THE ORIGIN STORY
When a popular rake they sold in their store was discontinued, Gladwin, Michigan residents David and Mary Moore decided to re-create their own version to serve their loyal customers. They spent five years working with local companies and business groups like the CMU (Central Michigan University) Research Corp to develop a durable, double-tined rake made of 100% recyclable mater
ials. Then in February, the owners of Stone Cottage Gardens, 3740 Willford Road in Gladwin, launched The Little Black Rake, a lightweight and easy-to-use alternative to the heavier rakes on the market. To top it off, not only was the rake re-engineered locally, but it’s also manufactured locally.
“We’re really excited it’s a Mid-Michigan product,” Mary said. “It’s all made within an 80-mile radius of Gladwin.”
The Little Black Rake is a time saver because one swipe of the rake produces a clean area. The black, 14-inch wide rake has two sets of curved tines that are offset. What the first set of tines misses, the second set picks up. Weighing in at just over a pound, the rake also is a back saver. The Little Black Rake was designed for people who often struggle with regular, heavy rakes — women, teens, and older individuals, Mary said.
“I am exhausted after 15 minutes (with a regular rake),” Mary said. “It really does save on your back.”
The small size of the rake head makes it ideal for cleaning out shrubs, under trees, and underneath decks, too, David said in a YouTube promotional video for the product created by the CMU Research Corp.
