How a Firefighter's Sunglasses Business Hit $1M in Sales

January 24th, 2025

Founded By
Mike Ettenberg
Starting Costs
$5K
Founders
1
Profitable
Yes
Year Started
2021
Customer
B2B & B2C

Who is Mike Ettenberg?

Mike Ettenberg, the founder of Frontline Optics, hails from Santa Barbara, California, and transitioned from a decade-long career as a firefighter and EMS worker in San Diego to entrepreneurship. He attended San Diego State University, where he pursued his passion for innovative solutions, creating durable sunglasses tailored for first responders.

Mike Ettenberg, the founder of Frontline Optics

Mike Ettenberg, the founder of Frontline Optics

What problem does Frontline Optics solve?

Frontline Optics provides durable and stylish sunglasses designed to withstand the demanding conditions faced by first responders, offering a practical solution where ordinary sunglasses frequently get damaged, making them essential for the job.

Frontline Optics

Frontline Optics

How did Mike come up with the idea for Frontline Optics?

Mike Ettenberg's venture, Frontline Optics, emerged from his firsthand frustration as a firefighter. During his...

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Sources (5)

finehomesandliving.com medium.com frontline-optics.com listennotes.com youtu.be
3 articles · 1 podcast · 1 youtube
finehomesandliving.com
finehomesandliving.com Article
Mike Ettenberg's Journey from Firefighter to Entrepreneur with Frontline Optics
In the vibrant city of San Diego, where the sun shines brightly and the surf beckons, a local hero has channeled his frontline experience...
medium.com
medium.com Article · 2024
Making Something From Nothing: Mike Ettenberg of frontline-optics.com On How To Go From Idea To Launch
You will make critical mistakes but those lessons are best learned when the company is small. Mistakes happen, some minor, some major ...
frontline-optics.com
frontline-optics.com Article
Our Story
I’m Mike, founder of Frontline Optics. I have worked in Fire and Emergency Services for nearly a decade, and the one item that I’ve made...
listennotes.com
listennotes.com Podcast · 2025
649: This Firefighter’s Side Hustle Grew to $1M in Sales
Some of the best ideas are born out of necessity. Mike Ettenberg decided to solve a common problem among first responders - scratched and...
youtu.be
youtu.be YouTube · 2024
Lessons From a Firefighter Turned Sunglasses Entrepreneur | Owner Frontline Optics. Mike Ettenberg
As a military veteran or first responder, you need to be planning and implementing strategies to prepare for your transition into civilia...

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