John & David Collar started in the Fireworks business in 1964 when they bought a firework stand from a friend’s father. The business was part time and grew to several seasonal locations. In 1979, they incorporated and named the company Winco Fireworks. Winco only handles consumer fireworks. In 1998 Winco partnered with Li&Fung from Hong Kong owners of the Black Cat brand and eventually became the sole US distributor of Black Cat throughout the United States. Black Cat is the oldest most recognized fireworks brand in America. Today Winco and its affiliates operate nine distribution centers and 38 brick and mortar retail stores in 18 states. Winco Fireworks employees approximately 275 year-round employees and over 2000 seasonal employees. Its corporate office is in Prairie Village, KS. Winco is a member of the American Pyrotechnics Associations, American Fireworks Standards Laboratory, National Council on Fireworks Safety and numerous State associations.