About Us
Spools mission is to bring people together through high quality, portable games that turn any setting into a place for connection.
Whether in your backyard or on the go, Spools' mission is to create moments that encourage slowing down, laughing, and making memories with the people who matter most.
A childhood of game nights
Some of our best memories are the clicks of dominoes on Grandma’s kitchen table, the clack of mah-jongg tiles on a felt mat, and my dad teaching me the finer points of a backgammon doubling cube. Board games were our family’s language - a way to pause the week, crowd around the table, and cheer each other on (or talk a little friendly trash).
From tinkerer to tile-maker
I grew up taking things apart, then earning a mechanical-engineering degree, designing hardware at big-name tech companies, and falling head-first into 3-D printing. One weekend I printed a chess set, then an entire custom mahjong set. Friends wanted their own. Strangers in Facebook groups did too. A passion project turned into Spools.
Why do we emphasize floating board games?
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Because summer game nights belong pool-side, not stuck in the dining room.
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Because modern life is on the go, and a great game should fit in your carry-on.
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Because a set that floats sparks conversation before the first piece is moved.
Our mission
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Make them wherever possible, right here in the USA using recyclable materials.
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Bring people together—whether that’s a cottage weekend, family reunion, or Tuesday night league match.
What we build
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Mahjong Sets - travel-weight, customizable with your initials or logo.
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Minimalist Chess & Backgammon - clean lines, magnetic pieces, roll-up boards.
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One-off commissions - have a wild idea? We’ll prototype it
A Note on Mahjong’s Roots
Mahjong is a game with deep cultural roots, originating in 19th-century China and beloved across East and Southeast Asia. Our tiles feature original artwork inspired by the structure and spirit of traditional sets, created with great care and respect for the game’s heritage. We’re grateful to the communities who have kept Mahjong vibrant for generations and are honored to share in celebrating its joy.
Thank you for being here
Every order, DM, and review helps grow this tiny workshop into a sustainable craft studio. A human reads every review and email that comes through. More importantly, your purchase fuels the next round of family laughter, spirited strategy debates, and “just one more game?” evenings.
Pull up a chair, and let’s play.
-Keen
Maker, engineer, lifelong board-game fan