Many of us dream of a different path in life. But what does it take to actually change your life? For Jeff Brown, owner of Fire and Feast Outdoor Products, the answer wasn’t in a single, grand decision, but a series of determined, sometimes impulsive, pivots. Once facing the stress that comes along with being a school principal as well as the challenges of obesity and the physical and emotional limits that placed on his life, Jeff chose to rewrite his story—not just physically, but in every way that mattered.
High-energy and brimming with ideas, Jeff has the kind of personality that sees endless possibilities. He is often full of imaginings and new concepts to share, but when he sets his sights on something, his hyperfocus takes over, and he’s unstoppable. That determination became the driving force behind a transformation that began with a bold step: gastric sleeve surgery. And led to more life-altering and life-affirming decisions.
It’s important to understand the journey that brought Jeff to that pivotal moment. After earning a Biology degree from Indiana University, he began his career as a biology teacher.
It is evident when you meet Jeff, that he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience and truly enjoys mentoring others. His leadership qualities were put to the test when he made the move from classroom to administration at several schools as assistant principal and then principal. With a growing family and his wife taking time out of the workforce to care for their 4 young daughters, Jeff embraced the role of provider. True to his nature, he threw himself into it wholeheartedly, striving to be everything to everyone.
However, mounting pressures of work and family took a toll on Jeff’s mental and physical health, as he coped by turning to food for comfort. At nearly 350 pounds, battling sleep apnea and a range of health issues, Jeff faced a stark reality: if he wanted to be there for his family, he needed to make a drastic change. In 2014, he took a bold step and underwent gastric surgery. Over the following 15 to 18 months, he shed 160 pounds and began to reclaim his health and his life.
Surgery gave him a starting point—opening the door to a world of possibilities. In November 2014, on a Disney Cruise with family and 30 neighbors, one of the activities was a 5K. On a whim, and no training, Jeff decided to enter with a few friends, just to see if he could run it.
Crossing that first finish line, he felt something new: pride, exhilaration, and the realization that he was capable of more than he’d ever imagined. From there, his goals grew bigger and his achievements mounted and like most things that Jeff sets his sights on, he was all in, completing to date: 29 half marathons, 7 marathons, 2 half ironman triathlons, and the 2019 Ironman Wisconsin full 140.6 mile triathlon. And most importantly, he was able to run with each of his daughters for Girls on the Run.
Jeff’s transformation didn’t stop with his health—it extended into his career. Naturally, and true to his nature, he set his sights on higher education—a doctorate degree. However, in 2016, in the midst of writing his dissertation, Jeff found his mind drifting toward a completely different path. Instead of completing his dissertation, he chose another pivot.
Fueled by his renewed energy and a desire to try something completely new, Jeff teamed up with a fellow teacher-friend, Glen Frank, to take a leap into the world of craftmanship, combining their creativity, precision, and hard work. Together, they launched Fire and Feast, specializing in handcrafted, poly (resin or recycled plastic) outdoor chairs and fire tables. The "lumber" for the furniture is created from plastic bottles and containers, repurposed into usable building materials, keeping the discarded plastic from landfills. From custom residential products to durable commercial furnishings, Jeff takes pride in knowing each piece is handmade from locally sourced materials.
Trading academics for hands-on skills, Jeff’s passion for learning and creating was ignited in a whole new way. He learned about Green Circle certified materials, took up welding, learned to run a Computer Numeric Control Machine, and now the sole-owner of Fire and Feast, has become entrenched in the Crystal Lake Community, with his workshop located on Virginia Street alongside the AAMCO shop.
While this new path is a significant departure from his days in education, Jeff’s love for teaching remains a driving force. He has opened the doors of his workshop to high school students, offering internships that allow them to explore a hands-on trade and learn valuable skills outside the traditional classroom. His ultimate vision for the business includes creating opportunities for those seeking careers that diverge from the mainstream, providing meaningful jobs and fostering a sense of community.
Jeff Brown didn’t just transform his body; he reshaped his mindset, his habits, and ultimately, his life. Along the way, he discovered the power of pivoting, of saying “yes” to new opportunities, and of leaning into the unknown to find something extraordinary.
Jeff Brown reshaped his mindset, his habits, and ultimately, his life. Along the way, he discovered the power of pivoting.