Fund Me, KC: FireBoard’s thermometer cooks up smarter chefs
August 9, 2016 | Startland News Staff
Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Fireboard founder Ted Conrad — to share their stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Back FireBoard’s Kickstarter here.
Who are you?
Ted Conrad, founder of FireBoard

The FireBoard
What does FireBoard do?
We specialize in designing and selling connected devices to solve simple problems. Our first product is our cloud-connected, smart thermometer called the FireBoard. The FireBoard is a product designed for professionals to use commercially, or for consumers to use for cooking.
How much do you hope to raise?
We are targeting a campaign goal of $30,000. Based on the interest we have seen in the FireBoard, we are optimistic that we may be able to exceed our goal.
What do you plan to use the funds for?
With any hardware build, its ideal to place orders for larger quantities. With a strong campaign on Kickstarter, it will allow us to negotiate better pricing and start manufacturing the device at a reasonable price point.
How are you differentiating your campaign?
An important feature of our product and this campaign is the level of quality and accuracy of our solution. It’s designed and built for professional use, and its accuracy surpasses most consumer grade products. It’s also built in Kansas City!
Is there anything quirky you’re trying with your campaign?
If you cook food, you can probably become a better cook with our device. It’s fun to have a device that anyone can use, and especially when it comes to food, everyone wants to find new ways to improve their cooking.
What’s some advice you have to others launching a campaign?
Preparation: We’ve learned by reading about stories of other successful campaigns and the common element is the time spent in advance on preparing for the launch. With the video and other collateral required, there is at least a month of full-time work, if not two months.
Learn more about FireBoard with the video below.
If you or your startup is running a crowdfunding campaign, let us know by contacting news@startlandnews.com

2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Where to (pop-up) shop: Your guide to KC holiday markets featuring local makers
The impact of shopping local from Kansas City makers — especially during the holiday season — can be distilled down to one simple word, said Katie Mabry van Dieren: joy. “The look on the faces of the makers when someone finds the most special gift to give their loved one — a gift that the…
Kansas Citians of the Year: A business power couple who built a legacy of civic service
A core requirement to earn the KC Chamber’s highest honor: simply making Kansas City a better place, said Joe Reardon, announcing local business icons Peggy and Terry Dunn — a former mayor and the longtime top executive at JE Dunn Construction — as the 2024 Kansas Citians of the Year. “Together, Peggy and Terry exemplify…
How a KC design firm helped put the tinsel on Hallmark’s new town square experience
Saturday’s star-studded premiere for the Hallmark movie “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” at Crown Center won’t be the only hometown Christmas tie-in at the sprawling Hallmark Christmas Experience. Kansas City-built Dimensional Innovations plays a key role in the season-long holiday celebration, which kicks off with the TV movie — filmed over the summer in…
Roll out the green carpet: KC activist-turned-global performer readies for his 1,000th clean energy show
AY Young is counting down to music history, he shared. After an almost 13-year journey through 100 cities and 40 countries, the singer, songwriter, activist, and entrepreneur has 41 shows remaining until his Guinness World recording-breaking 1,000th show powered solely by clean energy. He’s planning to hit the milestone Oct. 6, 2025: Green Sports Day.…
