Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Kostyak.
Hi Barbara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 1996, Brad and I married and became partners in a homebuilding business in central Pennsylvania. We purchased a skid loader and quickly realized the standard loader bucket wasn’t suitable for tasks like brush removal, lawn preparation, grading, and storm cleanup. Brad theorized that a two sided rake mounted to the end of the loader bucket could be used while the machine is moving forward or in reverse and this capability would be beneficial in various applications. We had multiple prototypes locally fabricated and following rigorous testing we filed a U.S. patent, which took about five years to receive. In 2009, the home building industry trended downward so we decided to transition into a new company based around our new loader bucket attachment and launch Ratchet Rake LLC, based in Carlisle, PA. Since then, we’ve expanded our brand to include snow removal attachments and pull-behind Ratchet Rakes for ATVs and garden tractors.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Brad always thought that the two-sided rake would not be a commercial success unless the operator could be attached to the loader bucket in about a minute without the use of any tools. The largest obstacle continued to be the lack of a suitable attachment method for mounting the two=sided rake to the loader bucket. Brad developed specialized connection brackets that were welded to the edge of the rake and utilized a pair of ratchet straps and steel cables to securely fasten the rake to the cutting edge of the loader bucket.
During the first five years the Ratchet Rake business continually grew from March until November but left us with a wintertime slowdown. In the tractor industry, there are already a large number of companies that offer conventional snowplows and snow blower attachments, so we were reluctant to enter that space. Brad theorized that a device that clamped onto the loader bucket for snow removal and protected sensitive surfaces such as concrete and asphalt from damage could potentially be a commercial success, Brad went onto develop a metal clamp on attachment that utilized replaceable plastic to protect surfaces from the loader buckets metal edge during snow removal. Since the release of the Snow Edge about ten years ago, the Snow Edge product line has experienced continuous growth. As this product was initially intended for use over hard surfaces such as pavement and concrete, we were surprised to find out that the Snow Edge was being used to remove snow from the rubber surface in front of the bleachers at the Denver Broncos stadium (formerly mile high). High customer demand, coupled with recent heavy snowfalls, has made keeping the Snow Edge in stock a challenge.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Ratchet Rake LLC?
We specialize in attachments for tractors and all terrain vehicles. Our company offers three lines of products for grading, brush removal, and snow removal solutions to homeowners and business owners alike. We have carved out a unique business space among established multi billion dollar corporations. Our flagship product, the Ratchet Rake, has sold over 20,000 units since its introduction and is commonly used as a chemical free solution to remove unwanted brush and vegetation. We are proud that the Ratchet Rake has potentially saved the environment from exposure to thousands of gallons of harmful herbicides.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Our two sons have helped us throughout the years in various capacities. Our older son, Alex, has been instrumental with our computer set up and with installing software to cater to our business. Our younger son, Nick, has stepped in many times to help in our office as well as with moving our heavy attachments.
My business partner, Brad, is a construction equipment operator and his experiences inspired the development of our product line. Although I have limited experience operating tractors, I do come from a family with a long agricultural background in Perry County, Pennsylvania. I remember my grandfather, Harry Hall, operating tractors on the “Hall farm and dairy” from a young age. Those early years shaped who I am today, teaching me the value of hard work, resourcefulness, and the simple joys of family and community. *The picture attached is of a younger me with my late father holding my oldest son Alex (now 28) and my late grandfather standing by my side.
Pricing:
- 430.00-560.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ratchetrake.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atvandtractorattachments/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ratchet-rake-llc/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ratchetrakellc
