The Golden Circle

Well, folks have been asking, "How's it going, trying to start a new business?  Aren't you scared?"

I quip, "So far, so good."  And then I start to falter, "Warhorse Solutions is...is...blossoming...."

Alright, let's be blunt: "blossoming" is the wrong word, like a flower that just blooms when it's ready--all quiet, beautiful, and wonderful.  Actually, my company's jump into the business world is getting...serious, not my high school, backyard little "experiment" anymore. Taking my "Naturally Aggressive" WARHORSE, my other recipes, and my fine-tuned sustainable process to the big-boy- but-not-that-big-market is...not like a blossoming event.

Nope, this feels like an alien birth--foreign, sharp edges, slippery, unexpected complications, AND EXCITING because of the awesome energy that spurred this birth. In order for Be Kind to be a solution, we're going to add other members and resources to our family. Be Kind Solutions is having some birthing pains for sure.  Will it need a surgeon, scalpel, C-section, and an extra pint of blood?   Maybe...maybe not.




Ahh, there's hope with the birthing pains: My Polk County High School fellow teacher and now Summer Time Warhorse Solutions Research and Development Director Kim Mirasola just spent a week energizing science, math, and technology curriculum and told me Warhose has a lot going for it because it was conceived, nurtured, and parented with "The Golden Circle" philosophy. 

Ok, now I'll breathe easier...

Kim Mirasola applies her bio chemistry expertise for Be Kind

What? nobody ever told me about "The Golden Circle" business philosophy...so I GOOGLED it, even watched a youtube video about it.  I feel so much better now. Hey, Be Kind has sprouted in the right garden, from the right birthplace: the WARHORSE was born because two students and local Polk Co. High graduates inspired and helped me, along with my sister, who shared the WARHORSE Cleaner and its story with anyone who wanted a kind cleaning solution. 

Back to the circle:

 

The Why? Why does Warhorse exist? It's necessary to explore and innovate--innovate the way we use resources and the way we share them, particularly with our communities and schools. Let's use and move green energy into new paradigms.  Warhorse is about recycling, re-purposing, and collaboration in a way that is kind to people, pets, planet. 

The How? We (there's a growing team now) use our sustainable, green energy process to make our cleaners and soaps.  In addition to our process and products, Warhorse partners with  our communities, organizations, and schools to share resources and knowledge. Students have inspired us and we work to inspire them. 

The What? Warhorse Solutions has 2 solutions:

• unique, non-toxic, and naturally aggressive WARHORSE cleaners and soaps made from our sustainable process.

Our new label look: Now the WARHORSE label has the energy of the WARHORSE. This is not the clearest pic, but you can see the change.

• continued collaboration with our local schools and community with a bio systems project on our high school campus--renewable energy, hydroponics, composting, soldier flies (will explain sometime), materials engineering, sunflower project, etc, etc.  Collaboration with Dr. Houser and Dr. Taylor at Appalachian State, David Thornton Bio Systems Guru at Clemson University, and our high school science department has fired up a unique learning opportunity for Polk County School students. More news about these projects coming soon!

 

Now, idealism can be tricky.  Yes, Simon (from the The Golden Circle youtube video), The Why Warhorse exists is the foundation for our process and products.  In fact, the WARHORSE himself embodies our company's character--work ethic, innovation, collaboration--and a naturally aggressive goal to "make safer, value added products, following Green Chemistry Principles." Ok, we're opening up shop for the right reasons.

Regardless of The How and The What, The Why isn't going to change--doesn't matter how big this baby gets.

So now, we have to take care of the other components.  And as Simon mentions, lots of companies die before they reach the age of 3. Will Warhorse the LLC die?  We'll see.

But the WARHORSE won't.  Energy never dies.

This is Noble, our real WARHORSE.  He's a fast learner, gets bored easily, good manners, likes a challenge, and is kind to his friends. 

Noble lives nearby with Lyndsey, one of my former students who has been on this Be Kind ride with me for several years.

Kind Livin' In a Gated Community

Can't give away our location...already seen some other squatters besides us...we call it Mosquito Flatts

As soon as we got here, started working...

Proving to Savannah that WARHORSE works and no coughing from fumes inside the truck cab.  It's so easy even a Q-Tip can do it--sorry Geico caveman.

Talk about historic downtown traffic?  That barge is churning along the Savannah River.  Hope we're exporting to China.  Maybe the WARHORSE visits Asia?

These WARHORSEs are working.  Glad they're getting a 20 minute break.

Spooky moon over City Market.  We're hoping to see some Savannah ghosts.  While I was taking this picture I felt a cold spot and like someone tried to push me.  Maybe it was someone from the "Cha Cha Slide" sweaty line dancing that was going on behind me in front of the Gelat-ohhhh store.  Is that an orb on the left bottom corner of this pic?

It's not all hard work. We took 20 minutes off to celebrate the 4th of July.  Even the city was sardinned with over 60,000 people, Kim still had personal space and met some kind Savannah folk. Seriously, polite and friendly people are everywhere down here.  Makes us feel like we're in Polk.

Livin in our gated community and eatin' fine food. Look at this Caprese salad and Kim's mom's homemade Italian spaghetti sauce. In 20 minutes this table will turn back into Kim's bed.

Loki is chillin' after she made a few rounds inside our gated community. We give her 20 minutes and she'll be snoring.

Well, it's been a long day, but relaxin' on my temporary-Savannah-front porch steps makes me feel like I'm back in Polk sitting in my front porch swing. Where's that spooky moon?

WARHORSE Story and Galloping to Savannah

 

Now, to our WARHORSE story:  WARHORSE got its start from the inspiration and self-reliance I gained through my high school student's (Elizabeth on 4-Wheeler below) senior graduation project on sustainability.  Determined to find a "green cleaner" that really kicked butt and was kind to people, pets, and planet, I eventually formulated the most wonderful, innovative cleaning product, which uses green energy for its production. This product is awesome and serves as the base for my degreaser, window cleaner, laundry, leather, farm, barn, home--a naturally aggressive multipurpose cleaner.  Plus, non-toxic, no fumes, no harsh chemicals, no sulfates or phosphates.  And YES, IT REALLY DOES WORK! While I continued to teach at Polk Co. High and give away gallons of my new product,  my sister Amanda (on Harley) started sharing my cleaning soap with her friends and neighbors, who gave rave reviews about its kind and aggressive cleaning ability. She even offered a cleaning demonstration when needed. Eventually, I had a stream of regulars requesting my dark cleaner, which I called WARHORSE  and the color aptly named "Appalachian Amber."

Thanks to the "WARHORSE Gals," who aren't afraid to work hard, roll up their sleeves and help me out, the WARHORSE developed a growing demand in our local community.

Last summer, former student and equestrian Lyndsey Newsome (with her horse Noble) distributed WARHORSE samples to Polk Co. local farms and equestrian folk, gathering feedback on the product's aggressive, kind, and versatile cleaning ability.  And, I hired former student and recent UNC-Chapel Hill graduate Anna Feagan to help me with the logo and website.  It became clear that my former students were key to my product's growing success. Ultimately, this innovative and sustainable product deserved a name and official home. So, with some artistic revision by fellow teacher and artist Jeff Thomas, WARHORSE was born.


  

Our WARHORSE is a product that lasts a long time when diluted per directions. It really can replace many other cleaning products: Imagine washing your trailer, cabinets, tack, garbage cans, rubber mats, greasy engine, and windows all with the same non-toxic glycerin cleaning soap. See our website testimonials for customer satisfaction.

WARHORSE's Leather Cleaner and Conditioner

Recently, we have found a way to increase our manufacturing.  This naturally aggressive, non-toxic WARHORSE cleaner will be galloping out into other communities and industries this summer, finding green pastures in Savannah as well as continuing to graze in its birthplace, Columbus, NC.

With the increasing interest, testimonials, and demand of WARHORSE in Polk, Savannah consumers will be getting the chance to try and buy this innovative product very soon.   

Polk County High School biochemistry teacher Kim Mirasola and her dog Loki have joined our WARHORSE team and are now with me in Savannah helping with production. And WOW, Kim and I worked on summer 4-H science camps and currently work on Polk High's burgeoning bio systems curriculum and partnership with Clemson University and Appalachian State University.

Again, another hard-working, creative woman has joined us, and we plan to introduce our naturally aggressive cleaner to Savannah pastures.  Kim is currently dialing in dilutions and fine-tuning scents for our WARHORSE Commercial line and our upcoming other products.  She tackled a very grimy delivery truck and man, the men were impressed. Plus, their hands never felt softer after using WARHORSE. 

Here's a few pics of Kim's cleaning demonstrations on a neglected truck interior down on Dean Forest Road.  No fumes while working in enclosed spaces...

It's so easy, even a Q-Tip can do it...(sorry Geico).

Thanks to everyone who inspired and supported this project--my students, my sister, my neighbors, and now research in Savannah.

Another story to come about the kind people I've met in Savannah.

Most Sincerely,

Tawana Weicker

Be Kind Solutions Homepage

Natural and Local

Sunday Dinner was Green River trout for the grill, Crook Neck squash, the Hyder's Dark Corner peaches, Zucchini, Pickling Cucumbers...I should have been trout fishing while Cole and Ed picked the beans... 

Eddie's in the garden to check in before heading to the creek.

Bean vines sort of look like kudzu.

Rattlesnake Green Beans

Bit of a surprise. These Rattlesnakes are protecting the eggs instead of eating them.

The Be Kind Solutions Story

The Warhorse journey started with one of my English students at Polk County High School in Columbus, NC.  For the last 14 years, I have shared my expertise in literary analysis, the 15 uses (there might be more) of the comma, and the subtleties of irony. On the other hand, my students have introduced me to P90X and Insanity (if you’ve been up at 3:00am you couldn’t have missed these exercise infomercials); blues genius Keb' Mo'; and the exhilaration of shooting someone in a paintball game. On a more environmental path, senior Elizabeth Russell profoundly impacted my self-reliance. As she learned biodiesel for her senior project in my class, I was thus introduced to a unique and sustainable process.

Liz was a student in my senior English class, and chose to explore biofuel and soap chemistry from her uncle Bob.

After her internship was complete, Elizabeth gave an eye-opening presentation to community judges: She even took a hit from a shot glass of biodiesel, which shocked and awed her audience of gas-burning-automobile-owners. As I watched her do a “shake test” on her biodiesel, I thought, “I could do this. It looks fun.” Fortunately, I owned a diesel car, and Elizabeth’s mentor chuckled skeptically when he agreed to teach me the process. To keep the painful details and memories in the past, I will just tell you that many months later, after repeated trips to my teacher’s shop, Columbus Hardware, Tractor Supply, and Polk County Landfill, I produced my first batch of biodiesel—not clear and ready for my car, but more like a French vanilla milkshake—essentially a mess. My husband advised me, “This is crazy. You’re going to ruin your car.” The learning curve continued for months, with frantic phone calls to my mentor because something “just didn’t look right.” My biodiesel education developed, and I slowly gained confidence with biodiesel chemistry and product quality. I scoured biodiesel forums and Youtube videos, absorbing lots of vital information and a pain in the neck. 

Now, five years later, we have shared this "green energy" chemistry with PCHS seniors, other local high school students, college chemistry students, and local 4-H students. Fortunately for PCHS, we now offer Biofuels and Biofuels Honor science classes, with the course starting next year.  

We now collaborate with Appalachian State's Biofuels Program, Clemson University Bio-Engineering director, and Polk County Economic and Development on projects and research.

 Next semester our students will be gaining awesome research and hands-on knowledge and experience similar to the sustainability and environmental projects at local universities.  This sustainable journey is churning and gaining momentum, which is great for Polk County High School students and for our community.

Thanks to everyone who inspired and supported this project. We'll keep up the WARHORSE work ethic.

Most Sincerely,

Tawana Weicker



Be Kind Solutions Homepage

WARHORSE Gets New Look at Mountain View

Since the WARHORSE was born because of Elizabeth, her Uncle Bob, and Mountain View, Liz decided the be kind solutions product line and WARHORSE soaps' popularity had outgrown its shelves.  So, she thought a fitting case would have the WARHORSE pattern that is getting such awesome reviews.  Mr. Thomas, PCHS art teacher, really hit a home rum with our WARHORSE logo. Once again, Carl got to work with Lizzie's request.  The rough pine boards came from George Ruff's local sawmill.  A quick trip on over there, where Aaron offered to get us some wood with less pine knots.  Oh no, we wanted the rough stuff--fits the WARHORSE better.  Carl ripped and framed.  Liz and I just delivered it.  We think the products look great, so great that now Liz wants WARHORSE furniture of her own--she calls it the WARHORSE Primitive Furniture line--"Naturally Aggressive."  Carl replied, "You gotta be kidding!" Probably not making her one, but this is a definite improvement.  I used an old pitchfork to burn the marks in the wood by sticking the prongs in my biofuel burner flame. 

This is an awesome look! Works great too!

A Good Day

Multiplying Green Onions Gone to Seed-Dry the Bulbs Again

 

Starting at 7:15 A.M.after a few cups of coffee made from Open Road Coffee beans.  Need to check on the lower garden. Got to pull some weeds.

Raspberry plants growing.  BTW, get out to PCHS and check out what the Agriculture Science Dept. and students have got in the plant sale.  I just picked up 50 tomato plants, jalapeno pepper plants, and thyme, dill, and parsley as well.  Plants are healthy and VERY REASONABLY PRICED.

Potatoes--Yukon Gold and Irish Red. Wire fences to keep deer out of RattleSnake Greenbeans

Crop Circles or Pickling Cucumber Hills?

Coyote tracks or Eddie the Lab?

Eddie's waits for a ride to Grandma's house for lunch..Takes a cookie to bribe him back into the house.

Grandma's barn with barn art by PCHS student for senior project.

1:00 PM. BarnYard Basketball. Nice goal and net. Better barn art.

Water Buffalo at my father's farm.  Turned out to be pets instead of lean table fare.

This was when the they were younger and kinder...

Water Buffalo staring us down.  An interested visitor and several dogs have learned the hard way that these guys aren't always so friendly.  We don't get too close anymore, unless we're on the John Deere.

This young bull prefers his muzzle scratched by my father.

Another old barn...I worked in this barn 30 years ago when this farm was Cotswold's: Saddlebreds and Arabs. It was old then.

9 day old water buffalo

Looks serious...

2:00 P.M.  More basketball.  Swooshing the net.

The Big Dawg of the Barn Yard, like the WARHORSE, naturally aggressive.

Hiding out under a barn and dusting off...

6:30 PM. Berry Picking at the Russells Berry Patch. Getting the first berries off the vines.  Fertilizer used is "Fish Juice" from Bob's 50 gallon barrel.  Cole supplied the fish carcasses for homemade fertilizer. No pesticides.  They ordered some kind of bug to kill spider mites.  Going to freeze them for smoothies and pies after an ice cream sundae. 2 gallons to my mom for strawberry preserves.

 It's 9:30 P.M. and this post of pics is going up.