My name is Zachery. I’m a 36-year-old single father and construction worker. After a recent injury left me unable to work for a period of time, providing for my family became extremely difficult. During that time, something unexpected happened: a small puzzle business I had built years ago as a hobby began to show real potential.

For some years now, I’ve designed and sold puzzles using third-party manufacturers. The problem was always the same—production costs were so high that prices had to be elevated, leaving little room for sales, growth, or sustainability. Even while I was injured and unable to work, a few puzzle orders still came in. That’s when it became clear that if I could take over manufacturing myself, this could become something real, sustainable, and long-term.

I shared the idea of home-based manufacturing with my son, and he was immediately excited. Together, we decided to relaunch the business from the ground up as partners—eliminating third-party manufacturing and building a local, hands-on, end-to-end puzzle operation. This relaunch includes new accounts, updated platforms, and a significantly more affordable pricing model. Our planned launch has been delayed only because of one missing piece of equipment.

I invested everything I could into learning the process and building the foundation: materials, equipment, software, puzzle design, printing, laminating, and preparing inventory. With experience working around industrial production equipment, I attempted to engineer a cost-saving cutting solution. I quickly learned that puzzle dies require a specialized cutting machine to distribute pressure evenly and safely. That machine is the final piece standing between us and full production—and it also happens to be the most expensive part of the business.

What makes this dream especially meaningful is that I’m building it with my 16-year-old son. I’ve never seen him this passionate about a career path. This isn’t just about income—it’s about teaching skills, working side-by-side, and building something we’re proud of. When our homemade press failed, he wasn’t discouraged—he immediately started brainstorming better solutions.

We already have:

-A large, carefully curated design portfolio with a daily-to-yearly release plan

—Two product lines: premade puzzles and custom photo puzzles

-Completed inventory ready to be cut

-A custom steel puzzle die in hand

-Packaging sourced (with plans to refine and eventually produce our own)

-Shipping fully set up with accounts ready

-Existing and new e-commerce stores prepared for relaunch with new pricing

-One brick-and-mortar retail location committed and patiently awaiting inventory in Western New York

-Completed pre-orders ready to be fulfilled once cutting begins

-A professional fundraising package for clubs, sports teams, and schools

-Everything needed to begin production the moment the cutting press arrives

We have identified two possible machines: an entry-level cutter that would allow us to start immediately, and a higher-end industrial cutter that would serve us long-term. This fundraiser is to help us purchase the correct industrial puzzle cutting machine so we can begin safe, consistent production without compromise.

With this final piece of equipment, we can produce high-quality puzzles at reasonable prices, fulfill existing orders, and expand into additional retail and online channels. Our long-term vision includes additional puzzle sizes, increased production capacity, and eventually building a dedicated puzzle workshop on our farm.

I’ve always wanted to build opportunity instead of just getting by. This business is our chance to create something lasting—something that can be passed down for generations, something built with intention, and something that keeps our family working together.

I’m asking for help funding the final piece of machinery we need to get started. I’m deeply grateful to anyone who chooses to support us. Your kindness helps turn a nearly finished vision into a real, working business—and brings joy to families through puzzles made with care.

Please Share our fundraiser!

Thank you for believing in us,

Zach & Mitchell