The Beginning: Jenkins Wholesale
The story of Jen-Ken Kilns began in Michigan in 1951 with Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins built a few kilns for his wife’s ceramic and pottery projects, and as word spread about their quality, demand grew and what started as a thoughtful gesture soon blossomed into a small kiln manufacturing business, Jenkins Wholesale.
Becoming Jen-Ken Kilns
In the 1960s, the Jenkins family relocated to sunny Sarasota, Florida, where their business thrived. Eventually, they decided to retire and passed the company to their daughter and son-in-law, Jenny and Kenneth. Combining their first names, Jenny and Kenneth rebranded the business as Jen-Ken Kilns. At the time, Jen-Ken Kilns offered just three ceramic kilns and three glass kilns.
Sir Ramic Porcelain
Today, Jen-Ken Kilns is owned and operated by brothers Mike and Randy Glotfelty, who share a deep-rooted passion for the fired arts. Their journey began with their mother, Bonnie, who discovered her love for ceramics in 1961 while taking local classes. Bonnie soon opened Sir Ramic Porcelain, a bustling ceramic shop in downtown Lakeland, Florida, where she taught classes, made greenware, and sold it along with paints and other supplies for over 30 years. Mike and Randy played a crucial role in the family business, producing over 1,500 gallons of Ex-Cel ceramic slip per month (in 51 colors!) to create the greenware that lined the store shelves. Thanks to the family’s dedication, the shop flourished.
Passing the Torch
When Bonnie closed Sir Ramic Porcelain in the 1980s, Mike and Randy carried on the family’s ceramics legacy by producing cone 6 porcelain slip in 51 colors until 2000. In the 1990s, they attended a trade show where they struck up a conversation with the then-owners of Jen-Ken Kilns, who offered them the opportunity to purchase the company. Recognizing its potential, Mike and Randy acquired Jen-Ken Kilns in June of 1991 and relocated the business to Lakeland, Florida, where it has thrived ever since.
Built by Makers, for Makers
Over the years, Jen-Ken Kilns has expanded to offer more than 60 kiln models designed for ceramics, pottery, glass, and bladesmithing. Each kiln reflects decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and a commitment to supporting artists and makers. Not only does our team build Jen-Ken kilns, but we also use them, giving us firsthand expertise in the fired arts—glass, clay, and bladesmithing!
Rooted in family tradition and fueled by a love of artistry, Jen-Ken Kilns continues to innovate and inspire. From its humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in kiln manufacturing, the company’s dedication to quality and community remains at its core. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your creative journey, Jen-Ken Kilns is here to support you every step of the way!
Jenkins Wholesale
The story of Jen-Ken Kilns began in Michigan in 1951 with Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins built a few kilns for his wife’s ceramic and pottery projects, and as word spread about their quality, demand grew and what started as a thoughtful gesture soon blossomed into a small kiln manufacturing business, Jenkins Wholesale.
Becoming Jen-Ken Kilns
In the 1960s, the Jenkins family relocated to sunny Sarasota, Florida, where their business thrived. Eventually, they decided to retire and passed the company to their daughter and son-in-law, Jenny and Kenneth. Combining their first names, Jenny and Kenneth rebranded the business as Jen-Ken Kilns. At the time, Jen-Ken Kilns offered just three ceramic kilns and three glass kilns.
Sir Ramic Porcelain
Today, Jen-Ken Kilns is owned and operated by brothers Mike and Randy Glotfelty, who share a deep-rooted passion for the fired arts. Their journey began with their mother, Bonnie, who discovered her love for ceramics in 1961 while taking local classes. Bonnie soon opened Sir Ramic Porcelain, a bustling ceramic shop in downtown Lakeland, Florida, where she taught classes, made greenware, and sold it along with paints and other supplies for over 30 years. Mike and Randy played a crucial role in the family business, producing over 1,500 gallons of Ex-Cel ceramic slip per month (in 51 colors!) to create the greenware that lined the store shelves. Thanks to the family’s dedication, the shop flourished.
Passing the Torch
When Bonnie closed Sir Ramic Porcelain in the 1980s, Mike and Randy carried on the family’s ceramics legacy by producing cone 6 porcelain slip in 51 colors until 2000. In the 1990s, they attended a trade show where they struck up a conversation with the then-owners of Jen-Ken Kilns, who offered them the opportunity to purchase the company. Recognizing its potential, Mike and Randy acquired Jen-Ken Kilns in June of 1991 and relocated the business to Lakeland, Florida, where it has thrived ever since.
Built by Makers, for Makers
Over the years, Jen-Ken Kilns has expanded to offer more than 60 kiln models designed for ceramics, pottery, glass, and bladesmithing. Each kiln reflects decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and a commitment to supporting artists and makers. Not only does our team build Jen-Ken kilns, but we also use them, giving us firsthand expertise in the fired arts—glass, clay, and bladesmithing!
Rooted in family tradition and fueled by a love of artistry, Jen-Ken Kilns continues to innovate and inspire. From its humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in kiln manufacturing, the company’s dedication to quality and community remains at its core. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your creative journey, Jen-Ken Kilns is here to support you every step of the way!
