For A Winter Warm up Try Blazin’ Joe!

Above, Jack Daddario and Maddie Cataldo at Daddario’s Hardware

Maddie Cataldo, was born and raised in Franklin and graduated from Mount Saint Charles Academy in 2019. She then headed west for college. During her capstone class at Colorado University, Boulder, she launched Blazin’ Joe, fire logs—made from upcycled coffee waste “chaff” and non-toxic soy wax, which are now on sale at Daddario’s Hardware on West Central Street.

“This is an especially meaningful milestone for me because, after starting this journey in Colorado, I’ve returned home to Franklin to produce our fire logs with my dad, Mike Cataldo, who was also born and raised here,” explained Maddie.

According to Maddie, the chaff comes primarily from Cape Cod Coffee Roasters in Mashpee and Downeast Coffee Roasters in Pawtucket. All manufacturing is done by hand in the family garage in Franklin, with the help of dad, Mike Cataldo, who serves as the main advisor to the business. The source material produces a very slight coffee scent but for the most part the logs burn cleanly and without odor, she stressed.

The elder Cataldo has entrepreneurial instincts, also related to energy. “My dad started a biodiesel company, Pure Energy Solutions, in 2007, which he sold around 2014. Since then he has been working for the company he sold it to, Diesel Direct, continuing to sell biodiesel,” noted Maddie.

In addition to selling the logs at Daddario's Hardware, Maddie said the product is available at Osterville Hardware on Cape Cod. “My partner, Maya, is in Golden Colorado and preparing a big order for McGuckin Hardware in Boulder,” she added.

Starting small, Maddie said Blazin’s Joe has been mostly a `soft bootstrap operation’ for now but the process has been helped by some small grants such as $1000 from 1000 Gretas, $2,500 from Mission Zero, and $2,000 from winning a climate innovation competition at CU.

“We’re committed to providing sustainable, non-toxic fire solutions while supporting local businesses like Daddario’s. highlighting the journey from a college project to a business that’s now helping reduce waste, make fires cleaner, and support Franklin’s economy,” Maddie explained.

“While I continue to co-run the business with my partner out in Colorado, Franklin remains at the heart of our mission as we grow,” she added.