Who?

James Koehne is the Founder and CEO of Koehne’s Games.

What?

Koehne’s Games is a board game company with its first board game, Fishing for Compliments, released in 2025.

When?

Koehne’s Games began as an LLC in June 2023. Much of 2023 focused on playtesting the company’s first board game. Much of 2024 focused on the manufacturing, art, and legal aspects of the board game creation process. Now, in 2025, Koehne’s Games is selling its first board game.

Where?

Koehne’s Games anticipates operating primarily as an e-commerce company, selling Fishing for Compliments on Amazon and Shopify. But don’t be surprised if you see Koehne’s Games selling in-person in the NJ/NY area soon. Stay tuned!

Why?

I started Koehne’s Games for two main reasons: 1) I love board games and 2) I got inspiration from my inventive grandfather.

I’ve loved games for as long as I can remember. In my earliest years, my family played what seemed like just about every board game ever made with me, from the fan favorites (e.g., Monopoly, Clue, etc.) to the more obscure ones (e.g., Rummikub, Race to the Roof, etc.). In middle school, I became an avid Scrabble and chess player. In high school, I met some of my closest friends from the Puzzle Club at Regis High School. In college, I facilitated games in my house lounge at The University of Chicago (“UChicago”). Post college, I kept connected with old friends and got to know new friends from online games during the pandemic. At every stage of my life, games have been an instrumental part of my identity.

In addition to my parents, my late grandfather profoundly fostered my desire to do this. Among his many wonderful qualities, his ingenuity during his 40+ year career in chemistry was astounding. His contributions to flavors, fragrances, and skin care products (e.g., co-authoring 20+ patents) inspired me to follow in his footsteps and pursue a path where I too could hone my creativity. I wanted to create something of my own like he did many times in the lab. It was also important to me to create something in his honor, as someone who lived so cheerfully and signed off all his letters and emails with the words "good thoughts.” His enduring warmth and cheerfulness, even in the face of life’s challenges, taught me the very essence of Fishing for Compliments: to be kind, respectful, and positive toward everyone.

To pay homage to my grandfather, who was born on March 3rd, which made our family’s lucky number #3, the two dice in the company logo are 3’s.

Today, his wife, my maternal grandmother, proudly wears a company sweatshirt with this logo.

How?

YOU! If you’re reading this website, there’s a good chance you’ve been instrumental in the success of Koehne’s Games. I’d like to thank everyone who has playtested the game, made suggestions on the design process, and shared words of encouragement along the way. Without you, Koehne’s Games would not be what it is today.