Avid home cooks Daniel Winer and Cole Mecray–frustrated with the options available on the market–decide to disrupt the cookware space. After scouring the globe, they discover a miraculous new manufacturing technique able to marry the durability of cast iron, searing power of stainless steel, and convenience of nonstick.

The partners drained their savings and retirement accounts, maxed out credit cards, and took out loans. They assembled packages of HexClad pans in their backyards and drove around their small towns, hand-delivering them to customers.

People noticed their attention to detail, and the buzz began: California design; laser etching; high-grade Japanese nonstick coating; diamond dust. These pans were works of art. Suddenly, HexClad was the fastest-growing cookware brand in America.

Scrolling through Instagram one day, 22-time Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay spied HexClad. He tried them out, was smitten, and joined the brand as a partner. He now uses the products at his restaurants around the globe and in his portfolio of TV shows.

HexClad has sold $500M in cookware, is available in over 30 countries worldwide, and is on its way to unicorn status.