You’ve probably seen the red-and-yellow signs from the highway. Phantom Fireworks is everywhere. If you’ve ever bought a “Ground Bloom Flower” or a massive mortar kit for the Fourth of July, you’ve basically handed money to the Zoldan family. But while Bruce Zoldan is the face of the empire, there is a lot of chatter lately about the next generation, specifically Alex Zoldan.
Is he the one running the show now? Not quite, but he’s right in the thick of it.
Honestly, the fireworks business is a weird mix of high-stakes logistics and old-school family legacy. It’s not just about things that go boom. It’s about fighting tariffs, managing massive supply chains from China, and staying relevant in a world where everyone has a phone in their face. Alex Zoldan, often seen alongside his father Bruce, is a key piece of how this Youngstown-based giant is pivoting for the future.
Who Exactly is Alex Zoldan?
Alex is the son of Bruce Zoldan, the man who famously started this whole thing by selling sparklers out of the back of a Chevy Impala in the 70s. For a long time, Alex was mostly known in the public eye for his connections—specifically his friendship with NFL star Travis Kelce.
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Yeah, that Travis Kelce.
They’re both Ohio guys. In fact, back in 2024, Alex was the bridge that brought Kelce into the world of horse racing. They acquired a significant share in a gelding named Swift Delivery through Team Valor International. But if you think Alex is just a "socialite" son, you're missing the business side.
In recent years, especially heading into 2025 and 2026, Alex Zoldan has taken on a much more visible role as a co-owner and executive at Phantom Fireworks. He’s not just sitting in a boardroom; he’s on the warehouse floor in Warren, Ohio, leading tours for local officials and explaining why your Roman candles might cost more this year.
The Tariff War and the $2.2 Million Headache
If you want to understand the pressure on Alex Zoldan right now, look at the "Tariff Spike" of 2025.
Earlier this year, tariffs on certain imports spiked to a staggering 145%. Alex was vocal about the impact, noting that the duty alone on one shipment cost the company $2.2 million. Most people don’t realize that 99% of consumer fireworks are handmade in China—specifically in the Hunan and Jiangxi provinces.
"There’s no manufacturing base to protect here," Alex basically told officials during a recent economic tour. He compares fireworks to coffee or cocoa. You can't just suddenly decide to grow it in Ohio. It takes decades to build the infrastructure for pyrotechnics.
Because of this, Alex has been heavily involved in the "behind-the-scenes" boring stuff that keeps the lights on:
- Lobbying for tariff exemptions so your backyard show doesn't double in price.
- Managing the 2026 "America 250" inventory. The 250th anniversary of the U.S. is expected to be the biggest fireworks year in history.
- Rebranding efforts. Following the acquisition of Sky King Fireworks stores, the Zoldans are streamlining the brand to ensure Phantom remains the dominant name.
The Youngstown Legacy
The Zoldan family is deeply tied to Youngstown, Ohio. They don't just sell fireworks; they own the Youngstown Phantoms (a Tier 1 USHL hockey team) and donate millions to Youngstown State University.
Alex is part of that "giving back" culture. He was recently involved in a $1 million donation to YSU to honor his grandparents, Sam and Sylvia Zoldan. It’s a classic "local boy makes good" story, but with a lot more gunpowder involved.
There's a specific kind of nuance to how Alex operates compared to Bruce. Bruce is the pioneer who fought the legal battles to make fireworks legal in various states. Alex is more of the modern operator. He’s focused on the resilience of the supply chain. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Phantom almost completely ran out of stock because everyone was stuck at home with extra cash. Alex saw firsthand how volatile the market can be.
Safety Isn't Just a Slogan
One thing Alex Zoldan frequently emphasizes is that they are a "safety-first" company. This isn't just corporate speak. Phantom is a founding member of the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory (AFSL).
They actually test the products twice:
- In China: At the factory level before the containers even get on a ship.
- In the U.S.: At their receiving warehouses to make sure nothing was damaged or compromised during the trans-Pacific journey.
If a product is damaged? Alex and his team coordinate with local fire departments—like those in Pennsylvania—to dispose of the items safely. They aren't just dumping duds in the trash.
Looking Toward the 250th Anniversary
As we move toward the massive celebrations planned for 2026, Alex Zoldan is the one making sure the shelves aren't empty. The "America 250" celebration is basically the Super Bowl for the Zoldan family.
They are currently building what Alex calls a "record-breaking inventory." The goal is to have every backyard from Maine to Nevada lit up. It’s a massive gamble on logistics, shipping costs, and consumer sentiment.
What most people get wrong about Alex Zoldan and Phantom Fireworks is thinking the business is on autopilot. It’s not. Between fluctuating trade relations with China and the transition from a first-generation founder to a second-generation leadership team, there’s a lot of "controlled chaos" behind those colorful boxes of "Dragon’s Breath."
How to Buy Like a Zoldan (Actionable Tips)
If you're planning for a big event, don't just walk into a tent on July 3rd. Follow the "industry insider" logic that Alex and his team use to manage their own stock.
- Shop the "Off-Season": Phantom showrooms are open year-round. Prices are often more stable in May than they are in late June when demand peaks.
- Check the "BOGO" Reality: Often, the Buy-One-Get-One deals are the best value for "fountains" and "repeaters," but always check the gram count of the powder. That's the real measure of power.
- Join the Loyalty Program: Seriously. The "Premier Showroom" members get access to coupons that actually offset the recent price hikes caused by those 35% (and higher) tariffs Alex has been fighting.
- Focus on the 500-Gram Cakes: If you want the "professional" look without a license, look for the 500-gram aerial repeaters. These are the maximum legal limit for consumer fireworks and what the Zoldans use for their own family demos.
The transition of power in a family empire is never simple. But with Alex Zoldan taking a lead on the operational and community-facing side of Phantom Fireworks, the company seems to be moving away from its "trunk of the car" roots toward a more sophisticated, global logistics future.
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Keep an eye on the 2026 sales numbers. That will be the real test of the "new" Phantom under the next generation of Zoldan leadership.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Local Ordinances: Before stocking up, verify if your specific municipality has changed its "use" laws for 2026, as many states are updating regulations ahead of the 250th anniversary.
- Inspect Your Storage: If you bought early to beat the tariff-related price hikes, ensure your fireworks are stored in a cool, dry place inside a plastic bin to prevent moisture from ruining the pyrotechnic composition.
- Plan Your "Finale" First: Expert pyrotechnicians (and the Zoldans themselves) suggest picking your biggest 500-gram "finale" cake first, then building the rest of your show’s rhythm around that single point of impact.