Sometimes it takes a void in the market to spark a brilliant business. Such was the case with Chris Sothen and Collin Schweikl, founders of Tohst Modern Living, a firepit and outdoor accessories manufacturer. As co-owners of Blend Outdoor Design in Spokane, Washington, they found themselves running into the same problem over and over again in their construction projects: a high demand for firepits, and a market full of low-quality compact options.

“Fire features are the number one accessory we are asked to incorporate into patio and gathering spaces,” Sothen says. “But while we had seen a handful of quality-built products in the built-in firepit market, nearly all of the portable firepits we were finding lacked the combo of quality, durability, and the ‘cool factor.’”

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Over the course of a decade, the idea began to take shape–and when Covid put some of their projects on pause, the mission to craft a design-forward portable firepit finally ignited.

Sothen and Schweikl pulled together the first prototype in 2020, and the Nomad portable propane firepit hit the market a year after that. The final product is a stylish, minimalist piece that blends those moments of cozy connection with a compact design sensibility.

Tohst’s chic, portable propane firepits are crafted in small batches, each featuring a high-output brass burner and a sturdy, powder-coated aluminum frame designed to house a standard 20-pound propane tank. There are no unsightly hoses: just a sophisticated 18-inch-by-18-inch centerpiece to complement your outdoor living environment.

“The glow that radiates from the fire at night makes such a cool ambiance in any environment,” says Schweikl. “If you have a boat dock…it’s perfect.”

From the pool deck to the rooftop, the lightweight Nomad firepit pairs perfectly with the outdoors—wherever and whatever that means to you. Durability and craftsmanship are as integral to the brand as the sleek modern design and bold color offerings (think “Juicy Fruit” orange or blush “Mochapeach”). Plus, each unit is manufactured and assembled in the U.S and is safety-tested for ANSI compliance.

“Burn bans around the Pacific Northwest have heavily restricted summer fires for camping and recreation during wildfire season, but the Nomad can still be burned responsibly,” says Sothen.

While Sothen and Schweikl designed the Nomad with residential use in mind, they have been surprised (and “delighted”) to see the hospitality industry—restaurants, breweries, and wineries in particular—embrace the product too.

But is it any surprise that this ingenious design has caught on? Gathering around the fire is an activity that dates back to prehistoric times, and the joy of sharing space and coming together has become that much more profound during the past few years.

“Being present in the moment with others is what makes gathering around fires special,” says Sothen. “Spending time with loved ones around the warmth and glow of a fire…sometimes, it’s the only entertainment you need.”

Learn more about Tohst Modern Living’s portable weight and design at tohstmodern.com.