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
Hog Island to Parkville: Justus Drugstore owners docking new seafood concept in historic Parkville
The Parker Hollow builds on Chef Jonathan Justus’ mission to put small town Missouri on the menu PARKVILLE, Mo. — A bright yellow, nearly 150-year-old former Italian restaurant could become Kansas City’s go-to seafood destination with help from the world-renowned hometown culinary team behind Justus Drugstore and Black Dirt. Chef Jonathan Justus and his wife…
KC’s Enduralock secures $1.25M SpaceWERX contract to boost satellite docking tech
A Lenexa tech company has been selected by the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force to address one of the most-pressing challenges facing military operations in the skies and beyond. Enduralock just announced its selection for a $1.25 million contract aimed at using the company’s new connector system, OneLink, to enable modular in-space servicing…
You can’t plan for this: ‘Mr K’ finalists wary of another ‘wrench into the face’ from Washington
An upended national political and economic climate has rippled down to Main Street, acknowledged leaders of this year’s Top 10 Small Businesses, bringing concerns about racism, DEI backlash, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions to Kansas City’s front door. “We’ve had people come into the shop and harass our employees, our customers,” explained Dulcinea Herrera —…
Hyde Park coffee space reopens with family vibe fitting historic neighborhood’s roots, owners say
A newly opened neighborhood coffee shop in Hyde Park hopes to bring a fresh, family-friendly vibe to Kansas City’s bustling coffee scene, its owners said. “We created 1888 Coffee to be something different — not just another café, but a welcoming hub for our community,” said Christine Kehoe, co-owner and operator of 1888 Coffee with…
