CORONAVIRUS

Utah Board Game Company Makes Switch To KN95 Masks

Apr 6, 2020, 7:55 PM | Updated: 8:35 pm

SPRINGVILLE, Utah – Social distancing continues to be tough for many Utah businesses. At least one is trying to recoup from that by joining in the fight against COVID-19. The Springville company is making the unexpected switch to medical supplies.

Normally, Mayday Games would be shipping tabletop games out to brick and mortar stores. Not so much lately. Instead, they’re selling some personal protection against COVID-19.

It’s the not exactly the business Seth Hiatt dreamed of. Certainly not when hundreds of his board games have been sitting on the shelves, and in the warehouse.

With game stores across the country shut down, the largest revenue stream for Mayday Games was down.

“Our largest distributor just emailed us a couple of weeks ago – about 10 days ago. Right after I sent him $17,000 worth of product, and said, ‘We’re not going to pay anybody right now,’” Hiatt said.

Two employees were still shipping some of those products directly to customers, but not nearly enough to keep things going.

Hiatt said when times get tough, you have to get creative. He learned Chinese factories were ready to send KN95 masks to the United States.

“They’re like the Chinese standard equivalent to the N95s,” he said.

With the KN95 masks now approved by the FDA for use in the states, Hiatt decided to become a temporary distributor.

The first shipment of 2,000 were sold out within 15 minutes.

“I think, between trying to not price gouge them, and trying to get them in the hands of the community is kind of a good mix,” Hiatt said. “People really want them and they can’t find them, and some people really need them.”
Hiatt said several orders were already on the waiting list for the healthcare industry, and for first responders.

On top of that, he said 10 percent of every order will be donated to healthcare workers in Utah.

“(It) keeps all of us working, and makes us enough money to keep the lights on,” he said.

These masks are being sold through sleevekings.com. Hiatt said they’re being careful not to price gouge, selling them at about $2.50 a piece, and selling them in much larger numbers to the healthcare industry.

(KSL TV) (KSL TV) (KSL TV) (KSL TV) (KSL TV) (KSL TV)

KSL 5 TV Live

Coronavirus

FILE: Former Utah Jazz John Stockton reacts during a 76-70 Wichita State win over the Gonzaga Bulld...

Michael Houck

Former Utah Jazz star John Stockton sues Washington medical director about COVID misinformation policy

Former Utah Jazz superstar John Stockton has filed a federal lawsuit against Washington officials on First Amendment violations, arguing the state's policy of COVID-19 misinformation is unconstitutional.

16 days ago

Deer Creek Reservoir...

Alex Cabrero

State parks expecting another record visitation year, hiring more workers

It didn't matter how cold or snowy it was at Deer Creek State Park Friday afternoon. Nothing was going to stop Leonard Sawyer from taking his boat out to do a little fishing.

1 month ago

FILE —  Respiratory virus illness activity continues to increase across the US.
(Joe Burbank/Orl...

Emma Benson

‘Not viruses to mess around with’: Experts urge caution during ongoing ‘tripledemic’

Experts say though not as severe as last year, this winter we're seeing another "tripledemic" – rising cases of COVID-19, flu and RSV in Utah.

3 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Emma Benson

‘The ICUs are full:’ Keep yourself and others healthy this holiday

It's time for holiday gatherings, but with more people around us comes a greater risk of getting sick.

3 months ago

Julianna Preece goes through the mountain of medical documents she's acquired for her health condit...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Herriman couple is suing CVS, says 5x Covid vaccine dose mistake caused health problems

A couple is suing a Utah CVS vaccination clinic, saying a nurse’s mistake led to the wife receiving five times the normal COVID-19 vaccine dose and caused serious health issues she’s still dealing with today.

4 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Associated Press

More free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail

Americans can order more free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery.

4 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah Board Game Company Makes Switch To KN95 Masks