UCON — Farmer Todd Piquet claims to have engineered the farthest reaching lung-powered blowgun in the U.S.

    Sugar Shooters Marshmallow Guns can catapult soft objects up to 170 feet. Most blowguns shoot objects 20-25 feet, according to Piquet. He first launched his product in 2003.

    “I’m not just doing this for the money, it’s for the joy I get from selling these family-friendly guns and giving people an excuse for little outings,” Piquet says. “Young and old, I love seeing the look on their face when they’re introduced to this toy. It outperforms anything like it on the market. I love the shock factor, they are blown away.”

    The self-proclaimed kid-at-heart is hoping to triple his sales this year. He is  currently pumping out an average of 600 a month.

    “My main goal is to expand the business and be able to provide more jobs for the community,” Piquet says. “My wife works right now, and I want to be able to make enough money so she can stay home with our one-year old son.”

    In 2013, Piquet’s garage-based operation became a limited liability company, or LLC, and he modified the toy gun’s design by adding a plastic handle.

    “That’s when the gun started getting popular,” Piquet says. “I teamed up with Plastics Inc. in Idaho Falls. We sat down together and worked out the details. We are proud to point out that the handle is made in the U.S.”

    Piquet says he has turned down several offers to buy him out.

    “At first, I considered taking the money,” he explains. “When I found out they would be taking the work to China, I declined. I only deal with U.S. vendors, people I know in Utah and Arizona, and employ locals. I have some BYU-Idaho students that work for me and my parents who decorate each barrel by hand with high-grade, foil stickers and duct tape.”

    Sugar Shooters Marshmallow Guns are sold in parts of Idaho, Wyoming, Utah and Arizona. They propel miniature marshmallows and foam darts.

    “They are safe for kids ages 5 and up. I have never heard of anyone choking on it,” Piquet says. “The (activity) concept is similar to paintball guns. But, kids could get hurt playing paintball. This toy is affordable and fun for the entire family.”

    Sugar shooters can dispatch up to seven foam darts and up to three miniature marshmallows with one exhale.

    “It can shoot around a corner too,” Piquet adds. “We also sell foam darts and laser sight attachment pens. You have to be 18 and up to purchase a laser.”

    As far as the design goes, customers can request a custom look. They can also choose between 30 other designs, including holiday themed patterns.

     “We also clean, sanitize and reuse a set we have for rent,” Piquet says. “We will  bring the guns in, do the set up and clean up so all you have to worry about is having a good time.”

    The man, who grew up in Idaho Falls, is working to create the next generation of sugar shooters — ones that load and shoot  jumbo marshmallows.

    “I don’t think I’ll ever grow up,” Piquet concludes. “I may be 33, but I will always be six at heart.”

    Piquet helps run his family farm in Ucon. Depending on the year, they raise corn, wheat and barley.

   To place a sugar shooter order, send an e-mail to mallowbiz@gmail.com or dial 208-419-8275. You can also find them on Facebook.