pellets, which are renewable, bio-efficient, energy-efficient, and economically efficient. People want a fire that keeps them warm, and we deliver that with a beautiful, clean-burning flame.
On the cooking side, we created RAD—Radiant Appliances, our custom-designed burner that eliminates the need for propane. I don’t like being dependent on something I don’t have to be. This system allows people to burn wood or wood pellets, giving them more freedom and reliability. It’s a universal burner that supports multiple cooking appliances, from flat-top griddles to ovens, all working with gravity and without moving parts. The simplicity makes it efficient, durable, and easy to use.
Zoe Fisher: That sounds amazing! And you mentioned eco-friendliness—can you explain how Timber Stoves aligns with sustainability?
Tyson Traeger: Wood pellets are a renewable fuel, created from the remnants of the lumber industry. When lumber is cut into 2x4s, sawdust is left over, and that sawdust is processed into pellets. It’s sustainable, burns clean, and provides regulated, efficient heating. It’s a great industry for the planet, and ultimately, it’s the best way to keep warm without the waste.
Zoe Fisher: That’s fantastic. Can you walk us through the process of designing and developing Timber Stoves?
Tyson Traeger: It starts with an idea. I grew up in a family business focused on new product development, so I’ve always been around innovation. What most people don’t realize is that for every successful product, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of ideas and prototypes that come before it. The trial-and-error process is key—you have to learn, adapt, and refine. Business is about sustainability, both in design and economic viability.
Zoe Fisher: I’ve seen plenty of outdoor stoves at big-box stores. What sets Timber Stoves apart from those options?
Tyson Traeger: The biggest difference? Fossil fuels vs. wood pellets. Most outdoor stoves use propane, a non-renewable fuel source. Our products use wood pellet science, meaning there’s no smoke, just efficient, clean heat. People assume burning wood always creates smoke, but our design proves otherwise. Our patented engineering makes Timber Stoves the most efficient wood-burning stoves available.
Zoe Fisher: That’s a game-changer for outdoor heating! How do you ensure safety in your designs?
Tyson Traeger: A big part of our design is the protective cage around the heating elements. This keeps people, especially kids, from touching dangerously hot surfaces. Our design allows radiant heat to escape while ensuring outer areas remain below 100 degrees—safe to touch. That’s critical for families or anyone using our products in public spaces.
“The biggest part of making someone else believe in your product is through demonstration, and that’s hard to do through imagery. Unless you can do it correctly.” Tyson Traeger, Owner & Inventor
Zoe Fisher: That’s a brilliant feature. So, let’s talk business—what advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to scale?
Tyson Traeger: Be resourceful. I started Timber Stoves with zero money and there was no silver spoon. Every dollar had to be accounted for, and that’s what makes a business sustainable. Entrepreneurs need to be hands-on, learn the true value of every expense, and ensure their investments directly contribute to their product’s growth.
“Some of the best visual materials we’ve created are ones that hang directly on our product. They help us tell the story of our stoves even when we’re not there.” Tyson Traeger, Owner & Inventor
Zoe Fisher: Have you faced supply chain or production challenges, and how did you navigate them?
Tyson Traeger: Manufacturing always comes with challenges. It’s all about teamwork. No one grows alone. Small business owners wear many hats, but to scale, you need a strong team that you trust and treat with respect. A business isn’t just about products; it’s about people.
Zoe Fisher: You’ve spoken about the importance of print. How does Timber Stoves utilize print for marketing?
Tyson Traeger: Print is huge for us. Our product is something people need to see and feel to understand. Since we can’t demonstrate it everywhere, we rely on high-quality printed materials to visually convey our story. We use thermal imaging photography to showcase the difference in heat efficiency, helping customers see the results before experiencing them firsthand. Our brochures, banners, and in-store displays play a huge role in customer education. Trade shows, dealer locations, and hands-on marketing make print an irreplaceable part of our strategy.
Zoe Fisher: That makes so much sense. Looking back, what have been some of Timber Stoves’ biggest milestones?
Tyson Traeger: There have been a lot, but one of the hardest was losing our entire facility to a fire three years ago. We had to rebuild from the ground up. Business is about resilience. You get knocked down, you rethink, adapt, and keep pushing forward.
Zoe Fisher: That’s an incredible comeback. Looking ahead, where do you see Timber Stoves in the next 5-10 years?
Tyson Traeger: Growing, but smartly. I want to expand while maintaining quality. We’ve just scratched the surface. It’s a cold world, and we have something to warm it up.
“Obviously, people want to walk away and remember something. That’s why trade show materials, posters, banners, and printed in-store displays are so valuable to us.” Tyson Traeger, Owner & Inventor
Zoe Fisher: How can our listeners connect with you, purchase a Timber Stove, or collaborate?
Tyson Traeger: We operate under Wood Pellet Products, with Timber Stoves as our heating line and RAD as our cooking line. Visit us at WoodPelletProducts.com or TimberStoves.com. Follow us on Instagram @TimberStoves—we share great content there. And of course, check out our products in person whenever you can!
Zoe Fisher: Fantastic! Listeners, be sure to visit Timber Stoves and check them out on social media.
That’s a wrap on another episode of Behind The Print. Thanks to our listeners for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, have a strong vision, build the right strategy, and use tools like print to amplify your message and make your brand stand out.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to get your sample pack today from PrintingCenterUSA.com and share it with your fellow business enthusiasts. Until next time, keep your creative sparks flying, and remember, there’s always more to discover behind the print.
Keep It Cool
From rugged craftsmanship to standout branding, Tyson from Timber Stoves brings his passion for quality and durability to life through expertly designed stoves. His work merges traditional techniques with modern innovation, resonating with customers who value reliability and efficiency. For Tyson, we have been a trusted partner in creating high-quality printed materials that showcase his brand’s excellence. Whether it’s product catalogs, instruction manuals, or custom marketing materials, you can elevate your brand with professional printing. Order today!
