Breck Ironworks’ Story

One-of-a-kind fire features crafted in one of America’s favorite ski towns.

Enjoying a fire may be all about living in the moment, but there’s something about these gatherings that have a way of taking us back to some of the best times of our lives. We remember family camping trips from childhood or the time we spent at summer camp. We think about the first time we made s’mores with our kids. Being around the fire is our happy place.

That happy place was very compelling for owner Monty Whatley. He purchased Breck Ironworks in 2017, a business founded in 1999. Today, the facility in Breckenridge remains one of the larger fabrication operations in the Colorado mountains. Monty identified that the company’s opportunity for growth was in crafting custom fire pits for homes and businesses in the Rockies and beyond.

The skilled artisans who handcraft these heirloom-quality fire pits bring passion to their craft along with diversity: they range in age from 17 to 65 and bring varied talents and backgrounds. “They’re open to new ideas and different perspectives, which makes for better discussions and decision-making and ultimately, a better product,” says Monty. “Each team member has pride of ownership and an unusual degree of attention to detail.”

    We’re the professionals

That level of detail and quality has earned accolades and admiration from delighted customers around the United States. There are hundreds of homeowners and dozens of commercial clients and municipalities who own Breck Ironworks fire pits, including Vail Resorts’ Keystone, the Lazy Dog Restaurant chain, Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company. The lifetime guarantee on each eco-friendly recycled steel feature, along with the artistry and effective heat they provide, has been a winning combination for the Breck Ironworks team.

Monty now lives full time in Summit County, Colorado, with his wife and son, following his 24-year corporate career. Although he’s hands-on with the management of the plant and retail operation, he still fits in snowboarding, mountain biking and more outdoor fun in one of North America’s premier year-round resort towns. Not surprisingly, he also finds time to relax and make memories with family and friends with regular gatherings around the fire.