When we first discovered today’s NEXT BIG THING item, the jumbo-sized key to success by Texas-based Austin Tinius of Burger and Friends, we immediately associated it with our fave person to rock a cell phone before they were cool or practical, Zack Morris. Turns out he drew his inspiration from another blond from the late ’80s.

When you sent this snap of yourself you said you were representing Texas, ha ha! Where do you live exactly?
I moved to Denton, TX in 2004. It’s a half hour north of Dallas and a half hour south of legalized gambling. After graduating last year I decided to stick around Denton until a change of scenery is in order.

What’s the craft/design scene like in your area?
I don’t have much involvement with the craft scene in Denton, if there is one, but I participate in an annual craft show in Austin called “Stitch Austin”. If you live in the area I highly recommend going this November!

Describe a typical Burgers and Friends day.
Each day varies, so there’s never really a typical day. A typical week might be more accurate. It consists of screen printing, sending a lot of emails and making a lot of phone calls. Basic business stuff. I force myself to hash out new designs at least twice a year.

Can you tell us more about this case you designed?
The phone was part of a shirt design called “Donald Trump’s Key To Success”, which is why I titled the phone case simply “The Key To Success”. It’s common knowledge that hard-work and determination are no match for a cell phone, ha! Most people who have seen the phone case are reminded of Zack Morris, but let’s not forget the original business man with blond hair. Here’s to you, Trump! Don’t slap me with a lawsuit for thinking you rule.

How did you get your start?
I started making wallets under the name “Burger and Friends” in 2005, but I had been screen printing shirts about a year before that. I made wallets for my friend’s band and they sold pretty well, so I started making more designs and cleaning up the construction of the wallet. Eventually the wallets were nice enough to wholesale and Kidrobot was one of the first stores that bought them. I took that as a good sign so I kept sewing.

Where did the name come from?
The name Burger and Friends is a result of my addiction to fast-food.

What are you all about?
Setting the high score for Ms. Pacman.