Most of us in the the California fire service community have heard of From The Ground Up and the work they have been doing for Hold Your Horses, California Fire Foundation and California Benevolent Foundation. What we know little about is who started it and what their mission truly is. Today, we sit down with Kyle Baker and talk about the heart behind the foundation and what they have planned for the future.

Kyle Baker is the founder and owner of From The Ground Up. Being raised by parents who have journeyed into multiple family businesses throughout his life, entrepreneurship, hard work, and giving back to the community have always been a part of his life. With two children and a family of his own now, he wanted to move embark on his own journey. After a family friend went through a terrible tragedy, he witnessed the love and support of the community coming together in a time of need and knew he wanted to recreate that into a movement. That came to fruition in 2020 with From The Ground Up, family based organization dedicated to connecting communities in times of need. They bring attention to victims of tragedy and natural disasters through thoughtfully designed products that aid in the financial burden of loss. The Wildfire Project is there first of what they hope to be many.

Being California natives, their hearts break year after year watching fires ravage the state, displacing and taking the lives of our neighbors and wildlife. They created hats made from retired fire hose depicting the CA bear and their brand. 100% proceeds go back to the organizations they are partnered with: California Benevolent Foundation, Hold Your Horses and California Fire Foundation. They plan to pursue different projects throughout the years in hopes of building up their communities and rebuild them from the ground up. You can find them on Instagram @fromthegroundup.store or visit their website fromthegroundup.store to learn more and make a purchase.