PRINTOn the Job: Fireworks Wholesaler
Q&A with John Bechtold
CHRISTINE MARTINEZ
July 1, 2009 | 12:00 p.m. CST
FAST STATS
NAME: John Bechtold
PRESIDENT: Spirit of ’76 Wholesale Fireworks
AT JOB SINCE: 1987
How did you get into the fireworks business?
I began the company 22 years ago with my father. My family owns Midway Truck Stop, and as Missouri laws go, we are allowed to sell fireworks at Midway but not allowed to sell them within city limits. It’s the first location west of Columbia that can sell them.
What’s a typical day for you?
The Fourth is the biggest season, and I’m busiest during the month of June. There are a lot of phone calls, e-mails, meetings, talking to people. Every day is nonstop work. If I’m awake, I’m working — other than eating and sleeping.
What are the most popular fireworks?
500-gram multishots, a category of fireworks. Light the fuse once, and there is a different number of shots in each item, as few as nine shots or up to 250 shots.
Your least favorite firework?
I’m not a snakes guy, so I don’t spend a lot of time with them. Kids have a different opinion of the snakes; I’ve grown out of that.
When do you sell fireworks besides the Fourth of July?
Any party, special event, birthday, anniversary, weddings, New Year’s Eve; of course there’s Memorial Day and Labor Day in the summer.
What are Missouri’s laws on fireworks?
Stores can sell all year round. Missouri’s a really open state for fireworks, so we can sell all types in the state. Other states regulate. Missouri is a great state but especially for fireworks!
Do people from all over the U.S. come to your business?
Well, we have the lowest prices and highest quality. We can do that because we order fireworks directly from China by the truckload, and they come right here to Columbia. Also, 22 years of experience in the business helps.
Why do you enjoy your job?
Fireworks and their development, but also colors and the artistic side of fireworks is really cool. I think they’re really beautiful. The weekend of June 19 we held a pyro musical choreographed to music, which is one thing I love.
Why is your job unique?
It’s fireworks. Nothing normal about it. It’s a very unique trade. Lots of new things coming out and every year is different. It’s definitely not stagnant.
Have there been accidents?
Not really, even though it’s been 22 years. Sometimes fireworks can burn a finger, but no major injuries, just minor burns.
What’s the most expensive purchase made at Spirit of ’76?
$5,000 or so I would guess. Customers with a few parties or one giant party come in and stock up. Some people shoot off about $2,000 worth of product for one event. $50-$100 would be average I’d say.
How will you celebrate Fourth of July this year?
I’ll be working the whole day. I’ve worked every Fourth since 1987. Retail stands stay open until midnight on Fourth, so that is my plan, just like every other year.
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