The Catalyst

In 2011, my wife and I went on a vacation to South Africa. She had previously been the caretaker for special needs children of a missionary family there and talked about wanting to go back to visit. I sold my car, bought plane tickets, and we took off.

South Africans are some of the coolest people you'll ever meet. Their culture is based heavily on relationships, the outdoors, and cooking food over a fire. If you've never been to a braai, it's an experience that combines all three.

While attending a braai, I noticed that the Africaaners were using metal baskets attached to a post to flip the food. It made cooking so simple and left time for more socializing. When I came back home to Texas, I couldn't find anything close to what was being used in South Africa.

The Why

By 2014, I had forgotten about the grill. I had twin boys that were 2 and we were a busy young family.

 Then along came my youngest.

He suffered a traumatic brain injury at birth. We were told he had a 50% chance of living. If he did live, he would most likely be mentally and physically delayed, would require a feeding tube, and would be in a wheelchair.

As any dad would, I wish I could have traded with him. I couldn't do that, but I could build something that takes care of him no matter what. I started Tyrux.

The Proof

I thought of all the things I wanted in an outdoor grill combined with the style of cooking I saw in South Africa. It had to be compact, versatile, and durable.

After drawing out design ideas, I bought a grill basket and scrap metal, then borrowed a welder from a neighbor. I had an idea, lots of motivation, and no welding skills. So it went great. 

I changed it, tested it, and had friends test it. Feedback, refinement. Feedback, refinement.

After four years of that, I finally had a proven product. I got it patented and found a manufacturer. Today, the Tyrux is a beast of a grill that outlasts any knockoff.

 

Sidenote: My youngest son was eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He does use a feeding tube and a wheelchair, but he can also walk using a gait trainer. He did not end up having any mental delays. He's brilliant, determined, and an absolute riot.