Dansons: A Father’s Legacy

In honor of Father’s Day, we want to take some time to celebrate the father son connection that started it all for us here at Louisiana Grills.  

Dansons founder and CEO Dan Thiessen comes from a family of 14 kids, off a farm in southern Manitoba in Canada. 

“He learned a work ethic early in life, and that has served him well throughout his life,” said Dansons co-founder and President Jeff Thiessen about his father.  

A bricklayer by trade, Dan chose a path of entrepreneurship, entering into his first business venture in his early 20s. 

“My dad had a vision around a pellet grill that could be used in harsher climates that could be enjoyed year-round,” Jeff said. 

The business was founded in 1999 out of the desire to create something useful with the leftover wood from sawmills and has grown into the barbecue powerhouse it is today. For this, Jeff credits the work ethic, leadership, and faith of his father. 

“We are all here because of the faith and vision of my father,” Jeff said. “I am so thankful and proud for a dad who has fought us the value of faith, family and hard work. He is a blessing to us all.” 

He says the early product designs and vision aided in getting Louisiana Grills to where it is today. The latest Louisiana Grills lines represent that hard work, dedication, and vision all coming together.  

The Founders Series in particular is an homage to Dan, representing over 20 years of unyielding passion for excellence and an unrivaled dedication to the pellet grill industry and high-end outdoor cooking. 

“The Founders Series is a culmination of all our key performance features, across all our lines,” Jeff said. This includes WiFi connectivity, a flame broiler lever to access an open flame grilling station, double wall lining, and pressurized cooking. 

“We feel very blessed to be in the grilling business,” Jeff said. “The reality is: a grill is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends.” 

So, not only does the Louisiana Grills brand represent quality, superior performance, and cutting-edge design, it’s also representative of strong family values and good times spent with loved ones.  

“From our family to yours, we want to provide quality appliances you can enjoy for many years, creating great memories with family and friends,” Jeff said.