On top of wearing many hats of being an educator as well as being a highly respected basketball coach entering his fourth season at West Plains High School, Kendall Cogburn also has another passion he truly cares for.
Each and every summer during the week of the July 4th Holiday, Cogburn has carried on a family tradition owning and running a firework stand.
“I started running my own firework stand in 2012,” Cogburn said. “We opened in Shamrock. That’s where I grew up. My dad (Ray) was coaching there, and he ran a firework stand and I always loved being a part of it. So, I thought I’d open one up when I was older. I’ve always enjoyed fireworks, and being a part of the business.”
From Shamrock, Cogburn moved his stand to Bushland, and now has opened three stands as part of his Cogburn Fireworks conglomeration. The other two stands are in Canadian and on his property that sits on 15689 FM 2186 just southwest of West Plains High School.
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Cogburn and his wife Kelly run the home firework stand and Cogburn has now seen things come full circle. From running a stand as a kid, Cogburn now has two of his children, Kollier, and Karoline, helping and learning the business more and more every year.
“It’s awesome to see,” Cogburn said. “Kollier and Karoline both are so interested in this and now know everything about selling fireworks. I also think it teaches them life skills of dealing with adults, it teaches them work ethic, being responsible and building relationships. They are a great help to me.”
What Cogburn loves the most, is being local and being a trusted salesman for his valued customer. Being a coach, he knows how important it is to give the best quality service each and every time a family comes to visit and buy fireworks.
“I’ve learned a lot since I’ve opened stands on my own,” Cogburn said. “I’ve learned the best fit for each customer, but I’ve learned it’s a lot like coaching. It’s about finding conversation and catching up with people who come to the stand. We enjoy visiting with people and we want them to have the best experience when they come see us.”
Cogburn also takes care of other coaches. West Plains offensive line coach Graden Long runs the Bushland stand for Cogburn and newly appointed Ropesville basketball coach Cameron Copley is taking care of the Canadian firework stand.
“I’ve been with Kendall for the last three years,” Long said. “I love it. My family comes and helps me and hangs out with me. We get to catch up with people we never get to see. I think it’s awesome what Kendall is doing and we want to do the best job for him selling as many fireworks as we can.”
Copley agreed.
“This is my first year running a firework stand and it’s been awesome,” Copley said. “It’s been fun to re-connect with coach Long and coach Cogburn. I worked with both of them at West Plains. I think that shows relationships go a long ways in our world. It’s been cool getting to see a lot of people around Canadian. This is my home even though I’m going to coach in Ropes.”
To check out more information about Cogburn Fireworks, please visit https://www.cogburnfireworks.com/