This week on Member Monday, we’re highlighting Smithey Ironware, founded by Isaac Morton in a garage on Folly Road in Charleston and now a nationally recognized maker of premium cast iron cookware.
In its early days, just one to three employees worked out of the garage, seasoning and finishing a single cast iron skillet. The idea was simple – create modern cast iron cookware inspired by the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage pieces.
Today, Smithey has grown to a team of about 90 employees, with a manufacturing and logistics facility and several offices. But even as the company has grown, the original idea has stayed the same.
“We still produce premium quality cast iron cookware, but we do it over a larger platform and at more volume,” said Smithey Founder Isaac Morton. “We have managed to preserve the soul and vision of the original idea, which was to produce modern cast iron cookware in a vintage style, while meeting growing demand.”
Smithey credits much of that growth to the team it has assembled in Charleston. The company has brought together people with complementary talents, from designers and storytellers to data experts, logistics and manufacturing professionals, tradesmen, and more.
“Harnessing and assembling that lattice-work of talent across the company is gratifying and motivating,” said Morton.
Charleston itself has also remained an important part of the company’s identity. Beyond creating local manufacturing jobs, Smithey works with chefs, makers, businesses, and others who share its appreciation for food, hospitality, and craftsmanship.
“Charleston is a big part of who we are,” said Morton. “We’re proud to create jobs, collaborate with local chefs, makers, and businesses, and be part of a community that shares our appreciation for food, hospitality, and craftsmanship.”
So, what comes next for a company that went from a handful of people and one skillet in a Folly Road garage to a team approaching 90? More of the same, and Smithey is perfectly fine with that.
“It sounds boring, but the mission is to produce amazing cookware, and I want us to stay very focused on that,” said Morton. “If we keep doing so and telling our story, good things will follow.”
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