If you've ever set foot into one of the many Tinder Box retail tobacconist shops, then you probably understand why our customers keep coming back. Tinder Box was originally founded in 1928 by Ed Kolpin, one of the true pioneers of the pipe business. After many successful years Kolpin desired to give others the opportunity to experience Tinder Box and sold his first franchise in 1959, long before franchises where common among American business operations. For years Tinder Box was not only the largest pipe and tobacco retailer in North America, it was also the largest franchise operation.