History & Timeline

How Starfire Started

What a journey it has been and we are still continuing to push forward!

2007
The Beginning

In the early years of Starfire Direct, our founder, Jonathan Burlingham, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by selling fire glass for fireplaces. What started as a side business quickly gained momentum, with Jonathan personally delivering and setting up the fire glass for his customers. This hands-on approach laid the foundation for what would become one of the leading online retailers in the outdoor living industry.

Jonathan Burlingham, founder of Starfire Direct, setting up fire glass in a fireplace during the early years of the business.
Starfire Direct van covered in snow, used for a cross-country delivery of a custom fire pit.
2009
First Big Break

In a remarkable display of dedication to customer service, Starfire Direct’s founder, Jonathan Burlingham, and Lindsey embarked on a cross-country journey to personally deliver a custom fire pit to a resort in need. With only a week’s notice, they traveled through challenging conditions to ensure the fire pit arrived on time, demonstrating the company’s unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. This exceptional effort is just one example of why Starfire Direct's customer service remains unparalleled in the industry.

2010
Growing Team

This image captures the original Starfire Direct team, with founder Jonathan Burlingham standing front and center. These pioneering individuals laid the foundation for Starfire Direct's success in the online retail space. With a solid team, their collaborative efforts and dedication have driven the company’s growth, setting the stage for an even brighter future.

The original Starfire Direct team with founder Jonathan Burlingham standing front and center, showcasing the early team behind the company's success.
2016
Moved into a bigger warehouse

Starfire Direct's new headquarters is a modern facility that serves as the central hub for our operations. This location not only houses our administrative offices but also includes a spacious showroom where customers can explore our extensive range of products. The move to this new facility marks a significant milestone in our journey, reflecting our continued growth and commitment to enhancing customer experience.

Exterior view of Starfire Direct's new headquarters and showroom.
Present
The Reset Year

Present Year - 2024 marks what we consider the "reset year" as we emerge from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite shifts in the market, Starfire Direct remains steadfast in our commitment to providing high-quality products and content to our customers. This year, we continue to develop and improve our processes, ensuring that the quality of our offerings gets better year after year. Our dedication to enhancing outdoor living experiences has never been stronger.

EcoSmart Fire Ark 40 bioethanol fire table on a modern outdoor deck with contemporary chairs, creating a stylish and eco-friendly outdoor setting.

#reinventingoutdoorliving

Discover how others have transformed their outdoor living spaces and let their incredible upgrades inspire you to create your own outdoor oasis.