From the beginning, our goal in creating The Little Black Rake was simple: produce a quality garden tool that was unique, easy-to-use and functional.
The idea originally began in 2004 when we started selling a similar rake — up until 2012 when the mold became unavailable. However, customers loved the rake and we continued receiving requests for it. In 2015, we decided to create a new and improved version. Over the next three years, we developed a business model to make this plan a reality.
Dedicated to making our products locally, we found E&D Engineering in Gladwin, Michigan, to make the mold and Saginaw Bay Plastics in Kawkawlin, Michigan, to make the rake head. After some tweaking to get everything just right, we began production in October of 2019.
The first 250 rakes heads were assembled at the Arnold Center — a sheltered workplace in Midland, Michigan. McKay Press currently handles all of our fulfillment.
It has been a long journey with plenty of detours and roadblocks. However, we have learned so much throughout the process and we are proud to have created a valuable tool for making work easier.
Lightweight and easy-to-use, The Little Black Rake remains perfect for women, teens, older individuals who struggle with regular rakes — or landscapers who want to save money with a more efficient rake. The innovative design reduces lower back fatigue and raking time — you just need one swipe — allowing you to be more productive and enjoy your time outdoors.
This one-of-a-kind tool is great for raking leaves, clearing out beds and around shrubs, cleaning out, llama, horse and alpaca stalls. As a bonus, The Little Black Rake helps you get out and exercise more with less muscle soreness.
Now, we are excited to sell the rake and very grateful for all of the advice, help and encouragement we have received from the many people we have met and worked with on this journey. We are especially proud that we chose to make this a Mid-Michigan project from inception to materials to production.
For more information about the Little Black Rake, or to order yours now, please contact us here.
