Patio and Hearth Products Report March/April 2022

MARCH/APRIL 2022 | www.patioandhearthproductsreport.com

Sun-kissed Designs

OW LEE

Page 16

Bring in the Spring

BRITISH FIRES

NAPOLEON

EUROPEAN HOME

Page 34

Warming Homes for Three Generations

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CONTENTS March/April 2022

87 48 Corporate Profile – In Great Demand

By Larry Thomas Seaside Casual Furniture’s EnviroWood designs are highly desirable for their durability and sustainability.

FEATURES

8 Guest Editorial – Decide to be Excellent

By LuAnn Nigara A retail business consultant offers a strategic approach to achieving success during uncertain times.

16 Spotlight – Brighter Days

By Greg Thompson The season’s innovative and stylish shade offerings are sure to be top sellers for specialty retailers.

26 Hearth Retailer – Doing It All

By Kimberly Rodgers Supplying products for both the retail and wholesale markets keeps this Illinois hearth store busy and profitable.

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50 Insight – One to Watch

By Larry Thomas Product quality, fashion-forward designs, and strong customer service have made Sunbelievable a major player in outdoor fabrics.

30 Outdoor Grilling – Full Speed Ahead

By Maura Keller Popular product offerings and exceptional customer service have made this shop one of Arizona’s strongest grill retailers.

52 Insight – The Hinge Masters

By Cherise Forno Grill manufacturers in need of motion control solutions turn to Weber Knapp for its specialized hinges.

34 Showroom Showcase – Business Boom

By Sharon Sanders A popular outdoor-living store takes advantage of its location in the fifth-fastest growing metro area in the U.S.

54 Last Word – People First

By Laurie Rudd Solid relationships with customers, co-workers, and consumers are the key to The Outdoor GreatRoom Company’s success.

38 As I See It – BBQ Blast

By Sharon Sanders The American Made Grills brand gains a strong following as customers seek high-quality, U.S.-made products.

42 My Turn – A Good Move

By Kimberly Rodgers OW Lee’s move to Texas allowed it to add twice as much manufacturing space as its previous location in California.

46 Product Innovation – In Hot Pursuit

By Maura Keller Hearth & Home Technologies’ bestselling brands continue to take center stage in the industry.

DEPARTMENTS 6 Wellness – Publisher’s Viewpoint 10 Industry News 56 HPBExpo Roundup 60 What’s New: 6 Hot Products to Sell Now

ON THE COVER | OW Lee (800) 776-9533 or www.owlee.com 4

PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

83 62 Product Profiles 90 Product Profiles Directory 90 Ad Index

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PUBLISHER’S VIEWPOINT

WELLNESS

Wellness and mental health has been one of the key topics of discussion over the past few years. And according to research that was recently conducted

by Napoleon in the form of the “Psychology of Fire,” fireplaces are beacons of health and wellness. In a survey of 4,801 consumers in the United States and Canada, the results highlight the benefits of a fireplace inside or outside the home. Fireplaces help contribute to reduced stress levels and positively impact mental and physical health.

Here are some of the highlights from the survey.

Wellness is an issue.

51% say that their life is more stressful than it was two years ago (pre-pandemic).

63% agree that their health and wellness are more important now than before the pandemic.

People are looking for ways to improve health and wellness.

Improving physical (64%) and mental (63%) health and wellness are the top 2022 goals.

70% like to find ways to minimize stress on a daily basis.

68% are always looking for ways to improve their mental health and wellness.

56% try to have “no-stress” areas or rooms in their living space.

Wellness sells.

70% are interested in products that can positively improve their health and wellness.

54% would pay more for a product if it positively impacts their mental or physical health.

Fireplaces are already beacons of health and wellness.

73% agree that fireplaces are more than just a source of heat.

74% agree that fireplaces help them feel more relaxed when they sit in a room with them.

ABOVE: Superior WRT8000 Wood Burning Fireplace from Innovative Hearth Products, manufacturer of Astria and Superior Fireplaces.

Tony Ramos

Nod to Hot Spots: 76% agree that fireplaces create a more sociable and inviting room (overlap of functional, relaxation and social benefits).

Positioning fireplaces as beacons of health and wellness increases consumer interest and projected spend.

61% of consumers were more interested in fireplaces when shown the health benefits associated with fireplaces.

62% said that they would be willing to spend more on a fireplace when shown the health benefits associated with fireplaces.

26% of respondents said that they would be willing to pay at least 10% more for a fireplace after being shown the health benefits associated with fireplaces.

The average number of rooms that respondents would be willing to put a fireplace increased 15% (1.61 to 1.85) after being shown the health benefits associated with fireplaces.

Specialty retailers/ dealers are always looking for different and unique ways to position the products and services they offer consumers and the design community. While a sales presentation for hearth-related products may not lead off with the mental and physical health benefits associated with installing and adding hearth-related products to a home, based on the research presented in the “Psychology of Fire,” mentioning the wellness and mental health aspects of fireplaces and other hearthrelated products should be incorporated into the sales presentation at some point.

I recently came across a good explanation as to why fire helps reduce stress levels and contributes to a relaxed state of mind. Published by Burlington Fireplace, Stove & Solar (Burlington, Wisconsin), the study states, “The reason we experience internal relaxation when watching a ‘normal’ fire is, according to the researchers, because our mind is drawn into the flames, and the longer this happens, the more we let go of the jumble of everyday concerns. In this non-distracted, peaceful state, anxieties are naturally reduced.”

My blood pressure dropped five points just writing this Publisher’s Viewpoint!

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MUST READS ∂

An Illinois hearth retailer credits a skillful service team for its success—it has seven expert technicians factory trained and certified by the National Fireplace Institute.

Doing it All, p. 26

∑ By staggering orders and bolstering inventory, an Arizona grill and hearth shop stays one step ahead of supply chain snags.

Full Speed Ahead, p. 30

∏ This Utah patio store enjoys the resources and networking opportunities from being a member of the International Casual Furnishings Association.

Business Boom, p. 34

π The state-of-the-art paint line at OW Lee’s new Texas manufacturing facility provides even more durable finishing and greater output.

A Good Move, p. 42

ARIA COLLECTION S ensuous and sle ek, Aria is a great de sign for for mal or ca sua l setti ng s.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND KITCHE N S +($'48$57(56 Υ 9449 8th Street | Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 Phone: 909.989.9977 | Fax: 909.989.9970 | Toll Free: 866.964.4468 &+,&$*2 6+2:5220 Υ Merchandise Mart Suite 1667 | Chicago, IL 60654 G E N S U N CA S UA L .C O M

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GUEST EDITORIAL

BY LUANN NIGARA PUBLISHER Tony Ramos

DECIDE TO BE EXCELLENT

tramos@peninsula-media.com

MANAGING EDITOR Carol Daus

IT’S NO NEWS FLASH

that the home décor market has been under a tsunami of business since COVID-19 started. In my experience, these last 23 months have been harder than any of the three recessions I’ve been through. This business climate has been a double-edged sword. Just like you, I am grateful for the increased business, but like you, I am exhausted and frustrated by the product delays, the staffing shortages, closing for quarantining, etc.

So, what do we do from here? It is the first quarter of a new year and we have to find some mojo, don’t we?

Whether you are the CEO or a sales rep, we have to keep digging, one foot in front of another. What else can we do?

I’ll tell you what I do. I make lists. I decide what I will and will not do. I map out my non-negotiables, and I craft a plan to make them happen.

On my podcast, A Well-Designed Business, I end every show with one of my personal mantras: Decide To Be Excellent. Excellent in process and systems, excellent in marketing, excellent in client experience. And I know, those who Decide To Be Excellent continually improve their business and their careers.

But it is getting hard. Hard to stay positive, hard to stay on track and to keep our heads in the game. So, I developed an acronym based on my mantra to help keep you and I focused. The acronym is designed to snap us back to the moment we created our goals for 2022. To reengage us with our why, so that we can, and do, stay on track.

D: Design.

Design your life. Begin by designing how it looks, how it works, how it feels, how it happens. Design your ideal day, week, year. Imagine your life. Take some time with this.

Combine all areas: personal, professional, emotional, spiritual. What does your dream life look like?

You’ve heard of backward goals?

This is when you decide first what you want and then you work backward, plugging in the steps to get there. Do you want 10 new clients or accounts by the end of 2022? Do you want to take 4 weeks’ vacation?

Do you want to leave every day at 3 to pick up your kids? Do you want to an open a new studio?

So, design your business life, your family life, your personal day-to-day life. You have to know what you want before you can decide what you will do to get it.

T: Timeline.

If you don’t attach timelines and deadlines to your goals, they aren’t really goals—those are wishes. And we are doers, we are people who make things happen. And people who get things done have timelines.

Establish timelines for each goal to both hold you accountable but also to understand what is necessary to do, daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly to achieve it. At Window Works, everyone on our sales team has a yearly goal that is broken down into monthly and daily goals. A yearly sales goal of $1,500,000 can seem daunting on January 1, but $125,000 for the month of January seems reachable and just $6,500 a day is actually manageable.

Have the courage to put your goals on timelines. You will be glad you did.

B: Bounty I believe there is more than enough for everyone. I believe in more than enough for ourselves and for our friends, family, colleagues, and the world. I believe the more we create, the more we share, the more we give, the more creative we become, the more doors open to us and the more we receive in happiness, in experiences, in all the things.

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So, when you set your goals, think about the bounty that you have the power to create, to share and to give. It could be in words, in actions, in silent prayers. Be generous to yourself and to others. Consider the people in your life that you have the ability to help, to shine a light on. Attach your goals to helping those around you achieve their goals, and you will create lasting, positive change, for both of you. If we all do this, we will all be the better for it.

E: Emotional I have learned no matter how crazy the idea, no matter how challenging the odds, when I am emotionally connected to the outcome, when I am passionate about achieving it, I have always made it happen. Always. It doesn’t matter if the goal is realistic or reasonable or logical, the differentiating factor is always the emotion I have attached to the outcome. Seeing it, feeling it, reveling in the realness of it.

This is critical in goal setting.

Reaching goals is hard enough without kidding ourselves that because we put a goal on a list, we are going to care about it.

If you listed a goal but you don’t have the emotion to achieve it, ask yourself why is it on your list. Is it something you “think” you should do or want? Is it something you actually want but you are afraid to go for it, so you don’t go all in? Look inside, look deep, be real with yourself.

My advice: Be clear, be straight with yourself and list the things you know you really want and that you know you will do whatever it takes to get it. They might still be really hard, or with a high bar—that’s good. When you are emotionality connected to the outcome, that’s where the magic is.

So, decide to be excellent. I say it every week. Don’t drown it out, don’t gloss over the words. Think about them. Connect them to your world in a meaningful way.

LuAnn Nigara, recognized author, podcast host, and business consultant, was the keynote speaker at the International Casual Furnishings Association Educational Conference in February.

caroldaus@gmail.com

ART DIRECTOR Cassandra Estes cassestes1968@gmail.com

COPY EDITOR John Nalley

CONTRIBUTORS Cherise Forno Maura Keller Kimberly Rodgers Laurie Rudd Sharon Sanders Larry Thomas Greg Thompson CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Whitney Carrier BUSINESS MANAGER Susan Razetto CEO & PRESIDENT Tony Ramos

CORPORATE OFFICE Peninsula Media 21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 500 Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 792-7448 (310) 792-7449/Fax www.patioandhearthproductsreport.com Tony Ramos Peninsula Media 21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 500 Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 792-7448 (310) 792-7449/Fax (310) 968-3962/Cell tramos@peninsula-media.com Subscription Inquiries: Patio & Hearth Products Report PO Box 2190 Skokie, IL 60076-7890 Subscribe online: www.patioandhearthproductsreport.com Email: patioandhearth@omeda.com Phone: (847) 763-9261

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Ortal Debuts New Wilderness Collection Gas Fireplaces at IBS 2022 Ortal introduced new products to its popular Wilderness Collection at the 2022 International Builders’ Show. Following an extremely successful year for the new Wilderness Collection in 2021, Ortal expanded its line of gas fireplaces featuring the world’s only realistic burning-log experience with more sizes, styles, and configurations.

New Wilderness Collection models showcased at IBS, all featuring the Ortal patent-pend ing Firelog Technology, include: Wilderness 25H Three-Sided Stand Alone: A luxurious statement piece that delivers views of the fireplace’s ultra-realistic flames, this new model is available with a decorative base or as a wall-mounted unit, and can be ordered in white, red, or black firebox.

Wilderness Three-Sided 77H: This new fireplace model provides a massive viewing area more than 80inches wide and larger logs, resulting in larger, realistic, stunning flames.

Wilderness 51H RS: Designed for corner installations on the right side of the fireplace structure, the Wilderness 51H RS offers a viewing area more than 50-inches wide with extended height of 21 inches.

Also new from Ortal is the Island 70, a freestanding unit constructed with a stylish square design that is viewable from every side and offers a variety of options, including flat hood, decorative hood, and optional base.

“Enthusiasm for the Wilderness Collection from ar chitects, interior designers, and their residential and commercial clients continues to soar,” Ortal Wilderness Three-Sided 77H Fireplace says Gina Almaguer, marketing manager. “IBS gives us an outstanding opportunity to istic flames of an Ortal Wilderness Collection fireshare our new, innovative fireplace designs and place compared to other standard gas fireplaces on demonstrate the obvious difference between the realthe market.”

Big Green Egg Launches Initiative to Assist Children

2022 ICFA Trade Shows Combined for July 19-22 Event The International Casual Furnishings Association and theMART will consolidate their two currently scheduled trade shows this year. The original events included a preview event in midsummer and a market in

Steve Elton

mid-September. These will be combined into a larger Casual Market Chicago slated for July 19-22. The move comes as the result of concerns to address industry-wide supply chain issues and the desire of both manufacturers and retailers to place orders early.

“I’m glad that theMART was willing to work with the ICFA to develop the best solution for the industry,” says Steve Elton, chief brand

From humble beginnings almost 50 years ago, the Big Green Egg has grown into an internationally acclaimed lifestyle brand, known for its iconic green egg-shaped outdoor cooker. The Big Green Egg has always attracted a loyal community of independent dealers, grillers, chefs, and fans around the world, and supporting this community has been a key aspect of the company’s business mission.

In considering the future of the company, CEO Ardy Arani knew that Big Green Egg could stand for more than just being the very best product of its kind. Arani’s goal is for the company to be just as well-known as a positive force in the communities where it does business, and he and founder Ed Fisher agree that the brand’s legacy can go far beyond the product. To further this goal, Arani says Big Green Egg will operate as a “purpose-driven” company, using profits to fund and support the objectives and efforts of charitable initiatives focused on children in-need around the world.

“After considerable thought, planning, and consideration, we have

curator at Brown Jordan and ICFA chairman of the board of directors. “We expect that the new dates will attract a very large attendance of buyers and designers.”

Most of the manufacturers reported higher-than-normal showroom traffic during the ICFA Preview Show last July and expect that increased turnout to continue in 2022.

ICFA intends to stage all of its traditional Market Week activities in the new July timetable. The Retail Seminar and Think Tank will take place on Monday afternoon, July 18, in advance of the official opening day of the Casual Market on Tuesday. The Annual Membership Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday morning and the ICFA Awards Gala is planned for Wednesday night.

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decided that this will be our legacy…our focus shifts from just making money to how we use that money,” Arani says. “Going forward, profits from Big Green Eggs will be used to support our commitment to helping children in need in the more than 50 countries where our products are sold. In every part of the world, there are children who are living in sobering and terrible situations, and with the resources we have, we will strive to make a positive impact. This is the new future of Big Green Egg— same company, same great products, same everything—except that now we are working for the benefit of others.”

Arani adds, “Although we remain a privately-held company and I have never seriously entertained acquisition offers, I cannot rule out that perhaps in the future we may find ourselves aligning with a strategic partner or investor, and they will need to step onto the playing field knowing what our commitment is as a company and be of the mindset to support these goals.”

At an annual employee meeting, Fisher joined Arani and shared his support. “When I got started in 1974, little did I know that I had just launched an entire category of outdoor cookers, and I could not have possibly envisioned how the company

would grow, or how many families our supplier, distributor and dealer network would eventually support,” Fisher says.

“Looking ahead to the next evolution of the Big Green Egg, it gives me a very satisfying feeling to know where we are heading,” Fisher adds. “I believe that each of us, in our own way, has the potential to make a difference in the lives of others, and I look forward to the company going forward in a way that creates a lasting legacy of support.”

The company will support organizations and charities focused on the needs of at-risk or homeless youth who have been abandoned, abused, neglected and/or exploited—to lift them out of poverty, protect them from abuse and neglect, and to provide access to adequate shelter, health care and educational opportunities. The company’s focus will be on organizations working with children in need in the geographic territories where Big Green Egg does business, in collaboration with distribu tor partners in each of these local communities.

R.H. Peterson Co. Promotes Staff Members

Hooker Furnishings Acquires Sunset West Hooker Furnishings has completed the acquisition of Sunset West, a leading West Coast-based manufacturer of outdoor furniture. The deal enables Hooker Furnishings to immediately gain market share in the growing outdoor furniture segment of the industry with one of the most respected brands in the category.

Under terms of the deal, Sunset West’s management team and all the company’s employees will continue to serve its customers from its headquarters in Vista, California.

For more than 15 years, Sunset West has designed and manufactured comfortable, stylish, and high-quality outdoor furniture. With its distinctive collections, Sunset West designs products for a harmonious transition from indoor to outdoor spaces, bringing life outdoors with elevated looks that are an extension of the home.

The company’s innovative approach to design through Color Stories, mixed materials, textures, styles, and fabrics create a bespoke solution for each home.

“As consumer lifestyle trends have shifted to spending more time outdoors, customers want the same quality and design they have inside of their homes,” says Hooker Furnishings CEO Jeremy Hoff. “The Sunset West brand and its people bring so much to the table by becoming part of the Hooker Furnishings family of brands. They are experts in the category who understand the market, the value proposition, and product sourcing, giving us immediate credibility in the

segment that it would have taken years to build ourselves.”

According to Sunset West CEO Wes Stewart, the transaction quickly enables his company to have warehousing and stronger distribution in the eastern and central Wes Stewart regions of the country, access to Hooker Furnishings’ high-traffic showroom in High Point, and the opportunity to sell into its vast retail and interior design customer base.

“Partnering with a legendary name in the industry like Hooker Furnishings was paramount to our Jeremy Hoff strategy,” Stewart says.

“The convergence of outdoor and indoor furniture gives us both stronger product offerings and opportunities. The price points and channels of both our companies align extremely well.”

Based in Martinsville, Virginia, Hooker Furnishings is ranked among the nation’s largest publicly traded furniture sources and encompasses 12 operating businesses. Hooker Furnishings’ upholstery manufacturing facilities are located in Virginia and North Carolina.

From left: Damon Karaiscos, Samir Barudi, and Dominque Seim

R.H. Peterson Co. (RHP), a leading manufacturer of premium gas fire products, grills, and outdoor fire features, reports several significant promotions of staff members.

Dominque Seim was promoted to senior vice president. Seim spearheads operations, including overseeing all aspects of the factory, inventory, production, maintenance, and shipping. He has been instrumental in developing processes and plans that have maximized the company’s operational efficiencies, resulting in increased production and shipping capabilities. Seim has worked for RHP since 2004.

Also promoted to vice president is Samir Barudi, who is responsible for overseeing the Technical Services department, managing product support for the company’s channel member network, including distributors, dealers, and consumers. Barudi has driven the adoption of ne w technologies and processes that have improved the company’s breadth and delivery of technical support services.

Damon Karaiscos was promoted to assistant vice president. He manages the Order Desk team and serves as a customer liaison overseeing product shipment coordination and management. Karaiscos’ role brings together his depth of product knowledge and exceptional understanding of customer needs, having served as a member of the Technical Services team and as a customer of RHP, building and installing outdoor kitchen islands.

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet Launches New Product Lineup

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet’s outdoor cooking collection

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet has debuted its most expanded and advanced product launch in the company’s history. The next-generation cooking collection sets new industry standards and introduces a new gas grill as the company’s first drop-in style grill head. Kalamazoo’s first-ever global product lineup is driven by industry-leading safety features, increased performance, and an updated aesthetic.

The company’s announcement came as the National Kitchen & Bath Association reported that 60% of homeowners desire an outdoor kitchen as a primary need for their exterior living space. “At Kalamazoo, we’re driven by a century-long legacy of innovation. Our new lineup builds upon this tradition by once again raising the bar for cooking performance, quality, safety, versatility, and beauti11

PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

ful design,” says Alexis Hiller, head of marketing.

“With this launch, we are significantly enhancing our current product collection and expanding our world-class grill lineup with a new drop-in style grill head to bring the Kalamazoo experience to more outdoor cooking enthusiasts.”

Kalamazoo’s relentless passion for creating the ultimate outdoor cooking and entertaining experience is reinforced through its best-in-class lineup, from the legendary Hybrid Fire Grill and iconic Argentinian-style Gaucho Grill to the Artisan Fire Pizza Oven and all-new drop-in style grill head.

“We are excited to expand our European offering with the new 2022 lineup—the first time our full suite of outdoor cooking products will be available for this market,” says Russ Faulk, chief designer and head of product.

INDUSTRY NEWS Windward Adds Real-Time Technology Capabilities Outdoor furniture manufacturer Windward has begun a substantial initiative to elevate its MRP/ERP business software platform for 2022. This major investment is designed to elevate Windward’s level of communication and tracking across all areas of sales and manufacturing U.S.-made furniture in Windward’s warehouse in Sarasota, Florida processes as well as enhance collaborative information sharing. every aspect of our business.”

The upgrade will allow the company, internally, “Our goal is to have all areas of our business including accounting, operations, purchasing, to access live—real-time—inventory tracking of inventory, customer service, sales and marketing on not only finished goods, but raw materials and components (WIP) throughout the Sarasota, one software platform,” says Charles Emmons, execFlorida-based manufacturing facility. Externally, utive vice president of sales and marketing. “Once this software will provide dealers, reps, customers, totally implemented, Windward will have the capaand customer service teams with real-time inforbility for full, real-time visibility extending into

mation readily accessible for total order tracking.

The same software will also provide a dealer portal for accessing information as well as digital assets and 3D coloring for use in sales and marketing.

“I am extremely excited to be implementing NetSuite into Windward as I know this will grant us the ability to communicate with efficiency and ease by giving us real-time information accessible at our fingertips,” says Rachel Peace, CIO. “Being able to provide top-notch customer service is a major focus for us as we continue to make investments into the business.”

Through NetSuite, slated for full implementation by the end of July, Windward will incorporate what is currently five separate platforms into one concise and information-rich system.

Village Green Recognized

by ICFA for Innovation and Creativity Fashion-forward outdoor furnishings and accessories, an innovative and energetic professional staff, Jessica Salisbury, CEO and and a mission to creative director of Village Green inspire customers to create beautiful outdoor living spaces have earned Village Green Home & Garden (Rockford, Illinois) its second Mary Fruehauf Retail Genius Award from the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA).

The retailer was the first recipient of the Retail Genius Award in 2018. The award was created by the ICFA Retail Council in 2017 in memory of Mary Fruehauf, whose Colorado outdoor furnishings store was known for its imaginative visual merchandising and entertaining promotional events.

The Village Green team travels extensively around the country for inspiration, studying fashion, textiles, architecture, and more. The result is a unique selling environment infused with inventive displays, original product combinations and energizing color, all on display in a unique atrium showroom where natural light floods the space from ceilings 20 feet above the floor.

“Our goal is to inspire you to make your home the perfect expression of your own personality!” says Jessica Salisbury, CEO and creative director. She accepted the award during ICFA’s “Innovate and Educate” Educational Conference held at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort in February.

All ICFA retail members were invited to compete for the annual award. Entries are reviewed by a team of judges that includes close personal friends and colleagues of Mary Fruehauf, among them Mariah Maydew, who succeeded her as president and CEO at Fruehauf’s after her death from cancer in 2015; Cathy Galbreath-Buzbee, owner of ABSCO Fireplace & Patio in Birmingham, Alabama; and Brian Lawrence, president of Emigh’s Casual Living, Sacramento, California.

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THE TIME FOR ELECTRIC IS NOW

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Exclusive North American distributor of British Fires

Circle Reader Service No. 13

INDUSTRY NEWS Eli Hymer to Head ICFA Retail Council The International Casual Furnishings Association has announced that Eli Hymer of Gasper Eli Hymer Home & Garden Showplace in Richboro, Pennsylvania, is the 2022 Chair of ICFA’s Retail Council. He is joined on the executive committee by First Vice Chair Melissa Glikes of Sisset’s in Gainesville, Florida.

Hymer is a department manager, buyer, and designer at Gasper’s, which won ICFA’s prestigious Apollo Award for retail excellence in 2020. In addition to leading the Retail Council, Hymer serves on ICFA’s board of directors.

The ICFA Retail Council represents approximately 120 outdoor specialty store members nationwide and provides a strong voice in the leadership of the association. The Retail Council is the sponsor of the ICFA Retail Seminar and Think Tank, now slated for July 18, the

Dometic’s MoBar 550 Receives GOOD DESIGN Award

day before the Presented by The Chicago Athenaeum, Dometic’s opening of Casual MoBar 550 has been awarded a 2021 GOOD Market Chicago DESIGN Award for its innovation and design excelon July 19. lence. Founded in Chicago in 1950 by Eero Saarinen In addition to and Charles and Ray Eames, 2021 marked the Hymer and Glikes, members of the Dometic MoBar 550 71st convention of the GOOD DESIGN jury.

Retail Council GOOD DESIGN remains the oldest and one of the world’s most recognized programs for global design excellence. In 2021, The Chicago with terms expirAthenaeum received a record number of submissions from manufacturing and industrial and ing in 2022 are graphic design firms representing the best of design. Dometic’s MoBar 550 was chosen in the Karen Brams, Island Living & 2021 class of best consumer design with superior and unparalleled function.

Patio Inc., West Palm Beach, “We are thrilled to see MoBar 550 acknowledged by such an industry-leading program for Florida; Grant Henegan, The global design,” says Juan Vargues, president and CEO of Dometic. “The MoBar 550 is revoluFire House Casual Living Store, tionary in its technology and design. It promises to change the way we entertain with beverCharlotte, North Carolina; and ages as it allows hosts and their guests to socialize without ever missing a moment.”

Lee Reccia, American Casual The largest model in the Dometic MoBar series, the MoBar 550 is the ultimate beverage Living, Suwanee, Georgia. center. It features spacious preparation and presentation areas, a dual-zone refrigerator comMembers with terms expirpartment and can hold up to 40 bottles and 155 cans and a spacious rotomolded presentation ing in 2023 include Amy Arant, basket that can keep 22 bottles or 32 cans ice-cold.

Wrapsosdy Outdoor Living, The innovative and industry-first MoBar 550 from Dometic secured three renowned internaBlue Ridge, Georgia; Don tional design awards in 2021: Red Dot, iF and now GOOD DESIGN. Davis, Heat n Sweep, Okemos, Michigan; Panatda New directors with terms expiring in Penn Stone Outdoor Living, Lancaster, Hengboonyaphan, The Wickery, South 2024 include Jeremy Hodges, Hauser’s Pennsylvania; Joy Odom, ABSCO Toms River,New Jersey; Scott Horvath, O’Malia’s Living, Carmel, Indiana; and Patio & Rattan, San Diego; Micah Fireplace & Patio, Birmingham, Penny Waugh, Patio Productions, San Maydew, Fruehauf’s Patio & Garden, Alabama; and Jack Wills, Jack Wills Diego, California.

Westminster, Colorado; John McGrann, Outdoor Living, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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SPOTLIGHT

BrighterDAYS Shade products take center stage as seasonal shoppers seek solutions for sun protection.

BY GREG THOMPSON

AS PATIO AND HEARTH DEALERS

settle into the 2022 selling season, they are once again looking to key accessories to boost revenue. Whether it’s a standalone purchase or an add-on to furniture, shade products continue to be reliable moneymakers.

Attractive showroom displays are important, but dealers should also cultivate a comprehensive marketing approach.

“Manufacturers and retailers need to create merchandising strategies that include digital tools and resources,” says Bryan Sanches, senior vice president at March Products Inc.—makers of California Umbrella. “That’s why we’ve invested so much energy in this.”

Simply getting products in the warehouse has not been

TOP: Eclipse Cantilever Umbrella from Frankford Umbrellas RIGHT: FiberBuilt Bridgewater with Double Scalloped Valance & Alternating Fabrics from FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions

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TOP: The Solanox Louvered Roof from Tuuci MIDDLE: The 13’ Starlux AKZ Plus Cantilever from Treasure Garden BOTTOM: The Safari Parasol from Woodline Shade Solutions

easy over the last year, but many manufacturers have sought to get in front of the problem. “Like most, we have been impacted by many supply issues—from fabric to raw materials shortages, as well as container shortages and port congestion,” says Candy Chase, national sales manager at Treasure Garden. “The cost of doing business has risen dramatically during the pandemic. Labor is tough to find and maintain domestically and overseas, but we are doing our best to retain employees and keep orders flowing as quickly as we possibly can.”

Frankford Umbrellas has helped to ease supply woes by relying on a solid partnership with its fabric supplier. “This partnership has proven to be an even larger asset during the previous 12 to 18 months, as our industry has been faced with unprecedented supply chain concerns,” says Laura Dudley, national sales manager. “Their ability to produce superior fabrics, coupled with their design team—and ours—allows us to collaborate in developing fabrics that are on trend and in demand.”

Fortunately, the winter eventually ends, and a persistent sun will spark the need for shade. Demand is there and manufacturers in this issue’s spotlight are well prepared to meet that demand. “Shade will always be a critical component to the outdoor lifestyle,” says Jeff Leisen, national sales manager at Galtech. “We expect to see continued growth in both the residential and commercial segments of the market.”

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items, but Anita Ueckermann, U.S. business manager for Woodline Shade Solutions (New York, N.Y.), points out that most umbrella purchases are addons. “Shade manufacturers depend on the success of outdoor furniture manufacturers with umbrellas as an accessory item,” she says. “We need to ask, ‘What does the future look like for the outdoor furniture industry’ because that will dictate the future success of the shade industry. We firmly believe that no outdoor space is complete without a shade structure or patio umbrella.”

With that philosophy in mind, Woodline launched its Easilift umbrella in 2021. The Easilift won a Design Excellence award in the shade category, but Ueckermann is not one for complacency, declaring that the company is “focused on improving the way we do things and investing more time on product research and development. Every day at Woodline Shade Solutions is like school; we never stop learning.”

Lessons learned more than three decades ago are still paying off with The Safari, an umbrella that started Woodline Shade Solutions and one that is still one of the company’s best-selling center pole umbrellas. Made from eucalyptus, it is durable in adverse weather conditions.

“The Safari remains a favorite with those who love the warmth of wood combined with the timeless design, which highlights the a esthetic quality of the product and high standard of the designer, Fritz Walter—CEO and founder of Woodline Shade Solutions,” Ueckermann says. “Another top seller is our Papillon dual post shade structure. It is great for larger seating areas and brings a sense of grandeur to any outdoor space.”

On the design side, Woodline developed a “Symphony range” of fabrics. Woven in Barcelona, Spain, the fabrics feature 10 colors to complement Woodline’s 15 Sunbrella colors offer ed in the United States. Woodline’s international flavor is literally part of the company’s fabric.

SPOTLIGHT

“We manufacture out of South Africa where I am based, and it is the rich diverse cultures of our people that make our company great,” she says. “It is because of the extraordinary efforts of our staff in the USA and South Africa, combined with the passion to be the best umbrella manufacturer in Africa and a strong player in the USA market and the rest of the world, that we manage to overcome challenges. We are stronger together.”

they had no power, set up their Wattsun umbrella not only for shade but also to charge their phones so they could reach relatives to tell them they were OK,” says Chantell Holmes, retail sales manager. “That was an unexpected but incredibly gratifying use of our umbrella.”

Along with the Market collection, other top sellers are the Lucaya umbrellas with their 1.5-inch diameter one piece pole and seven finish colors. Bridgewater features the proprietary FiberTeak simulated woodgrain finish. “Our 7.5-foot Beach umbrella has a valance style canopy on which we often silk screen or embroider logos for branding and landmarking purposes,” Holmes says.

FiberBu ilt’s relationship with residential and hospitality designers yields valuable insights on emerging

FIBERBUILT UMBRELLAS & CUSHIONS FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions (Pompano Beach, Florida) recently bolstered its collection to include a 7.5-foot Market Umbrella with a push-button tilt to accommodate demand from retail customers. They also introduced the new Gusto model that features a sleek silhouette and is designed to have a chic, modern, almost industrial look.

A model dubbed “Wattsun” features a solar panel finial and a two-port USB charging station. “We’ve heard from customers who, after a hurricane when

TOP: The Infinity Canopy at Paseo Nuevo Mall in Santa Barbara, California LEFT: The 8.5-foot Pagoda Series Umbrella, with Sunbrella Aruba & Natural Alternating Cut Fabrics from California Umbrella RIGHT: Colorway Modular Outdoor 10-foot Round Umbrella in Sunset Red from RST Brands

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trends, and company officials act on that knowledge. “We’re mindful of the most subtle changes to outdoor room décor,” Holmes says. “The breadth of our line includes super contemporary styles as well as traditional and retro models and decorative options such as custom scalloped valance style canopies and fringe.”

For Holmes and designers FiberBuilt works with, it all adds up to a philosophy that views “each homeowner’s backyard as a potential work of art, and FiberBuilt’s contribution is to help the retailer create a masterpiece accented by both color and shade…We’re designer friendly. With our umbrellas and coordinating cushions, we put the fun in functional.”

GALTECH Due to the ongoing shortage of raw

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SPOTLIGHT materials, officials at Galtech (Camarillo, California) have not introduced new products for 2022.

However, the company has maintained considerable momentum by ensuring that all of its best-selling models are in stock and ready to ship.

“Our top sellers are still our 9-foot deluxe auto-tilt umbrellas as well as our cantilever line,” says Jeff Leisen, national sales manager. “Both of these items have been staples in our lineup TOP: The Papillon from Woodline Shade Solutions LEFT: The Easy Sun 375 11.5-foot Curve Model from Sun Garden BOTTOM: The 737 9’ auto tilt from Galtech

umbrellas with over 50 frames and 75 fabric choices has long been the company’s signature within the industry.

“The use of superior components and designs that are unique to our line have enabled us to be considered a leading manufacturer in the shade category,” Leisen says.

Like all companies that rely on materials and fabrics from Asia, Galtech has had its supply chain issues. “Sun brella fabric has been difficult to obtain for everyone in our industry, thus leading to long lead times on special orders,” Leisen says.

“However, consumers appear to be willing to wait to get exactly what they want when it comes to their shade needs.”

for several years and both have strong track records as proven sellers and performing exceptionally well out in the field.”

Galtech’s 737 series has done particularly well while the 887 11-foot model remains a best-selling cantilever. “The quality of the product is

TREASURE GARDEN The new year got off to a quick start with Treasure Garden (Baldwin Park, California) adding an 11.5-foot Square to its successful AKZ Plus Cantilever collection. The line now includes an 11-foot octagon, an 11.5-foot square, a 13-foot octagon, a 10- by 13-foot rectangle, and the popular 13-foot Starlux with built-in rib light strips.

Taken as a whole, the AKZ Plus series of cantilevers remain top sellers largely thanks to what Candy Chase, national sales manager, calls “superb function with both infinite horizontal and vertical tilting capabilities, 360degree rotation, stylish design, and backyard friendly unobstructed shade coverage. The larger size cantilevers continue to dominate sales.”

Treasure Garden keeps an eye on the furniture industry to determine complementary shade trends. “We also look to evolve and improve our

exceptional with features unique to us such as steel cable, a patented tilt mechanism and metal crank housings,” Leisen says. “Consumers can see the value in our 737 series as compared to other auto-tilt umbrellas.”

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line with more innovative materials and design elements, always keeping in mind superb functionality,” Chase says. “We also delve into complementary products such as our EVO DualLight Sound Pod. This multifunctional umbrella light has been a huge hit and we look forward to bringing additional excitement t o our lighting offerings.”

That variety within offerings has been the key to Treasure Garden’s success. “Our dealers can buy umbrellas, bases, lighting, protective furniture covers, cleaning and maintenance products, and outdoor rugs all from one source,” Chase explains. “We can service all levels of customers by providing a cohesive good, better, best assortment to help dealers target specific consumer needs. We pride ourselves on having one of the best custom er service departments in our industry—always on the ready to help out as efficiently as they can.”

CALIFORNIA UMBRELLA For the past 12 months, March Products Inc. (Jurupa Valley, California)—makers of California Umbrella—have concentrated on shortening production of existing lines in an effort to meet burgeoning demand. According to Bryan Sanches, senior vice president, late 2022 will bring new product introductions such as a commercial cantilever that’s been in development for several years, as well as additional frame finishes for the company’s popular commercial grade products.

“Our top-selling products are historically popular items for the California Umbrella brand,” Sanches

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SPOTLIGHT chandising. Through its website (marchproducts.com), Sanchez says “customers can engage with all our products to custom produce a combination of fabrics in a stylistic cut and manage everything from large stocking orders to individual special orders. We now have a library of thousands of fully realized digital umbrella objects that can be rendered into lifestyle images and photo realistic silhouettes and detail shots.”

RST BRANDS RST Brands (Salt Lake City, Utah) recently expanded its Sunbrella fabric options with neutral colors that complement any outdoor space. The new options can be used on the Utah-based company’s Portofino Comfort 10-foot and 12-foot Resort Umbrella selections, which continue to gar ner strong sales.

“We have the best umbrellas on the market,” says Franco Meccola, vice president of product development. “They get stellar reviews and are extremely popular. We have 10-foot and 12-foot umbrellas that come in a variety of colors—all in Sunbrella fabric.

We have three patents on the umbrella. We have solved all the pain points in using a huge umbrella. It’s easy to open and close with our patented crank system.”

The design features 360-degree rotation around the pole to follow the sun and the base is easy to move—no small feat for typically heavy foundations. “Our umbrella can be moved by a single person with our patented wheel system,” Meccola explains. “It allows you to move the umbrella in any direction on a flat surface with minimal effort. All umbrellas come with storage covers.”

says. “Our pagoda series Umbrella, for example, is one of the first frames ever produced by California Umbrella back in the 40s, and it is part of our original logo. Every year, we get postcards and pictures in the mail from long-standing owners who have been enjoying their shade for decades. Our Pagoda series Umbrella is one of our most stylish and popular products because of its great history and its appeal to a classic nostalgic or retro shade buyer.”

The Golden State series Umbrella has also been a fixture of the brand and continues to be one of the company’s best-selling items. “Our customers love the tilting action of the collar-tilt frame that allows consumers to dial in the perfect shade angle,” Sanches says.

“When that feature is paired with our deep assortment of Sunbrella fabrics—that remain in stock despite well-publicized supply chain issues—what we have is a perennial winner that remains a strong seller.”

While California Umbrella embraces a nostalgic sensibility with its iconic Pagoda and Golden State series, company officials are keen to embrace new technology and tools to aid production and mer-

The versatility of RST Brands can be seen in its patents and designs, and Meccola touts a fulfillment lead time of 48 hours, and comprehensive after-sales customer service. “We are committed to continuing to find ways to leverage technology and solidify partnerships to elevate our products and services,” he adds. “We start by listening to what customers want and need.”

In the battle to stay ahead of supply shortages, Meccola concludes: “The demand for outdoor furniture has increased during the pandemic, and it was challenging to keep up. As a result, we have dedicated a lot of time planning and leveraging our relationships with suppliers and freight partners to stay ahead of the game.”

TUUCI Over the past few years, officials at Tuuci (Miami, Florida) have dedicated themselves to incorporating automation into the design of its shade offerings. The most recent example is the Solanox Cabana with automated louvered roof. “Our cabana elevates outdoor living by providing an elegant shelter and the convenience of an open or closed roof all by the push of a button,” says Erika Canales, director of sales, retail & trade. “The automated roof combines intelligent design for optimal outdoor comfort.”

Canales keeps a close eye on trends, revealing that “it is important to understand customer needs and what we might be missing.” Designers stay ahead of the trends by diligently researching and connecting with consumers. “We understand that shade puts the finishing touch on your outdoor room,” Canales says. “Our umbrellas are engineered in a way that functions well, but the consumer feels like they are investing in a design piece that is customized to the vision they are trying to create.”

Canales sees the cantilever category continuing to progress on an upward trajectory, specifically with the pole being off to the side to allow for shade of a large dining table or deep seating area. “As the popularity of the cantilever continues to grow, we cannot deny the loyalty to the traditional umbrella,” she says. “In the marketplace, the traditional umbrella is still the backbone of what we do. Whether shading a smaller dining table, or two chaise lounges, the traditional umbrella offers a wide range of versatility.”

Whether traditional or cantilever, Canales sees a bright future for shade. “If we have learned anything from this pandemic, it is that people are investing time and money into their backyards,” she says. “Umbrellas allow function, all while giving you the feel of being on vacation. The feeling of creating your own outdoor oasis is not going away

TOP: Monterey Fiberglass Market Umbrella from Frankford Umbrellas CENTER: The 9-foot Golden State Series Collar Tilt Umbrella, with Sunbrella Getaway Blush fabric from California Umbrella BOTTOM: The EVO from Treasure Garden

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SPOTLIGHT anytime soon. When you have sun, you’re always going to need shade.”

FrankFord umbrellas Frankford Umbrellas (Mount Laurel, New Jersey) has plans to unveil many exciting new technologies and products for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Offerings on the docket include a web-based custom shade design tool, product training videos, a frame finish, and five fabric finishes for the stock program.

Presently, the top sellers are the Monterey Fiberglass Market Umbrella, including the best-selling 9foot octagon, as well as the increasingly popular 6.5-foot square and 7.5foot square models; Greenwich Aluminum Market Umbrella; Eclipse Cantilever Umbrella; and the Aurora Cantilever Umbrella.

Consumers love the product, but the service behind the product has kept dealers coming back. “Year after year, our clients continue to appreciate our personal touch, superb customer service, and top-notch quality,” says Laura Dudley, national sa les manager. “They love having something different than their competitors, and they love being able to offer something that truly complements their high-end outdoor living offerings.”

As with most manufacturers, Frankford did experience the impacts of labor shortages, but Dudley reports, “We are incredibly fortunate to have had little impact from supply chain issues. We continue to produce and ship inventory at record-breaking levels, and are incredibly gratef ul to be heading into 2022 at full capacity with our staffing levels.”

Although restrictions in many places have eased and consumers are heading back to vacation in their favorite spots, Dudley is confident that shade will remain an integral part of at-home outdoor spaces. “Frankford continues to feel so incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to serve the needs of our specialty retailers and their clients,” Dudley adds. inFinity canoPy inc.

The slide-on wire canopy from Infinity Canopy (Los Angeles) continues to shine as a versatile, modern, and modular shade system embraced by residential customers, as well as various commercial establishments.

“Without exaggeration, Infinity

Canopy is the most dynamic and versatile shade system in the world,” says Alan Shargani, founder and CEO. “It runs on cables allowing it to adapt to any structures such as pergolas or installed between two opposing points such as between walls to cover smal l or very large areas.”

Each canopy can be 3 feet to 14 feet wide and in any length (longest so far at 65 feet). It can be retracted manually or with a remote-controlled ABOVE: The OMX Single Cantilever from Tuuci LEFT: The FiberBuilt Gusto from FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions

patterns, or renew the canopy by replacing all panels.”

Shargani has overseen projects large and small, providing canopies for small backyards to multimillion dollar mansions, luxury hotels, universities, software companies, and famous Napa wineries such as Hall and Chimney Rock. “Currently, we are completing one of our largest installations for a Southern California mega-church,” he says. “That includes 40 motorized Infinity Canopies covering two areas of 100-feet wide by 50-feet span.”

motor. “We use all types of outdoor fabrics to make the canopies, including see through mesh or solid fabrics like Sunbrella that provide maximum shade, privacy, and rain protection.”

Infinity Canopy has gained notoriety, but Shargani still encounters some misconceptions, the biggest being that Infinity Ca nopy is like other shade systems and canopies.

“It’s not made of one piece of fabric like other shade products that can’t be repaired or modified after it’s made,” Shargani explains. “In fact, Infinity Canopy is the only modular shade system of its kind, meaning each canopy is made of smaller fabric rectangles and parts that connect together to form a canopy in any length.

“If you think of the panels as tiles, they can be one or multiple colors; and with different colors, you can create a pattern,” he says. “You can also add or remove panels to change the canopy’s length, change its billowing to more flat or more billowed, replace damaged panels, change colors and

sun Garden usa Crafted in Europe and featuring German engineering, NorthEast Casual Marketing dba Sun Garden USA (Neuenkirchen, Deutschland) is a brand-specific maker of cantilever umbrellas. Sun Garden USA offers a curve series available in 11.5 feet and 13 feet (round), a dining square model, and a traditional which is the company’s original design.

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McDonald, all four models come with 360-degree rotation, a canopy assembly locking system, and an “iconic dual curvilinear frame that provides shade right through to sunset.” Over the last decade, customers in Europe have largely enjoyed these features, but McDonald has recently focused on the U.S. and Canada, developing fresh products with new feat ures, capabilities, and sizes.

McDonald has worked with suppliers to resolve pesky supply chain issues and reports that shipping costs have improved with a 33% drop. “Sun Garden experienced some labor issues at our Polish factory,” he says. “But since we are a major employer and economic driver for the Polish economy, the government worked with our factory to ensure our workers have a work schedule designed around their health and safety.”

Sun Garden received early buy and stock inventory in October 2021, and additional containers began arriving in February with plans to continue through July. “We’re quoting shipping in one to three business days,” McDonald says. “Plus, we have additional resources to adapt to whatever 2022 holds for the coming patio season …Customers are asking for big umbrellas that are simple to use, and they are telling us every day they are looking for large-sized shade that is easy to deploy and maintain. Customers are also shopping 24/7 around the year regardless of their weather season.”

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HEARTH RETAILER

DOINGITALL Multiple generations make this Illinois business an enduring resource for wholesalers and homeowners.

BY KIMBERLY RODGERS PHOTOS BY TY ACIERTO

A

s a third-generation family owned and operated hearth retailer, Majestic Distributing CompanyHouse of Fireplaces (Elgin, Illinois) has a name and reputation steeped in the fireplace industry. Stanley Sandell, a heating equipment salesman, started the business in 1953 when the Majestic Company, a national fireplace manufacturer, was on the ground floor of bringing the air-cooled prefabricated wood-burning fireplace to the retail market.

For the next two decades, Majestic was the king of fireplaces, holding many patents. “You didn’t buy a fireplace, but a Majestic. It really was the Kleenex of the fireplace industry,” says Kevin Sandell, president and third-generation family member.

At that time, distributers could use Majestic Company in their business name, explains Sandell. “Majestic was so

TOP: The 9,000-square-foot showroom displays over 50 burning models.

BOTTOM: Majestic’s largest volume of business comes from the wholesale market selling directly to contractors and homebuilders.

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TOP: From left: Ernesto Robelo, Rhonda Endreas-Gano, Mark Sandell (sitting), Ken Koller, Yvonne Ciesla, and Kevin Sandell BOTTOM: In addition to serving greater Chicago, the company has expanded into new market areas, including Southern Wisconsin and Northwest Indiana.

gas logs, and fireplace doors/mantels, and accessories. The dealership expanded quite heavily in the gas fireplace market in the 1980s and 1990s, and began representing many top names, including several brands under the Hearth & Home Technologies banner. “Gas is definitely the big player in our industry. We still do some wood-burning products, especially in h igh-end built-in units, but 90-95% of our sales are in gas.”

In addition to HHT, the store represents a variety of other top-name manufacturers, including fireplace products from White Mountain Hearth, Hargrove, Enerzone, Dimplex, and Modern Flames; custom glass doors/screens/accessories from Stoll Industries and Hearthcraft; custom mantels; firepits/tables; outdoor products from the Outdoor GreatRoom Company; and grills from Broilmaster.

ubiquitous with fireplaces that it was a positive to have it as part of your company name.” In 1969, Majestic merged with American Standard and today is part of Hearth & Home Technologies.

Stanley Sandell died in 1963, and his widow, Thelma, took over daily operations. Running a business in the 1960s, as a single mother of two, was not an easy road. “In those days, a woman couldn’t get a business loan.

There certainly wasn’t the flexibility and egalitarianism we have today,” Sandell says.

Despite many attempts at others trying to take over the business, or competitors hoarding factory allocations, the business survived and thrived through Thelma’s financial savvy and sound business decisions.

Her son, Mark, came into the business full time in 1972 and continues to manage many aspects of the company on a daily basis. Mark’s son, Kevin, started sweeping floors at the store when he was 13, and began full time in 2009. Thelma passed away in 2015 at the age of 98.

Since Majestic Distributing

Company-House of Fireplaces was founded almost 70 years ago, the hearth industry has certainly experienced a revolution in technology and advancements leading to the many innovative available products today— reaching far beyond the air-cooled fireplace. Undoubtedly, the dealer has kept pace with and stayed ahead of all the industry changes to remain successful for nearly seven decades.

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WHOLESALE AND RE TAIL The largest volume of business— approximately 80%—comes from the wholesale market selling directly to large contractors and homebuilders.

The company also works with many small to mid-size custom homebuilders and remodeling contractors.

“Our showroom functions predominately as a builder showcase where homeowners can come in and pick the type of fireplace they want,” Sandell says.

Whether wholesale or retail, the store has a large reach in Chicagoland.

In general, the market tends to be more conservative in its hearth choices.

“It takes a while for people to jump on board with some of the newer trends.”

The remaining 15-20% of sales comes from selling direct to consumers. Sandell says people come in wanting a fireplace for a blank wall or they want to remove and replace their 70-year-old fireplace with a high-efficiency model.

The store also provides installation, service, and repair of every product it sells as well as service on existing units. This includes gas and wood fireplaces/stoves/inserts along with glass doors, logs, mantels, custom woodwork, face stones, and replace-

HEARTH RETAILER ment parts. “We have a very competent service wing with seven expert technicians factory-trained and certified by the National Fireplace Institute,” Sandell says. As with many hearth dealers today, the company is very busy. “We are booked two months out right now for full installs and our service calls are still booking 4-6 weeks out.”

Majestic Distributing Company-House of Fireplaces has always prided itself on educating and directing the customer to the best product choice for their needs, Sandell says. This approach, of presenting various options, has helped the company manage the long lead times because of current supply chain issues. “We try to lead customers to what they want by asking a lot of questions. This helps us find them the best solution for their personal applications.”

Sandell notes that his family’s business is somewhat of a unique entity in the hearth industry. In addition to being involved in a fair amount of areas including both the wholesale and retail markets, along with having a full service department, he says, “We are considered one of the few and actually the largest installing distributor in the Chicago area.”

He explains there are other dealers with showrooms that provide installation to the retail market as well as other distributors that supply products to dealers and builders. However, many of them distribute only and don’t install for builders like Majestic Distribution

trolled, making them vitally important to the health of the economy. Research shows 30% of family businesses make it to the second generation and 13% make it through the end of the third generation—about 90 years on average for the entire life of a company. Sandell is focused on Majestic Distributing CompanyHouse of Fireplaces remaining healthy, thriving, and successful for years to come. To The store’s expert factory-trained technicians provide installation, service, and repair of every do this, he says, any business product it sells. needs a team of good people.

“We have definitely developed an excellent core group Company does. “This way of doing business evolved for of employees and managers,” he says. Having a great us over the course of time,” Sandell says. It became very team of people working on the day-to-day operations important, he adds, for the company to establish the gives Sandell the chance to work on building the compavery best quality control standards in every installation, ny toward the future such as developing new market which they could ensure by using its own trained areas. For example, besides covering greater Chicago, the installers. “We are putting fire into people’s homes on business has also expanded into Southern Wisconsin purpose, and that needs to be done safely and correctly.” and Northwest Indiana. “We have an exceptional crew.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 90 perYou can be the captain of the ship, but you can’t do it all on your own.” c ent of American businesses are family-owned or con-

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Circle Reader Service No. 29

OUTDOOR GRILLING

FullSpeedAhead Neither the Great Recession nor the pandemic has deterred this successful Arizona grill and hearth store.

BY MAURA KELLER

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uccessfully founding and operating a hearth and fireplace store is part art, part science, and requires a high level of diligence and tenacity. Just ask Ryan Barnhart, operations manager, and the rest of the team at family-owned Gilbert Fireplaces & BBQs in Gilbert, Arizona.

While starting a small business is challenging, founding a company in 2008, right at the beginning of the Great Recession when consumer spending came to a proverbial halt, adds a unique set of challenges that the Barnhart family fully embraced. In fact, the company’s hard work paid off and now Gilbert Fireplaces & BBQs is a leading hearth and BBQ retailer, and service provider in the region.

“For years, we talked about how it was probably the worst time to start a business centered around specialty hearth and BBQ products, but in hindsight, it may have been the best time,” Barnhart says. “Although the first few years weren’t extremely profitable, they allowed us to grow at a rate that really helped us shape the business the way we wanted.”

As such, the team placed a great deal of emphasis on customer service and identified products that were unique—products that would TOP: Drew Daigger, Mike Barnhart, Ryan Barnhart, Kayla Barnhart, and Hannah Daigger

PHOTOS BY DAVID TRONESS

really excite the company’s customers and help Gilbert Fireplaces & BBQs stand out from their competition. It was also very important to the team to offer as many products as possible that were made in the USA. Fast forward 14 years and today Gilbert Fireplaces & BBQs has made a name for itself in the region by offering leading hearth, grill, and outdoor kitchen products.

“We are proud to be a dealer for some of the most innovative outdoor grilling products on the market,” Barnhart says.

“Some of our best-selling items are our Alfa Ovens and Yoder Smokers.” Over the last few years, Gilbert Fireplaces & BBQs has seen a tremendous uptick in built-in griddle sales from brands like EVO and Le Griddle. The company also carries 12 gas grill brands, and has had tremendous success with each one.

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and state-of-the-art grilling products, the company places a great deal of emphasis on providing exceptional customer service throughout the entire customer experience.

“We take great pride in our customer service. Our customers not only benefit from our knowledgeable sales staff when it comes to making decisions on which products to purchase, but also from our service department,” Barnhart says. “There is not a single brand we carry that we do not also supply the parts for. Additionally, we provide a free one-year service warranty for all customers who purchase a grill or fireplace from our store.”

AN EVOLUTION OF SORTS Having been in business for 14 years means that the Gilbert Fireplaces & BBQs team has a keen understanding of how hearth and grill products have

TOP: Gilbert Fireplaces & BBQs has grown substantially since it opened in 2008.

BOTTOM: A diverse range of grills and accessories enables customers to find the products that fit their needs.

evolved over the years, and they also have a finger on the pulse of customer trends. Quite simply, they understand the design trends and product technologies that appeal to today’s discriminating consumers.

“Outdoor kitchen equipment and grills have become incredibly versatile over the years. Many gas grill manufacturers have designed their grills to accept inserts that allow you to cook with solid fuel, cook on a griddle, and even add smoke with built-in smoke boxes,” Barnhart says. “There is essentially nothing you cannot cook out-

doors on your grill these days!”

Technology has entered the grilling world and customers are taking notice.

In fact, when Gilbert Fireplaces & BBQs first opened in 2008, the only grill products the store carried that had interior lighting were produced by premium manufacturers—at premium prices.

“Today, we are seeing interior lighting on grills across all price ranges.

Interior lighting is not even seen as a premium feature anymore. Now, grills with built-in rotisserie motors, counterbalanced hoods, and even Wi-Fi capabilities are highly sought after,”

Barnhart says. “Consumers are looking for products that can make their lives easier. When a customer walks into our store and sees that certain grills have built-in rotisserie motors and flip-toclean ceramic briquette systems, they are excited that those models will make it easier to keep the grill clean and co ok with a rotisserie.”

Pellet grills with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities are also attractive to many people because they know that those grills will make it easier for them to smoke a brisket overnight for a party they are having the next day.

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AN ADDED TOUCH Being family owned and operated greatly appeals to the store’s customer base.

Ryan Barnhart, along with owner Mike Barnhart, marketing and communications director Kayla Barnhart, office and finance director Therese Barnhart, sales consultant Hannah Daigger, and service technician Drew Daigger, make this a family affair that both customers and the company employees cherish. As Barnhart explains, the company’s staff genuinely cares about the success of the company, and that is translated to their customers in the form of product knowledge and customer service.

“Our philosophy is to help people find the products that fit their needs the best and allow them to create incredible memo ries with their own families,” Barnhart says.

And while the ongoing pandemic has created a wealth of challenges for businesses of all sizes, across all industries, fortunately for the home improvement and outdoor entertainment industries, the pandemic has led to an increase in demand for these products.

“Because of this increase in demand, however, we have seen lead times for

OUTDOOR GRILLING

LEFT: The store has seen a big uptick in flat top grill sales.

RIGHT: A wide range of barbecue accessories keep customers returning to the store long after they purchase their grills.

products increase dramatically. Product that used to take two weeks to come in from our suppliers is now taking upwards of 24 weeks,” Barnhart says.

“We’ve had to completely change our strategy when it comes to ordering products, and I think we’ve done a terrific job in reducing the lead times for our customers by staggering our orders and bolstering our inventory.”

Barnhart and the rest of the Gilbert Fireplaces & BBQs team truly believe the outdoor kitchen market is going to remain quite strong going into the future. And it makes complete sense as the pandemic has forced people to find ways to entertain themselves and their families at home.

“Because of this, people have done more research into some of the specialty outdoor cooking products that are available on the market. Awareness of these products has never been higher and people are constantly looking for the latest and greatest ways to cook a delicious meal at home,” Barnhart says.

And the Gilbert team knows some of their customers’ best memories are created around the grill and fireplace, so they strive to ensure customers have a solid, satisfying experience with the products they offer and service.

And while the company has made a name for itself in Arizona, resulting in strong word-ofmouth marketing, the team has also utilized digital marketing platforms, with an emphasis on food as an additional marketing and social media strategy.

“YouTube videos and social media content centered around grilling has driven many customers to our store,” Barnhart says. “People don’t want to hear how many BTUs a grill has—they want to see how that grill can improve their quality of life by the types of meals they can create with it.”

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Circle Reader Service No. 33

SHOWROOM SHOWCASE

BUSINESSBOOM

A popular patio retailer takes advantage of the population growth in southern Utah.

BY SHARON SANDERS PHOTOS BY ALISHA SHAW

O

nce a hidden gem for retirees, St. George, Utah, is the fifth-fastestgrowing metro area in the nation. Located two hours northeast of Las Vegas, it is a prime destination for those seeking mild weather, an active outdoor lifestyle, and a sense of small-town community.

A little more than seven years ago, 29-year resident Collins Stuart opened Outdoor Living—a unique retail shop that gives residents the inspiration they need to look at their outdoor spaces in a whole new way. “People primarily come to St. George to enjoy the climate, and our store is here to help them take full advantage of why they moved here in the first place,” Stuart says.

Over the past decade, the southern Utah population has grown from 73,000 to nearly 195,000 residents, and Outdoor Living has become a local favorite.

Before opening the store, Stuart, a contractor by trade, spent his career enhancing outdoor living spaces with shade (patio covers) and building outdoor kitchens.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Lake Springer, Tamara Sorenson, Amanda Lisardo, Shane Weniger, Collins Stuart, Natalie Stuart, Jenny Harradine, and Seane Hayes BOTTOM: Fresh designs inspire customers.

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“When I completed my projects, I began to notice that the beautiful new spaces I had created were lacking furniture,” he says. There was one casual furniture dealer in town, but it didn’t offer his clients what they needed. “I felt like patio furniture was an underserved space in the community, so in my mind that was reason enough to open a store.”

Although he didn’t have any formal experience in retail, he made up for it with passion and vision.

CUSTOMERS FIRST From day one, Stuart knew the driving force behind his retail business would be serving customers the way they wanted to be served—no compromises. “Being a contractor is all about relationships, which has prepared me to be a retailer. At Outdoor Living, we view each customer interaction as a chance to build a relationship, not just as a one-time transaction. We never stop looking for new ways to serve them.”

The store has a reputation (noticed by customers, sales reps, and other retailers) for the caliber of its employees, who share Stuart’s passion for service. He has been deliberate about that choice. “I firmly believe a small business needs to have a staff that has the same focus, ethics and morals as the owner, instead of just implementing a business model. The

more true a store is to an owner’s vision, the more successful it will be.”

Every decision that is made, big or small, is made with the customer in mind—from what products the store carries to how employees are compensated. “We all have to be of one mind when it comes to priorities.”

Stuart initially opened the store with modestly priced furniture because he was apprehensive about price. As people started coming in, he quickly realized that most of the shoppers were interested in customization—which pushed him to move in the direction of high-end furniture.

“It has allowed me to do things for customers that I couldn’t do at a lower price point. I can tailor the product to the individual, which is what Outdoor Living is all about.” Today, the store carries a wide selection of top manufacturers including Castelle, Brown Jordan, OW Lee, Woodard, Mallin, Lane Venture, Ratana, and Jensen Leisure.

Before the pandemic, nearly 75% of sales were special order. The focus has shifted temporarily to in-stock products because of supply chain delays.

“Overall, our sales are still up—we just service customers differently. Like most retailers, we put them i nto what we can in a realistic time frame.”

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TOP: Outdoor Living is nestled in the heart of St. George, Utah.

BOTTOM LEFT: Relaxed neutrals are customers’ favorites.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Accessories pull it all together.

operate in the normal business model, Stuart expects to ramp back up to normal levels by 2023.

“Part of being a retailer, just like being a contractor, is making things work for customers, even if they unexpectedly go sideways. That is what makes a strong, resilient business.”

Education is an essential part of the store’s sales process. “The moment someone walks onto the showroom floor, our goal is to educate them on the value of outdoor furniture—not to sell them something,” Stuart explains, adding that the focus of conversations is to dispel the misconception that outdoor furniture, in general, should be cheaper than indoor furniture.

“People want it to have all the quality of indoor furniture, but they also expect it to survive outside.

So, justifiably it should cost more. When our sales staff frames it up in those terms—a light bulb goes on—and the sale becomes much easier because the customer is not fixated on price.”

SHOWROOM SHOWCASE Pillows bring pops of color and texture.

The sales team also spends time explaining that outdoor spaces shouldn’t be an afterthought, but rather a priority. They can be a place that fits a person’s lifestyle the same as any indoor room. “Sales start to come when people realize that it’s possible to enjoy their home at a higher level. Done right, homeowners will spend just as much time in an outdoor room as they will in any other space in their home,” he adds.

Stuart is continually looking to improve the customer experience. As a member of the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA), he gets ideas

and support from fellow members globally. “The organization attracts people who have a sincere interest in the trade itself. There are many store owners out there who focus too much on the numbers and don’t make an effort to have balance. I like rubbing elbows with people who have the same passion as I do for the outdoor space. It makes me a better retailer.”

MOVING FORWARD There have been many positives that have come out of the pandemic for Outdoor Living. From a sales standpoint, it

has caused people to place a higher priority on their homes as a spot to spend time, which in turn has made them willing to invest their money into creating spaces they love. The other positive is that it has helped the staff appreciate interactions with customers more than ever before, which is something that is easy to take for granted.

“After not having in-person conversations for a year, one places greater value on those relationships,” Stuart explains, adding that it has personally made him appreciate seeing people’s faces—smiles or frowns. “I think the appreciation goes both ways, too. It’s refreshing to see how excited customers are to physically sit in the furniture and spend time with us planning their backyards. The process is part of the fun.”

St. George continues to grow at a steady pace, and the opportunities for Outdoor Living are growing as well. Over the next few years, the central shopping area will be moving geographically, so Stuart has purchased a 2.5-acre property where the growth is headed. “I have already started to draw up plans for my dream store, and it’s been a blast.”

After being in business for seven years, he knows exactly how to design the building to meet the needs of the business and its customers. He is optimistic about what the future holds. “I have a unique vision for retail that is not so black and white that it dilutes the customer experience—and it is rewarding to see it play out every day.”

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VANCOUVER • ATLANTA • DALLAS • CHICAGO residential | contract | hospitality

ratana.com 1 866 919 1881

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AS I SEE IT

AMD DIRECT

BBQBLAST

American Made Grills gives barbecue enthusiasts many options for showing off their outdoor cooking skills.

BY SHARON SANDERS

FLAVOR HAS A NEW FRONTIER.

the hassle of shopping around to purchase all the extras.

American Made Grills (Huntington Beach, California) brings the ultimate grilling experience for patio heroes, the next generation of chefs, and sunsets that never quit.

As the newest brand of the AMD Direct family of fire products, it was born out of a passion for good food and craft-inspired grills. Patio & Hearth Products Report sat down with Dennis Smith, president, to learn more about the company’s philosophy and find out why American Made Grills is the brand to watch in 2022.

Who is AMD Direct?

Smith: AMD Direct is a family owned and operated company with a passion for creating memorable outdoor experiences for the home.

We have a fully operational manufacturing plant in Huntington Beach, California, that runs 20 hours per day. With a wide range of brands ranging from luxury barbecue grills to premier fire features, we are committed to quality, craftsmanship and using the best materials in everything we make. Our brands today include Summerset Grills, American Made Grills, Sunfire Grills, TrueFlame, and Firegear.

How was American Made Grills born?

Smith: As the demand for outdoor products grows, AMD Direct is expanding its offerings to outfit the total room. The company came onto the grill scene in 2002 with its luxury Summerset Grills that have become a go-to favorite of specialty retailers. To build on the momentum created by Summerset, we launched the American Made Grills brand in 2021 with a focus on handcrafted grills at an entry level price point.

What can customers expect from American Made Grills?

Smith: American Made Grills offers something different. Our products are TOP: Freestanding Encore 54” Hybrid Grill BOTTOM: Encore 54" Hybrid Grill (shown with multi-fuel tray)

handcrafted and top of the line for a unique culinary experience. Our flagship offerings are two hybrid grills—the Encore and the Muscle Grill (modeled after a 66 Mustang Shelby). The plus of hybrid is that it brings all cooking style options under one hood including charcoal, lump charcoal, wood chunks, natural gas, and liquid propane—featuring the ease of our creative multi-fuel tray system.

Our first gas grill, the Estate, brings handcrafted excellence with all the benefits of gas cooking. All three grills come with everything but the chef: a rotisserie kit, stainless steel griddle, drop-in infrared sear burner, a fuel starter kit that includes wood and charcoal and a care kit cleaning system, and even a grill cover. The whole concept for American Made Grills is to give new grill owners the ultimate experience from day one. We’ve taken away 38

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What is the latest from American Made Grills?

Smith: This year, we are excited to introduce our second gas grill—the Atlas. It hits a comfortable price point for the marketplace at $3,000-$5,000. I can honestly say that it’s an entry level cooking machine.

Atlas has a dynamic look and is loaded with features that our customers have told us they are looking for, including a four-position warming rack that is movable up and down. It also features square cooking grates (instead of round) that provide more cooking touch points for food. Like all of our American Made Grills, it’s manufactured in our Huntington Beach facility.

What is the brand’s focus for 2022?

Smith: With the brand being less than a year old, we are investing a significant amount of money this year building awareness for American Made Grills. This means exposure in industry magazines and educating the consumer through social media

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AS I SEE IT

AMD DIRECT TOP LEFT: Estate 42" TOP RIGHT: Estate 42” (shown with briquettes)

costs. We have also expanded our second-to-none customer car e team, giving our customers the exceptional service they deserve.

that pushes business back to the dealer. We are also offering an extremely aggressive showroom display program so consumers can touch and see the craftsmanship of our grills firsthand. That is something you don’t get online—and that’s what sells.

What has kept the AMD family of brands going strong with the economic setbacks over the past two years?

Smith: Availability. Like all manufacturers, we have experienced some unavoidable challenges, but our overall made in America philosophy has given us a huge advantage. With the unprecedented demand for products, manufacturers that have inventory available are the ones ending up on top.

Our business model includes a strong distributor network across the country. We work with regional distributors who are in the backyards of our dealers, which cuts down on lead times and reduces freight

What do you think is important to dealers in today’s retail environment?

Smith: One of the top concerns for dealers is internet sales. They want and expect manufacturers to enforce MAP pricing—so we have made it a priority.

Our brand is the most important part of our business, so we protect it with strict MAP pricing. We monitor the internet daily, and if we discover a dealer that’s not adhering to our pricing agreement, they will be notified to correct it within 24 hours or we will not sell to them until it’s fixed. This is one of the ways we show our dealers how much we value our relationship with them.

The pandemic has attracted random sellers trying to take advantage of the surging interest in outdoor room products. We are picky about bringing on new dealers until they can prove to us that they will honor our brand and pricing. We have to be tough—it’s our company, brand, and image.

In your opinion, what does the future hold for the grill/barbecue industry?

Smith: We are optimistic about another strong year with significant increases in growth. Long term, I anticipate that there’s going to be somewhat of a market correction—meaning there won’t be the huge spikes that we’ve seen over the past few years. Overall, I think the industry will continue to see steady sales in 2022 and 2023.

The pandemic has forced people to stay home, so home has taken on a whole new meaning. It’s not just a place that you leave early in the morning and come back to for dinner and bed. It’s become a place to live, work, entertain, and enjoy leisure time. The indoors and outdoors have become home. This new way of life has benefitted our industry in many ways.

What does the future look like for AMD Direct and its brands?

Smith: Our future is wide open. Aside from building distribution for American Made Grills, AMD’s focus is on growing sales for the current customer base for all five brands. We’re looking to outfit the total outdoor room with outdoor kitchens, fire, and heating.

AMD Direct wants to be the source that offers a complete outdoor room package for our distributors and dealers.

We recently expanded our workforce, manufacturing facility and invested millions of dollars in new modern machinery and tooling—not only to increase our capacity, but to make a better working environment for our employees. Ultimately, we are making changes going forward that will have the biggest impact for our distributors, dealers, and their customers.

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Circle Reader Service No. 41

MY TURN

OW LEE

AGOOD MOVE OW Lee’s relocation to Texas expands its capacity and enhances quality of life for employees.

BY KIMBERLY RODGERS

community were excited to see us bringing jobs to the area and, overall, everyone has been great,” McCollister says.

When announcing the company’s move in 2020, Terri Lee Rogers, president and vice president of sales, noted OW Lee chose to relocate to Texas due to the state’s favorable business incentives and policies, as well as its central location for shipping. About 35 employees from California moved to Texas. While the transition remains ongoing and challenging, McCollister adds, “The quality of life our employees could achieve in Texas was one of the motivating factors of our move out of California.”

Indeed, OW Lee joins dozens of companies, including Tesla and Charles Schwab, that have relocated from California to the Lone Star State in the last few years. The top factors enticing companies to call Texas

LEISA ROGERS MCCOLLISTER, VICE PRESIDENT of marketing, OW Lee, is seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. In Spring 2021, the renowned manufacturer of outdoor casual furniture, firepits and accessories moved all manufacturing operations from Southern California to a new plant in Comfort, Texas—located in Hill Country—and approximately 45 minutes northwest of San Antonio.

OW Lee received an enthusiastic welcome from the region as the company moved into a building that had been vacant since 2015. “Local members of the

home are the overall lower cost of living and doing business, no state income tax, and less burdensome regulations. “It’s been certainly rewarding to see our California employees purchase houses here in Texas and thrive,” McCollister says.

The remainder of the labor force, including high-quality metalworkers and welders, is sourced from Comfort and several other rural towns in the region. In addition, a van pool program has been established to drive employees daily from San Antonio.

Currently, 185 people are employed at Comfort and the company continues to hire.

The 412,000-square-foot manufacturing facility provides 255,000 more usable square feet than the Ontario facility, giving over twice as much space and plenty of room to grow. The larger facility is already being put to good use, as a brand-new state-of-the art paint line was installed. “As we increase capacity, this new line will allow us to paint more frames per hour than we were able to in Ontario,” McCollister says. “The new line will also produce an even more durable finish as well.”

MOVING FORWARD At the 2021 Casual Market, OW Lee offered three new introductions: Cibolo and Kensington, both full collections in aluminum and wrought aluminum; and Lodge, an addition to OW Lee’s Bistro collection.

The Cibolo collection offers the relaxed summer comfort and style of a classic Adirondack chair with the iconic turn-of-the-century sophistication inspired by Gustav Stickley.

Cibolo offers a distinctive look for the high-end market, fitting seamlessly in any outdoor space—from a mountain retreat to a backyard patio. The collection includes a lounge chair, love seat, sofa, side table, and occasional table. In

TOP: OW Lee’s new manufacturing plant in Comfort, Texas BOTTOM: Kensington is a full-line collection.

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Circle Reader Service No. 43

MY TURN

OW LEE

addition, Cibolo also features an 18” round stool/ottoman and a 36” round ottoman.

The Kensington is the perfect balance of modern appeal with neo-classical elements popular in Victorian England. Inspired by the West London Borough home to Kensington Palace, this collection offers remarkable comfort and exquisite design. The line offers dining, bar, traditional deep seating, and chaise lounge. Both collections feature OW Lee’s plush comfort cushions and Sytex seating system.

Each are available in 13 frame finishes and in over 143 stock fabric options.

The Lodge is intended to mix well with other OW Lee collections. It offers a natural rustic look with an appealing wood-grained ladder back and is available in a side chair, counter stool, bar stool, swivel counter stool, and swivel bar stool. “All three new introductions have been received very well,” McCollister says.

For the most part, since all OW Lee products are

made in the United States, the company has been able to avoid many of the major supply chain issues hampering other overseas manufacturers, McCollister notes. In addition, she explains, “Our long lead time, due to ramping up our labor and production capacity, has allowed us some extra time to plan when sourcing materials.”

However, keeping up with the surge of demand for outdoor living products has not been without some difficulty.

The relocation, which was set in The Cibolo collection offers a distinctive look for the high-end market. motion before the pandemic hit, has further led to a disruption in production. “We would have never imagined the kind of “We were outgrowing our Ontario facility and we demand we are seeing in our industry.” really did not have much flexibility in increasing She adds, in the end, the move was a positive our capacity there.” Long-term, McCollister says step for the company and its many customers. the Comfort location gives OW Lee the flexibility to increase capacity and give the company the ability to respond to surges in demand and be an even more improved supplier.

As a direct result of the ample space the new plant provides, OW Lee is currently working on a new 120” long dining table for 2023. The Ontario plant did not have a paint line big enough to accommodate this size.

“We are excited to finally be able to offer a large family dining table to the market,” McCollister says.

Always searching for new and innovative ways to support its retail partners, OW Lee is utilizing a different 3D modeling tool from the one it first introduced in 2020. The new program provides more realistic models and allows the marketing team to change fabrics, finishes, and backgrounds to produce a photorealistic rendering in real time.

“The change is reflective of how fast this technology is developing,” McCollister says. “We are still in testing mode but plan to utilize the tool to better help our dealers’ advertised products on the showroom floor.” Currently, the tool does not have a consumer-facing element. However, she adds, “We are finding tremendous value in this new product and hope to work toward adding consumer interaction back at a further date.”

Family owned and operated since its founding in 1947, OW Lee is one of the most respected outdoor furniture manufacturers in the industry. Using only the highest quality materials and components, all products are made in the company’s Comfort, Texas production facility. Each piece is truly handcrafted with employees involved in the production of every product, ensuring superior quality control and durability.

McCollister, a fourth-generation family member, is excited to do her part to help carry OW Lee into this new chapter. She notes that each generation has elevated the company to a new level. Working with her brother, Paul Rogers, vice president of product development, McCollister hopes to be able to do the same. “We are working hard every day to hire, train, and improve our processes to be able to meet demand. There is a great team being built here in Texas, and we know they will be able to help take us Circle Reader Service No. 44 to the next level.”

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6KüU GHOLJKW LQVLGH ćG ĐW In&Outdoor Fabrics tempotestusa.com

720 Anderson Ferry Rd | Cincinnati | OH 45238 Circle Reader Service No. 45

PRODUCT INNOVATION

HEARTH & HOME TECHNOLOGIES

IN HOT PURSUIT By tracking down the latest technologies and designs, this industry giant brings warmth and beauty to homes.

BY MAURA KELLER

THE ADAGE, “IT’S IN THE DETAILS” BODES

well for Hearth & Home Technologies. From exquisite linear gas fireplaces to energy efficient wood and pellet burning hearths to stylish outdoor firepits, Hearth & Home Technologies has a broad product offering for consumers. In fact, filling consumers’ homes with warmth, happiness, and lifelong memories has been the cornerstone of Hearth & Home Technologies, the operating division of HNI Corporation, which began operations in 1947.

So how did Hearth & Home Technologies emerge from HNI’s efforts?

As Jeni Forman, senior vice president at Hearth & Home Technologies explains, the original Heatilator fireplace was first manufactured in 1927 and, in 1981, it was purchased by HNI. Then, in 1996, when HNI acquired Heat-N-Glo Fireplace Products Inc., Heatilator and Heat-N-Glo were merged to create Hearth Technologies Inc. “The concept of ‘Home’ was added to the name of our company in 2003 as we developed and marketed related products that supported a healthy home environment,” Forman says. These included central vacuum systems, outdoor living products, and heat recovery systems. “Since our founding, we have acquired more brands and now warm the world with the best brands of hearth products, offered through multiple channels covering new home and existing home markets.”

LEFT: Dane Harman launched Harman pellet stoves with its tagline, “Built to a Standard, Not a Price.”

RIGHT: SimpliFire electric fireplaces and inserts are designed for year-round ambiance.

BESTSELLING PRODUCTS Ask most hearth professionals and they are likely to have heard of Hearth & Home Technologies (HHT), thanks in part to the company’s continuous goal of raising the proverbial bar in providing exceptional state-of-the-art hearth products. As a result, HHT has made a name for itself in the industry—not only among consumers, but also among retailers and industry professionals.

HHT stands out for its breadth and depth of products and its industryleading brands, which have expanded over the years to include some of the strongest brands known among hearth professionals, including Vermont Castings, Majestic, Harman, and SimpliFire. The strong brands in the HHT portfolio have helped the company gain access to the best distributors and retailers in North America.

These partners, who are hearth experts, provide homebuyers and homeowners with the best possible service and install capabilities in the industry.

“A few years ago, we acquired Stellar Products, which opened the door for HHT in the luxury custom space,” Forman says. “This category is definitely inspiring since Stellar can bring a fireplace to life with virtually any design that is put in front of them.”

Ultimately, HHT wants to provide homeowners with warmth and ambiance

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for families where they live, work and play.

“We are fortunate to have brands and products that can help us achieve this every day,” Forman says.

In addition, the company has a full array of hearth products in all fuel types.

As a result of the company’s innovation, HHT has won many Hearth & Home Magazine VESTA awards over the years, and the company has received patents for many technologies. “Innovation has always been one of our core competencies and an area that we take great pride in achieving,” Forman says.

Today, one of the products the team is most excited about is its IntelliFire App. At its core, this app allows the consumer to operate their fireplace from anywhere in the world using their mobile device or even using voice commands via Google or Amazon technology. “As homeowners continue to look for more convenient ways to control their home environment, we believe that the fireplace connection to the ‘smart home’ is critical,” Forman says.

And just as HNI has evolved since its founding nearly 80 years ago, so too have the products introduced by its operating division. HHT makes a concerted effort to understand the nuances of the marketplace and what consumer trends need to be embraced in its product designs.

As Forman explains, in today’s fireplace design, clean, simple looks with flush continued on page 88

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CORPORATE PROFILE

SEASIDE CASUAL

INGREATDEMAND

Seaside Casual Furniture works fiercely to deliver its popular eco-friendly designs to grateful retailers.

BY LARRY THOMAS

WHEN YOU’RE DIGGING OUT FROM A

blizzard that dumped two feet of snow across much of New England, it’s hard to focus on outdoor living spaces, but that’s exactly what Kate Carret was doing one wintry afternoon in late January.

Carret, who is CEO of outdoor furniture producer Seaside Casual Furniture, was making sure the company’s Coventry, R.I., factory was running smoothly—just two days after the blizzard—and that delivery trucks could safely get in and out of the loading docks.

She had little choice because demand for her company’s furniture was at historic highs, and Seaside’s retail customers were anxious to get more product sooner rather than later. “We used to be mostly a

TOP: The Greenwich woven group BOTTOM: ICFA Design Excellence Award-winning HIP Club Chairs with Club Table

stock business, but now people are placing orders because there’s barely anything sitting on the shelf,” Carret says. “As soon as it’s produced, it’s going out the door.”

And she doesn’t expect much to change for the remainder of 2022, even though there are signs the pandemic is easing.

“I think 2022 is going to be a great year. I don’t really see a drop-off in demand,” she says, noting that consumer spending on travel and entertainment still hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels.

“Consumers will eventually start shifting some of their discretionary income (away from the home). Our goal is to retain some of the recent growth and keep the new customers we’ve picked up.”

Aside from Seaside’s domestic production and mostly domestic supplier base, the company’s secret sauce, if you will, is EnviroWood, a high-density polymer that’s made from recycled plastic such as milk jugs. Originally introduced in 1999 because it would withstand severe New England winters (including blizzards), EnviroWood quickly became the principal raw material for Seaside Casual’s entire line, which is now sold throughout the U.S. and in parts of Europe and Australia.

“You can leave it outside year-round,” Carret says. “You don’t have to paint it or scrape it, and it’s not something you’re going to have to throw away after three years because it’s falling apart.”

In fact, she says it’s not even necessary to cover the furniture when not in use— blizzards included. The only maintenance needed is an occasional rinse with plain 48

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water—and that’s recommended only in coastal areas to combat the corrosive nature of salt, which may affect the stainless steel fasteners.

The success of EnviroWood pushed the company into the upper end of the casual furniture market (a dining table and four chairs typically retail for $2,500 to $5,000), and also spurred a companywide focus on sustainability.

For example, scraps from the factory are recycled—again—and there’s a constant review of ways to minimize all production waste and reduce transportation costs, which in turn reduces emissions.

“It’s important to us,” Carret says. “We’ve really done a lot to be sustainable.”

Like most of its competitors in the casual furniture business, Seaside’s sales have been booming since the summer of 2020. And the company’s early decision to keep placing heavy orders for raw materials has paid off because Seaside has been able to fill orders when some other competitors cannot.

“We got quite a few new customers when they were told they couldn’t place early buys with their other vendors,” she explains. “Even when demand surged shortly after pandemic shutdowns ended, we were able to keep our customers supplied longer … because we had the raw materials on the ground to keep producing. We were more than willing to invest the money so we wouldn’t run out regularly.”

Carret says it was “unthinkable” to turn away dealers who wanted to make early buys because the company knew many of them were out of stock and desperately needed product as the new selling season was about to begin.

She said the company has kept its lead times reasonable in recent months and has not removed any SKUs from the lineup, although some slower-selling colors may take longer to get shipped.

One of the thorniest issues the company has faced is double-digit surcharges that have been slapped on some shipments of EnviroWood. In some cases, surcharges have been added months after Seaside’s order was placed—and after some dealers had been quoted a price for specific products. continued on page 88

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INSIGHT

SUNBELIEVABLE

ONE TOWATCH Fast-growing Sunbelievable expands its presence in the outdoor fabric industry.

BY LARRY THOMAS

THE PAST COUPLE OF

TOP: Seastar and Lifeguard in Spring and Frog MIDDLE: Seastar and Lifeguard in Blueberry and Denim BOTTOM: Reef and Raft in Sunshine and Illuminate

years have been almost unbelievable, if you will, for Sunbelievable. Amid soaring demand for outdoor furniture and well-documented supply chain woes, Sunbelievable, the outdoor fabric unit of Z-Wovens, has taken advantage of its vertically integrated production to grab market share and position itself as a major force in the outdoor fabric business in the years ahead.

“Our growth has been substantial, and it’s continuing to grow very rapidly for us,” says Chip Finneran, vice president of sales.

“The demand has been phenomenal. It’s by far the fastest-growing segment of our business at this time.”

What’s the secret sauce? The exact recipe is kept close to the vest, but it has a lot to do with product quality, fashion-forward designs, customer service, and last year’s decision to use 100% solution-dyed acrylics for all of its new outdoor fabrics.

“We have the entire package,” Finneran says. “Everything is made in Chi na, but we’re vertical, so even with the transit times from China, our service (five-week production time) is equal to, if not better than others in the marketplace.”

And he notes that the decision to go all-acrylic with new products has been a winner from day one. “The reaction has been almost overwhelming to our new acrylic products,” Finneran says. “We have opened accounts with several new outdoor furniture manufacturers in the last six to eight months.”

The reaction has been so positive, in fact, that Sunbelievable launched a domestic quick-ship program for its acrylics in January. The program, which involves full rolls of fabric shipped from its Charlotte, N.C., warehouse, will be added to an existing quick-ship effort for Z-Wovens’ other fabric lines.

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of late—especially since the company made the decision to go all-acrylic.

Since much of the product is being shipped China-to-China, the company has avoided many of the container shipping problems that have plagued U.S. furniture companies for more than a year. Plus, goods destined for the Charlotte warehouse are landed at the Savannah, Ga., or Charleston, S.C., ports, which haven’t experienced the horrific backlogs seen at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

“There have been delays, but we have been able to get as many containers as we want,” Finneran says, noting that fabric is shipped weekly to Charlotte and a smaller warehouse in the Los Angeles area.

On the design side, the company hasn’t taken its foot off the gas with product development, despite the pandemic. A design team headed by Bea Spires is constantly working on new patterns and new yarns, even though their normal busy travel schedule has all but come to a halt.

“It’s all about innovative new products and reaching new markets,” Spires says.

“I’m working with designers who have been in the business a very long time. They know the markets and trends. It’s a wonderful and innovative group.”

She notes that the company is able to get new fabrics on the market more quickly because most of the yarns are developed inhouse—another advantage gained by its vertical integration. “Homeowners are extending their living spaces to reflect the comfort of indoor living in their outdoor spaces,” Spires says. “So we’re focusing on a blending of textures to attain a more relaxed feel for outdoor furniture.”

She adds that the reaction has been especially positive for fabrics using bouclé, a yarn with looped and curled fibers that delivers a unique soft texture. It’s sometimes blended with more traditional chenille to achieve additional textures. “It’s just a natural step for indoor to outdoor for that look,” she says. “There has been such a continued on page 89

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INSIGHT

WEBER KNAPP

THE HINGEMASTERS Manufacturers looking for innovative motion control solutions turn to Weber Knapp.

BY CHERISE FORNO

FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS, WEBER KNAPP

(Jamestown, New York) has built an unparalleled reputation for designing and manufacturing custom motion control hinging systems that are crafted to be safe, reliable, and easy to use. “Always the innovator, Weber Knapp found niche applications and opportunities for its talents and always worked as a technical problem solver for its clients,” says Leila Bell, sales and marketing manager.

TOP LEFT: Launched in 2021, the Smokin’ Ugly product line has been a hit with consumers.

TOP RIGHT: Smokin’ Ugly Pizza Oven Charcoal Chute Kit TOP RIGHT-MIDDLE: Weber Knapp’s specialized hinges are made in the U.S. BOTTOM: Smokin’ Ugly Pizza Oven parts

For outdoor living spaces, Weber Knapp’s hinges are designed to withstand extreme heat, such as in grills and smokers, or extremely cold temperatures in refrigerators and freezers. The versatility of the products has been a staple of Weber Knapp since it was founded by Adam Weber and Edward Knapp in 1909 to create motion control hardware for furniture manufacturers. Weber Knapp then grew its business, offering its motion control expertise to a wide variety of industries.

“The list of notable products produced by Weber Knapp is long, distinguished, and historical, including needle cups for phonographs in the 1920, brass and bronze scuff plates for President John F. Kennedy’s desk, and hinge supports for cases in the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C.,” Bell says.

In the 1970s, Weber Knapp noticed a need for deliberate mechanical motion control of large equipment and worked hard to fill the void in the market. “The company established itself as the leader in counterbalance technology when it solved

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a significant problem for Xerox Corporation, which was using pressure cylinders to operate large copier machines,” Bell says. “We’re always trying to break into new markets.”

Weber Knapp gained prominence in the office furniture market, introducing a proprietary ergonomic accessory product line in the 1990s. With a commitment to innovation and investments, Weber Knapp continued to grow into new marketplaces such as the hospitality, medical, outdoor kitchen, and luxury appliance industries.

“Each product is highly engineered to meet our customers’ specific needs and requirements,” Bell says. “Having the ability to offer counterbalanced or springassisted hinges with features such as soft open, soft close, dampening, drop off, pop-up, etc., gives our customersan advantage in their specific markets by allowing them to offer safer, more effective and user-friendly end products.”

Weber Knapp’s Vectis line is the first to allow customers to “design-your-own” continued on page 89

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LAST WORD

THE OUTDOOR GREATROOM COMPANY

PEOPLEFIRST

Top: Darien teak table with Everblend top creates an elegant combination of wood and concrete.

MIDDLE: Cove 72” linear fire table in white delivers contemporary style with a warm glow.

BOTTOM: Bronson Round Gas Fire Pit kit by The Outdoor GreatRoom Company

Schmitz says. “Those relationships have been built by working through challenges to best serve our customers.”

This people-first philosophy has been on full display as the company has geared up for and reacted to the recent surge in outdoor living popularity and the significant sales growth occurring across their lines. Schmitz points out that in the last two years, business has been at such a high level that keeping up with demand is currently the company’s greatest challenge. Heading into the 2022 season, the company is meeting this challenge with innovative solutions.

The Outdoor GreatRoom Company keeps the fire burning by providing outstanding service to customers, dealers, and employees.

BY LAURIE RUDD

“PEOPLE ARE OUR

primary key to success,” says Renee Schmitz, vice president of business development and marketing for The Outdoor GreatRoom Company (Lakeville, Minnesota). “Not only in creating innovative products, but from the first phone call with sales and customer service, to engineering, production, supply chain and logistics, our members work hard to meet the needs of our customers.”

As the first to enter into the gas fire pit category, The Outdoor GreatRoom Compa ny is a trail-blazer and expert in outdoor fire. For these designers and developers of outdoor gas fire products, accessories, and furnishings, a focus on people is not only integral to the company’s mission, but at its very foundation. Whether based on those they employ, those they serve or those whose enjoyment drives their innovation, the focus on people has permeated The Outdoor GreatRoom Company’s legacy since its founding in 2003 by the late industry pioneer, Dan Shimek.

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NEW FOR 2022 By incorporating the pursuit of serving customers as well as creating and continuing opportunities for those it employs, the company is excited to unveil product innovation throughout its introductions for 2022.

The company is especially excited about its recent capabilities expansion resulting in the production of burners completely in-house. This a bility to manufacture burners in the U.S. has had a positive impact on easing supply challenges and providing consistent delivery and uninterrupted customer service for retail partners.

The Outdoor GreatRoom Company also is committed to creating outdoor experiences and focusing on staying current on outdoor living trends. “We look at interior trends to create fire features that the consumer wants to bring to their outdoor area,” Schmitz says. “The trends for this yea r are a lower profile table while concrete fire tables are still a strong request. We added new sizes with a 54” and 72” concrete fire table to our offering, too.”

One product innovation that has been introduced over the past two years and will continue to grow in 2022 is the implementation of a versatile outdoor material called Everblend. Despite being a concrete overlay material, the designers were able to take approximately 40% of the weight out of the tops for fire tables and fire features. This allowed consumers to assemble Everblend fire tables without the need for a crew to help erect or move the finished piece into place.

More options for existing products are being highlighted in the company’s offerings for this season. Among existing fire feature products, new materials or combinations of materials are being introduced. Wood and concrete are especially big sellers.

“We continue to see wood and concrete as strong materials in the market, and a foundation upon which to grow,” Schmitz says. “We introduced a teak fire feature last year and in the new season, we will expand on that offering. With the creation of our Everblend advanced concrete material, we have endless opportunities to create tops and bases.”

The Darien Rectangular Gas Fire Pit Table with an Everblend top is one such mixed material piece designed for elegance of style and durability through the combination of Grade-A teak wood and Everblend concrete. The Everblend concrete top offers texture and durability in a unique and custom design for this lowprofile fire table. Outdoor chairs ar e available to create a coordinated outdoor look.

With contemporary styling, the Cove Linear Gas Fire Pit is being introduced featuring the White Supercast concrete top to allow the focus to fall on the contrasting Stainless-Steel Crystal Fire Burner. The organic nature of the concrete is designed to be unique to each fire pit.

Ready-To-Finish, with fireplaces and fire pits, is a new product category for the company. These fire feature components are designed to address a demand from the company’s commercial clientele. Scheduled to expand in 2022 due to increased popularity, the ReadyTo-Finish fireplaces are focused on delivering products for the builder market.

The Ready-To-Finish 60” fireplace is popular with homebuilders looking to customize fire features with a home’s exterior.

“As builders for new homes are realizing the significance of the outdoor room and want to build custom elements, we are making more commercial options available to them,” Schmitz says. “Ready-To-Finish bases allow builders to finish on-site to match landscaping, hardscaping, or exterior stone. Included in the kits are a UL Listed Crystal Fire Plus Burner to complete the look.”

For The Outdoor GreatRoom Company, innovation also is occurring as it refreshes a select group of best-selling products. The design team has added enhancements in smart technology to the direct spark ignition (DSI) system burners. Options for the Crystal Fire Plus burner system are being enhanced as well.

“Smart elements have been part of our DSI burner system that allows customers to run their burners or fire pit tables from an app on a phone,” Schmitz says. “This year, additional functionality is being inserted with the ability to adjust the flame remotely.”

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FUTURE FOCUSED In addition to show-stopping introductions and refreshment of popular elements, the company is equally proud of opening its 94,000-square-foot building at its Minnesota location in December. Service to their customers will increase through this major in vestment in production and warehousing capacity. At the same time, the facility news was coupled with an exciting partnership announcement.

“The Outdoor GreatRoom Company had significant growth in 2021,” Schmitz says. “As with most manufacturers, we had our best year ever, with challenges in supply chain and keeping up with the demand.”

Also, in 2021, The Outdoor GreatRoom Company began looking for a way to better meet the demands of this fast-growing category, which led to the company being acquired by Hearth & Home Technologies in December. “We are excited to be a part of a company that a few of us worked for in previous years,” Schmitz says. “There is great synergy between our companies as we are both looking to learn from each other. Our introductions and improvements for 2022 will position us as a one-stop-shop for fire features.”

With this tremendous partnering, significant growth in the outdoor category, innovation in fire products, expanded custom capabilities, and a people-first focus, the outlook for The Outdoor GreatRoom Company is burning brightly.

HPBEXPO ROUNDUP

INPERSON

BY CAROL DAUS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY RAMOS

A SPIRIT OF OPTIMISM PREVAILED

throughout the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta on March 2-4 as participants met at the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo (HPBExpo) for the first time in person since the outbreak of the pandemic. As North America’s largest hearth, patio and barbecue event, HPBExpo gave show-goers the opportunity to reconnect with top suppliers, attend educational sessions, view expert-led demos on new and exciting products, and network with specialty retailers and a diverse range of manufacturers.

Pictured here are some of the exhibitors who unveiled groundbreaking products and innovations. In addition to being loyal advertisers of Patio & Hearth Products Report, they are recognized by Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association for making this year’s show a major success.

Le Griddle From left: Austin Cunningham, Andy Pope, Jeff Cunninghan, Remy Lamparet Bottom: Joe Howeth, Chad Harrell, Cheri Simon, Erica Reel, Robben Cunningham, Julee Cunningham

Amantii Jack Hemmes

Caframo Candi Franklin and Cindy Hearn

Big Green Egg Jon Bogle and Jodi Burson

Hargrove Manufacturing From left: Mark Hitchcok, Ryne Vineyard, and Doug Vineyard

Blaze King Chris Neufeld

Coyote Outdoor Living Jim Ginocchi

RH Peterson Company From left: Dominque Seim, Robert Dischner, Amy Bortz, and Tod Corrin

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Napoleon Garry Scott

Ortal USA Gina Almaguer House of BBQ Experts Lyn Guimond and Anne-Marie Lafontaine

HPBA Kelly Vandermark and Jack Goldman

HPC Fire Inspired Chad Ewing and Sean Steimle

Kozy Heat Heather Husong

Infratech Randy Carsten and David Arnold

Empire Comfort Systems Nick Bauer

Bull Outdoor Products Frank Mello

Dansons Brian Traeger and Jeff Thiessen

Maxitrol Kathleen Gibbons and Jake Turskey

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HPBEXPO ROUNDUP

The Outdoor GreatRoom Company Joey Shimek and Renee Schmitz

Warming Trends From left: Art Kunkle, Bryan Small, Voni Flaherty, and Ronnie Wilcox

Valor Fireplaces Rory Frampton and Michael Athay

Mendota Hearth Ron Schinnerer

Montigo Sharon Murray

Vectis by Weber Knapp Leila Bell and Jody Osgood

Golden Blount From left: James Blount, Alicia Blount, Jamie Blount, Bill Roman, and Fabian Barraza

Mont Alpi From left: John Hartwig, Vicky Hartwig, and Matt Hartwig

ICC - RSF Dan Bonar and Ray Bonar

DuraVent BJ Point and Tony Wang

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Memphis Wood Fire Grills Sharla Wagy

There is something magical about the meeting between this design icon and gas technology. The timelessness of its lines, the atmosphere of the pivoting fireplace, the fire controlled by a simple gesture. FOCUS launches a technological world first. _________

GYROFOCUS GAS The Icon Reinvented

Distributed in North America through:

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WHAT’S NEW 30 Bull Commercial Style Griddle

Like all of Bull’s products, the 30 Bull Commercial Style Griddle is constructed of 304 Stainless Steel and uses four burners to produce 60,000 BTU of power under a chromium-plated griddle designed to withstand its intended outdoor application. The unit is 30” wide, so it will fit in most outdoor kitchens and is available in both LP and NG versions. There’s also a grill head for outdoor kitchens or complete grill cart. Available end of May 2022. Contact: (800) 521-2855 or www.bullbbq.com.

6 Hot Products To Sell Now

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Bubble The Bubble from European Home is a contemporary wood-burning fire bowl that brings its stylish originality to any outdoor space. Its open fire provides the perfect centerpiece to extend long summer nights or take the chill off autumn evenings. The brazier’s simplicity and sophistication, a hallmark of focus design as well as its performance, make it suitable for a wide range of exterior settings, from gardens to roof terraces to patios. Contact: (781) 324-8383 or www.europeanhome.com.

S50 Curved Gas Stove Introducing the Enviro S50, the only 180° curved gas stove built in North America. This sleek modern design sports a 496-square-inch viewing area to show off its ultra-high-definition log set. Available in metallic black and enameled carrara white. Contact: (250) 652-6080 or www.enviro.com.

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Canbria Bench and Bench Table

Athens

Ratana’s new Canbria collection offers the perfect additions to complete your outdoor living and dining pieces. The power-coated aluminum with woodgrain finish, in either pearl gray or hessonite garnet, is guaranteed to withstand the elements while its sleek lines and style add a touch of sophistication to any area. The Canbria collection offers dining tables, coffee and end table, bench table and bench.

Contact: (866) 919-1881 or www.ratana.com.

For 2022, Treasure Garden is introducing the new Athens base under the Shademaker collection. The Athens is a 108-pound, two-tone cast aluminum market base with wheels, designed for hospitality and highend residential applications. Fusing design with functionality, Treasure Garden has crafted a market base that has the best of both. The simplistic curves, along with the two-tone colors, provide a contemporary and highend complement to any market umbrella. Contact: (626) 814-0168 or www.shademakerusa.com.

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Jayne Collection Gensun’s new Jayne collection is a 2021 ICFA Design Excellence Winner. The Jayne collection captures the relaxation of outdoor living with its enveloping softness and unique use of materials. Jayne’s seamlessly integrated straps surround you as you sink into its cloud-like cushions, and the GEN-Teakfinished aluminum arms give the warm look of wood without the maintenance. With its gracefully curved silhouette, modern detailing, and striking stance, Jayne is an inviting addition to any outdoor space. Contact: (866) 964-4468 or www.gensuncasual.com.

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PRODUCTS Infinity Canopy

New Forest Electric 48”

Infinity Canopy Inc., inventor of modular slide-on-wire shade systems, in collaboration with U.S.-based pergola manufacturers, introduces modular shade structures made from aluminum and fiberglass.

These innovative, stylish structures help architects, designers, and their customers to create outdoor areas that emphasize elegance and Zen, while providing functional and novel shade solutions. The shade structures come in 10.5’ x 10’ modules that can connect together to create larger inline, curved or more complex connected structures.

Contact: (844) 422-6679 or www.infinitycanopy.com.

The New Forest Electric 48” takes flame technology to the next level.

The LED flame visuals offer deep, realistic fires and spread throughout the reflective liner, utilizing every angle. The signature logs are crafted from high-quality materials that perfectly fit together to capture every detail you would expect to see when walking in the New Forest, England. Distributed across North America by Miles Industries Ltd. To experience the New F orest’s next-level electric flame technology, visit a local authorized dealer to learn more. Contact: (800) 468-2567 or www.britishfires.ca.

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The Hip Club Chair Freestyle Grill

Seaside Casual introduces the 2021 ICFA Design Excellence Award-winning Hip Club Chair.

With its mid-century modern vibe and solid construction, Hip Club is a cool outdoor seating solution with both comfort and industrialchic styling. The Hip SideKick complements the chair as a footstool, side table, or even a comfortable extra seat. Perfect for the poolside, rooftop, or any outdoor living space. Contact: (800) 809-3114 or www.seasidecasual.com.

Just in time for the 2022 grilling season, Napoleon has introduced the allnew Freestyle, a stylish grill with mass appeal, superior performance and boasting Napoleon’s trademark quality— backed by its industryleading 10-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. Available in three- and fourburner models, the Freestyle boasts features such as an integrated bottle opener, sleek graphite gray finish, folding side shelves with integrated tool hooks, a con cealed tank compartment, porcelain enameled triangular sear plates, durable one-piece cast aluminum firebox and the Accu-Probe Temperature Gauge. Contact: (866) 820-8686 or www.napoleon.com.

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Le Griddle – Tasty Cooking Dolce (Toucans/Ivory)

The greatest innovation in outdoor grilling since the invention of the BBQ— your customers will love to complete their outdoor kitchen with the most versatile griddle ever made and share exciting new cooking experiences with family and friends. Perfect for any meal, cook mouth-watering dinners, lunches and even breakfast. Le Griddle is currently adding more dealers across the U.S. Contact: (800) 833-5998 or legriddleus.com.

Adding flair to any space, Couristan’s Dolce collection is the perfect choice for outdoor and indoor settings. UV stabilized, this allweather collection is built to last, and is mold, mildew, and water-resistant. Featuring structured tapestry construction, these beautiful and durable rugs are made of 100% Fiber-Enhanced Courtron Polypropylene with Durable Polyester. Sizes: 2’3” x 3’11”, 4’ x 5’10”, 5’3” x 7’6”, 8’1” x 11’2” and a 2’3” x 7’10” runner. Contact: (800) 223-6186 or www.couristan.com.

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PRODUCTS Patio Comfort Portable Patio Heater

Golden State Series Umbrella

The PC02 Model Patio Heater is designed to provide warmth, comfort, and enjoyment to your outdoor spaces year-round.

Completely self-contained and portable, it offers a clean and draft-free circle of heat. Patio Comfort Heaters utilize infrared heat, which heats people and solid objects instead of wasting energy by heating the air. This creates a clean and more efficient heating source. With long-term durability, safety, and performance in mind, all materials are made from commercial-grade aluminum, stainless steel, aluminized steel, or brass.

Contact: (949) 474-3070 or www.aeicorporation.com.

The Golden State 118 by California Umbrella raises the standard for outdoor shade. The revolutionary collar tilt allows for effortless operation, always obtaining the perfect angle for the optimum amount of shade. This market-style umbrella, with an aluminum frame, will complement any of the designer fabrics you select. Pictured: Bronze pole color, Sunbrella fabric in Dolce Oasis. Contact: (909) 622-4800 or www.marchproducts.com.

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Dimplex DGR Series Natural Gas Outdoor Heater

Pit Boss Ultimate 5Burner Griddle The Pit Boss Ultimate 5Burner Griddle combines power and precision to deliver a bigger, hotter, heavier outdoor cooking experience unlike anything on the market today. Fitted with an all-new non-stick armored ceramic cooking surface, this griddle is a dream to clean and is protected from scratches and rust. Its robust 5-burner heating platform boasts 647 square inches of cooking space and is aesthetically qualified to be the centerpiece of any backyard cooking arrangement. Contact: (877) 303-3134 or www.pitboss-grills.com.

Help customers enjoy outdoor spaces in total comfort. The powerful DGR wallmounted natural gas heater (DGR32WNG) heats up quickly and delivers 31,500 BTU of heat, warming an area up to 16’ x 16’ with four commercial-grade ceramic burners and a world-class wind protection rating. At only 25-1/2” wide, this space-saving heater is designed to wall-mount discreetly without interfering with furniture placement or foot traffic, or it can be ceiling-mounted for added installation options. Also available in a portable propane model (DGR32PLP). Contact: (800) 668-6663 x550, p&h@glendimplexamericas.com, or www.dimplex.com.

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Recife (Cabana Tile/Sage Leaf-Ivory)

Designed for outdoors, the Gayle Bench is a versatile extra seat or footrest and blends easily with other patio or poolside furniture. Crafted from raffia with classic natural coloring, the bench is a sturdy, durable addition to any outdoor setting and is available in two lengths. Custom-crafted cushions add plush comfort and carefree enjoyment with water-resistant covers that can easily withstand the elements for years of use. Finish: Raffia. Contact: (888) 868-4267 or www.summerclassics.com.

Appealing to the creative eye, Couristan’s Recife collection adds the perfect finishing touch for outdoor and indoor spaces. UV stabilized, this all-weather collection is built to last, and is mold, mildew, and water resistant. Featuring a structured flatwoven construction, these beautiful and durable rugs are made of 100% Fiber-Enhanced Courtron Polypropylene. Sizes: 2’ x 3’7”, 3’9” x 5’5”, 5’3” x 7’6”, 5’10” x 9’2”, 7’6” x 10’9”, 8’6” x 13’, 2’3” x 7’10” runner and 2’3” x 11’9” runner, 7’6”/8’6” rounds and squares. Contact: (800) 223-6186 or www.couristan.com.

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The Gayle Bench

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The Spartherm Collection

Arte U-90h

Gemuetlichkeit

” is the German word for total coziness and well-being.”

Made in Germany. www.spartherm-america.com Contact: m.aumann@spartherm.com MASONRY INSERT

Spartherm-700-IN

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PRODUCTS Big Green Egg Cast Iron Grill Press The NEW Big Green Egg Cast Iron Grill Press creates perfect “smash” burgers with crispy edges and a juicy center, and prevents curling when cooking bacon or ham. A true multipurpose tool, the Grill Press will also help you achieve those perfect sear marks when grilling steaks and seafood, and it is a great tool for creating paninis and other pressed sandwiches. The cool-grip spiral handle provides a safe, comfortable grip. Contact: (770) 938-9394 or www.biggreenegg.com.

Ortal Island 70

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Introducing the Ortal Island 70, Stand-Alone Fireplace. A smaller version (26”) of our bestselling, Island 130, this new fireplace is visible from all four sides, making it a great centerpiece for any room! Available with or without decorative hood and base options, it allows total design flexibility. Contact: (844) ORTAL-FIRE or www.ortalheat.com.

DirectVent Pro Concentric Flex DuraVent DirectVent Pro Concentric Flex can be used as a cost-effective alternative to 45° elbows when offsetting around an obstacle such as a stud, joist, or truss.

It allows you to put the vent exactly where you need it, and in a hurry. Aside from speeding up installation, using this approach can also help to minimize the number of joints between pipe sections. Aside from a modest savings on parts, you will also save on installation time. Contact: (800) 835-4429 or www.duravent.com.

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Charleston Swivel Rocking Dining Chair The Charleston Swivel Rocking Arm Chair is a new addition to the Charleston line of outdoor seating and features that collection’s classic wide plank coastal styling. With plush custom cushions and a smooth swivel and rocking motion, this chair guarantees years of enjoyment. Available in oak and oyster finishes. Contact: (888) 868-4267 or www.summerclassics.com.

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Napoleon Freestyle 365 Stand Alone Gas Grill The Freestyle 365 features Napoleon’s Instant JETFIRE Ignition for quick and reliable startups. With three burners and 365 square inches of main cooking area, you can cook up to 22 burgers at once! Enjoy added features such as folding side shelves, integrated tool hooks and built-in bottle opener. The Napoleon Freestyle Series is designed to fit your lifestyle.

Contact: (630) 241-0506 or sales@fandcdistributors.com.

Decorative Canopy Options FiberBuilt offers a wide selection of decorative options to customize umbrella canopies. Among the most popular this season are Bullion, Brush, and Decorative Header Fringe. These graceful details ripple in the breeze, adding a softness to the décor, and can even be added to a valance-style canopy. These stylish touches are available in several colors to effortlessly coordinate with or dramatically contrast with the canopy’s fabric. Contact: (866) 667-8668 or www.fiberbuiltumbrellas.com.

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PRODUCTS New Mobile Kitchen Islands by Gensun Gensun’s new 67” mobile islands are available in a traditional style (Paradise) or a more contemporary style (Modanō). They have heavy duty locking caster wheels and handles on either side for easy movement. They come in a variety of finishes, including scratch resistant embellished finishes for the countertop, and have a lifetime structural warranty. Contact: (866) 964-4468 or www.gensuncasual.com.

Pagoda Series Umbrella The Pagoda series umbrella embodies a classic look that never goes out of style. These decorative parasols create a vintage look while offering numerous customizations. Choose from a wide assortment of designer fabrics and embellishments, and it comes complete with a commercially rated frame. It’s the perfect accent piece to shade any outdoor space. Pictured: White pole color, Sunbrella fabric in Aruba and Natural. Contact: (909) 622-4800 or www.marchproducts.com.

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Big Green Egg Folding Beer Can Chicken Roaster Vertical roasting produces tender, falling-off-the-bone chicken that is unbelievably moist on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. When beer-can roasting, the chicken cooks vertically, which allows juices to collect in a drip pan under the rack for making a delicious pan gravy. This will become your go-to technique for roasting a whole chicken. Use with a can of your favorite fruit juice, soda, or beer for the most flavorful poultry you’ve ever tasted. Contact: (770) 938-9394 or www.biggreenegg.com.

New Forest Electric 63” The New Forest’s rear glass perfectly mimics every detail of the fire bed to create a stunning visual appearance. Choose between three log and glass effects to match your style. The Air Curtain Technology heater system is thermostatically controlled using the remote handset and displays the setting on the LCD screen. Choose a temperature between 63° and 81°F and the fire will do the work to heat the room up effectively.

Contact: (800) 468-2567 or www.britishfires.ca.

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Born in Texas, Made in America

Ultimate 5 Gas Logs The artistically created, ultradetailed Ultimate 5 gas logs from Eiklor Flames are made of high-heat (2,600-degree) ceramic refractory material and are heated by the company’s patented five-burner system, with unique stainless-steel components and heavy-duty iron grates, to give you an extraordinarily realistic, energy-efficient, toasty-warm fire. Sizes range from 18 to 36 inches. Contact: (888) 295-5647 or www.eiklorflames.com.

Renaissance Cooking Systems’ newest line of made-in-America products is just what your customers want in their backyard.

This lineup, along with RCS doors/drawers, sinks and refrigeration options, offer your customers high-quality products they can enjoy for a lifetime.

Contact: (800) 833-5998 or www.rcsgasgrills.com.

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PRODUCTS Pit Boss Smokeless Fire Pit Experience world-class innovation with the Smokeless Fire Pit by Pit Boss Grills. This outdoor appliance adds the dynamic of wood pellet fuel with a virtually smokeless performance that will provide more quality time with family and friends without having to smell like a campfire. These units produce a lot of heat in a small package as they mix clean, fresh air with unburned gases to result in the most efficient burn on the market.

Easy to operate, the firepit only needs a couple inches of wood pellets, fire gel, and flame to have embers in less than five minutes. You can get several hours of burn time out of one 40-pound bag of wood pellets, with the option to also use wood chips or wood chunks. Featuring a large, two-piece base, this unit comes in a heavy duty four-piece construction.

Contact: (877) 303-3134 or www.pitboss-grills.com.

Cupido 70 The Cupido series is the answer for those who want the most innovative flame look but are tight on space. At 11 5/8 inches deep, this is the slimmest gas fireplace on the market, perfect for older buildings and condos. With a viewable area of 26 inches tall, the Cupido 70 has a large view for such a small fireplace. The Real Flame burner system has multiple settings from roaring fire to a low glow to create your own flame picture. Contact: (781) 324-8383 or www.europeanhome.com.

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Double Trash/ Recycle Drawer The Greenwich Collection

The Bull Double Trash/Recycle Drawer offers a stylish solution to separate general waste from recyclable material. Constructed of 304 Stainless Steel, the Bull Double Trash/Recycle Drawer comes with two 32quart cans and features a set of heavy-duty slide rails that have a soft closing feature.

The Bull Double Trash/Recycle Drawer is a perfect addition to any outdoor kitchen and matches the rest of Bull’s award-winning grill and outdoor kitchen equipment. Contact: (800) 521-2855 or www.bullbbq.com.

Introduced in 2021 and expanded in 2022, the Greenwich Collection from Seaside Casual is one of their most comfortable, flexible, and stylish outdoor dining solutions. New additions include a 35” x 90” Dining Table, Woven Dining Chairs, and 60” and 80” Slatted and Woven Dining Benches to round out the most flexible combination of seating options offered in any Seaside collection. Now with four back styles, adding to the traditional Slatted, elegant Provencal, and sophisticated Diamond is a beautiful and comfortable All-Weather Woven Hyacinth option that makes it easy to create a winning combination in any outdoor setting. Contact: (800) 809-3114 or www.seasidecasual.com.

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Eclipse Cantilever Umbrella The Eclipse cantilever umbrella from Frankford Umbrellas combines beautiful style with strength and durability to provide a lasting solution to your shade needs. Its 360° rotation and Infinity Tilt allow for easy opening and closing, while providing complete shade flexibility. Extruded aluminum and stainless steel parts on a marine grade corrosion resistant aluminum frame ensures the Eclipse is ideal for all environments. Available in three sizes and six beautiful frame finishes, with 10-year 9 oz. marine grade acrylic fabric. Contact: (856) 222-4134 or www.frankfordumbrellas.com.

Ortal Wilderness Three-Sided Stand Alone New in 2022, Ortal has introduced its Wilderness Firelog Technology to a 25” Three-Sided Stand Alone with an optional decorative base. Contact: (844) ORTAL-FIRE or www.ortalheat.com.

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PRODUCTS DLW Series Outdoor/Indoor Radiant Electric Heater

Eco-Friendly Poly Lumber | Made in the USA Create an enjoyable outdoor entertaining spot in any outdoor haven this season with NorthCape’s new Oceanview collection. Constructed from eco-friendly durable PolyTuf by Tangent material. Features comfortable and stylish seating and is available in dining, counter, and bar height.

Entertain and enjoy the comforts of NorthCape’s Oceanview collection.

Contact: (708) 563-2890 or www.northcape.com.

Available in white or black, the DLW Series infrared electric heater offers a slim profile and minimalistic style that blends with any décor.

This radiant electric heater warms like the sun and does not emit visible light, making it ideal for low-light environments like dining and lounge areas. The DLW Series heaters can be ceiling or wall-mounted and are available in wattages from 1,500 to 3,200, with lengths ranging from 36” to 70”. Safe electric operation means no emissions, making the DLW Series a perfect choice for outdoor/indoor spaces, which need heat during the coldest months or in the evening. Contact: (800) 668-6663 x550, p&h@glendimplexamericas.com, or www.dimplex.com.

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Monterey Fiberglass Market Umbrella The Monterey fiberglass market umbrella from Frankford Umbrellas is manufactured using the best and most resilient materials available. The halfinch-thick fiberglass ribs allow the frame to bend and flex easily in windy conditions.

The durable aluminum center pole, maintenance-free resin and stainless steel parts ensure the Monterey will provide years of worry-free shade! Available in three opening styles, six sizes, and seven beautiful frame finishes, with 10-year 9 oz. marine grade acrylic fabric. Contact: (856) 222-4134 or www.frankfordumbrellas.com.

Scion Trinity Electric Fireplace Create an alluring atmosphere from any angle with the Scion Trinity Electric Fireplace. It adds stunning ambiance in three-sided, corner, or single-sided styles that inspire from any vantage point. Finish your wall in a sleek look and choose from clear crystals or driftwood logs with glowing embers. Tailor your fireside experience with four flame and 13 ember-bed color choices and enjoy it year-round with or without heat. Fire Made Simple.

Contact: (877) 320-0730 or www.simplifire.com.

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Bronson Block Square Gas Fire Pit Kit

New DuraVent DuraFlex SS Caps

Build your own gas fire pit with the all-inone Bronson Block Square Gas Fire Pit Kit. The traditional brick paver style gives the familiar look of a backyard bonfire with the modern convenience of gas. Choose between round or square options; both make for an easy DIY project. Optional concrete top pieces, available in Charcoal Grey or Limestone Tan, offer a contemporary finish to the round fire pit design. Contact: (800) 303-4028, sales@outdoorrooms.com or www.outdoorrooms.com.

New 3”-8” DuraFlex Removable Vertical Cap and Top Plate / Storm Collar is now offered. The DuraFlex SS storm collar, previously included with Vertical Cap, will now come welded to Top Plate. As a result, Top Plate and Storm Collar (DFS-TPSC) and Removable Vertical Cap (DFS-VCRC) finished goods will be offered. Welding the Storm Collar to the Top Plate ensures that the Storm Collar and Removable Cap stay fastened to the Top plate. Previously, the Vertical Cap and Storm Collar were connected to the assembly with a hose clamp connection to chimney flex. Contact: (800) 835-4429 or www.duravent.com.

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PRODUCTS Kensington The Kensington chaise lounge offers the perfect balance of modern appeal with neoclassical elements popular in Victorian England. It features plush comfort cushions and Sytex seating system. Inspired by the West London Borough home to Kensington Palace, this collection offers remarkable comfort and exquisite design. Contact: (800) 776-9533 or www.owlee.com.

Fortress Indoor/Outdoor See-through Gas Fireplace Make your home your sanctuary with commanding views inside and out.

From patio to living room, savor the same beautiful fire with the Fortress seethrough gas fireplace. It is built of stainless steel and sealed to integrate your indoor and outdoor space. The traditional style, expansive viewing, and authentic look—showcased with non-reflective glass, accent lights, and interior brick options—create the ultimate in traditional luxury design as you relax with family and friends. Contact: (888) 427-3973 or www.heatnglo.com.

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Infrared Dynamics Sunpak and Sunglo Patio Heaters Sunpak and Sunglo outdoor infrared patio heaters are produced by Infrared Dynamics, the recognized leader in the outdoor comfort heating industry. Produced with pride in the USA since 1966. With a great lineup of options, you can comfortably and efficiently warm your outdoor areas and extend your outdoor entertainment season for several months. Contact: (888) 317-5255 or www.infradyne.com.

Bigger is Shadier – Cantilever Umbrella FiberBuilt’s 10’ x 10’ Cantilever Umbrella is a great solution when a patio needs a significant amount of shade and an in-table umbrella isn’t desired.

These large-scale, offset umbrellas provide exceptional coverage plus the advantages of having a double vented canopy for excellent wind management, a 360°, foot-activated rotating pole for movable shade throughout the day, and a smooth-glide trigger lift. To coordinate with any décor, the canopy is available in hundreds of furniture-grade, solution-dyed acrylic fabrics. Contact: (866) 667-8668 or www.fiberbuiltumbrellas.com.

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Mombo Gas Log System The Mombo gas log system by Eiklor Flames is an exclusive, patented, large two-burner technology for small and huge fully vented commercial and residential fireplaces or firepits—for indoor and outdoor use.

Sizes range from 3 to 10 feet long. Contact: (888) 295-5647 or www.eiklorflames.com.

U37 Arch Installation In addition to its standard square firebox construction, the Urbana U37 luxury gas fireplace can be installed with an arched opening. An arch install allows the U37 to blend in a wide variety of different room design styles and is fully compatible with all of the U37’s liner/media combinations. Contact: (250) 652-6080 or urbanafireplaces.com.

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PRODUCTS Napoleon Freestyle 425 Stand Alone Gas Grill The Napoleon Freestyle 425 is a compact grill with high-end features at an unbeatable price. Four stainless steel burners produce evenly distributed heat with 38,000 BTU of power. Easy to clean, cast iron porcelainized enamel cooking grids are rust-resistant and provide the iconic sear marks that Napoleon is known for. Being stylish never tasted so good. Contact: (630) 241-0506 or sales@fandcdistributors.com.

PW Designer Series Latitude Lounge PW Designer Series Latitude Collection by POLYWOOD is a study in balanced form and function, making outdoor spaces feel open and inviting.

Featuring clean, horizontal lines and sharp angles that speak to bold shapes, the striking aesthetic of these customizable deep seating sectionals and lounge sets appeals to those wanting sustainable style for their homes. All Latitude furniture is available in a variety of fade-resistant colors that coordinate with any outdoor décor. Contact: (877) 457-3284 or www.pwdesignerseries.com.

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Memphis Wood Fire Grills’ Beale Street Built-in Eva 992 Central Fireplace

With the sophistication and versatility of its flagship brand, the unique Beale Street Builtin stands out among other built-in pellet grills in its price category. Authentic wood-fire flavor, expert engineering and one-touch temperature control mean superior smoking, roasting, and baking, as well as the ability to sear with the optional direct flame insert. Coordinating doors and drawers available. Contact: (888) 8832260 or www.memphisgrills.com.

The Eva 992 central fireplace has been the brand’s greatest success and can be found in the most remarkable places, from alpine chalets to luxury hotels.

Understated yet stylish, with an unrivalled finish and full view of the wood fire from everywhere in the room. It also cares for the environment and the air you breathe. It will become the driving force for your interior decoration choices, putting a smile on your face as you update your living room to match the Eva’s clean lines. Contact: (514) 493-6400 or www.powrmatic.ca.

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Nature Walk New to Phifer’s collection of designed fabrics is Nature Walk. Incorporating Forest Moss, Warm Wood tones and Deep Olive, these fabrics seek to bring connection and balance with natural textures and motifs to nourish the soul and soothe the mind. Made from reclaimed fibers, GeoBella fabrics boast the plush texture and comfort of indoor furniture along with the stability, strength, and durability needed for outdoor use. Woven from durable, vinyl-coated polyester yarns, Phifertex Resort fabrics are UV and fade resistant to ensure long-lasting, vibrant color. Built-in Microban protection provides an added level of defense against damaging bacteria, mold, and mildew. Contact: (800) 221-5497 or www.phifer.com.

Complete your indoor fireplace display with a beautiful non-combustible mantel. With a variety of colors and textures to choose from, you will have no issue finding the perfect style to rest above your fireplace or on your living room wall. Because of the non-combustible nature of this material, it can be used where many other mantels cannot. Made of durable fiberglass reinforced Supercast concrete. (Shown: Weathered Barnwood). Contact: (800) 303-4028, sales@outdoorrooms.com or www.outdoorrooms.com.

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Non-Combustible Mantels

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PRODUCTS LEX Series Electric Fireplaces Valor introduces the Valor LEX Series, manufactured by Charlton & Jenrick out of the UK. These Valor electric fireplaces feature unique under-bed lighting along with an exclusive log by Valor. The Driftwood, Birch and Splitwood options give customers a similar look to the popular gas models. The fantastic under-bed glow is reminiscent of the glow one experiences from a Valor gas fire. The fireplace series is made for customers who are expecting top level design and performance. These two lines will only be sold through specialty retailers, not bigbox chains. Electric fireplaces offer a beautiful option for those who may not have access to gas or who require heat. Contact: (800) 468-2567 or www.valorfireplaces.com.

Memphis Wood Fire Grills Introduces IntelliBurn Technology Memphis redefines wood fire grilling again with the introduction of IntelliBurn Technology, the most efficient and effective burn system available in wood fire grilling today! IntelliBurn’s patented, industry-changing technology utilizes secondary combustion to create more heat with less fuel, conserve pellets and extend cooking time. The new Pro Built-in ITC 3.0 is featured here with coordinating stainless-steel doors and drawers that add function and style. Carts also available. Contact: (888) 883-2260 or www.memphisgrills.com.

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Authenticate Living Revive connection and relish real moments that take place in the home with Phifer’s Authenticate Living collection. Warm earthy tones pair with cool colors to create intriguing combinations that invite us to take a moment to reflect and reset. Made from reclaimed fibers, GeoBella fabrics boast the plush texture and comfort of indoor furniture along with the stability, strength, and durability needed for the outdoors. Woven from durable, vinyl-coated polyester yarns, Phifertex Resort fabrics are UV and fade resistant to ensure long-lasting, vibrant color. Built-in Microban protection provides an added level of defense against damaging bacteria, mold, and mildew. Contact: (800) 221-5497 or www.phifer.com.

An addition to the Bistro Collection, Lodge offers a natural rustic look with its wood grained ladder back. Lodge is available in side chair, counter stool, bar stool, swivel counter stool and swivel bar stool. Contact: (800) 776-9533 or www.owlee.com.

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Lodge

All-in-1

For those desiring sustainable style that lasts for generations, look to Latitude dining sets. Part of the PW Designer Series’ flagship collection, these expertly-crafted, all-weather dining options effortlessly blend ergonomic design with a clean, sharp aesthetic that gives the nod to bold shapes. Available in a variety of fade-resistant POLYWOOD lumber colors, Latitude dining sets and pieces offer space for entertaining and self-expression. Contact: (877) 457-3284 or www.pwdesignerseries.com.

The All-in-1 is the perfect accessory for a charcoal kettle grill. The North American made 304 stainless steel ring allows the conversion of a kettle into a smoker, pizza oven, asado, bread or tandoori oven. This 2019 Vesta Award-winning accessory, which even supports rotisseries, will make you discover wood oven restaurant-type pizzas in the comfort of your home. Portable, it’s also easy to bring with you when you go camping! Contact: (450) 693-1227, x173 or www.bbq-experts.com/growth.

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PW Designer Series Latitude Dining

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PRODUCTS Estate Grill The American Made Grills Estate Grill is a luxury gas grill series that is designed and built entirely in the USA. The Estate comes fully loaded with Red Brass Burners, Rotisserie Kit, Drop-In Infrared Sear Burner, Smoker Box, and Grill Cover. The built-in model allows you to craft the perfect outdoor environment, building it into a custom outdoor kitchen island. Available in 30”, 36”, 42”, Built-In or Cart Models. Featuring the Gold Standard Lifetime Warranty. Contact: (800) 966-8126 or www.americanmadegrills.com.

Arte 3 RL 100h The decorative three-sided fireplace Arte 3 RL 100h is very appealing to the emotions from any angle. The soft-close all sides lifting door running with German engineering precision is the ultimate in technique. Ordered with a beveled 8 sided 6 mm massive steel frame and black EBORIS chamotte inside the combustion chamber makes it a design masterpiece in every living room. Contact: Powrmatic Toronto at (905) 660-0033, toronto@powrmatic.ca, or contact Jeromy at: (647) 221-0510.

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Tempotest USA In addition to one of the most extensive and stylish collections of woven solution-dyed fabrics in the world, Para Tempotest also offers digitally printed outdoor PET fabrics.

These bright and vibrant prints are offered in four base cloths: canvas, shantung slub, basketweave, and a base that passes FR standards including NFPA 701 and IMO standards. These are printed to order and can be colored to suit your customers’ needs for a modest 40-yard minimum! Contact: (972) 512-3534 or www.tempotestusa.com.

Fire Magic Contemporary Island Highlighting sleek styling and featuring a power burner cut-out, the new Fire Magic ID790 Contemporary Island is designed to complement Echelon, Aurora and Black Diamond 790 grills and power burners. The easy-toassemble island is constructed from glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) and comes in a smoke gray finish with distinctive black accent stripes and a polished black top. Also included is a double timer-box cut out to accommodate the grill and power burner. Contact: (800) 332-3973 or www.firemagicgrills.com.

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House of BBQ Experts Sunbelievable

With unrivaled dedication to share the passion of grilling, House of BBQ Experts offers a selection of sauces, rubs and dry marinades, inspired by international BBQ competitions’ participation, each of them exceptional on the grill or as dipping sauces. Adding to these flavors are a collection of reinvented accessories and flavorful fuel types, designed and tested by experts, for everyone to find the pitmaster in themselves! Inquire about their proprietary collection at: (450) 693-1227, x173 or www.bbq-experts.com/growth.

Introducing 100% acrylic fabrics from Sunbelievable. Select patterns and colors available in as little as six weeks’ time! Sunbelievable is known for exquisite patterns, colors, performance, and innovative features—all at unbeatable value. The fabrics feature the very best durability, stain, and fade resistance. Production capacity has been increased to 3 million yards per month, thanks to six new buildings outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment. Visit the website for Quick Ship details.

Picture here: Sevenseas collection in Daisy, Parakeet, Blueberry, Dream, and Mist. Contact: (336) 210-2630 or www.sunbelievable.com.

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Aluminum Fire Pit Bowls These spun aluminum bowls come in a stone and walnut finish. They have been Hydro Dipped for the best finish possible and are hand-inspected to ensure the highest quality as well as coming with the torpedo burner as an option with the biggest flame on the market.

These lightweight bowls give the look of concrete and wood, at a fraction of the weight! Contact: (877) 585-9800 or www.hpcfire.com.

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Spartherm Spartherm-America has a new CD. Please check out the new brochures for the “Spartherm Collection” and “Gemuetlichkeit” on the new homepage, www.spartherm-america.com, or order some for your company.

Contact: Spartherm-America / MarkusAumann / m.aumann@spartherm.com / 0049-15222644162.

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Big Timber Make your outdoor space warm and inviting with the Original Wood Pellet Patio Heater. Timber Stoves produce an incredible 90,000 BTU of head-to-toe heat up to 12 feet away. Not only does this heater provide warmth, but a beautiful wood fire to watch all night long. Enjoy three hours of radiant heat on just one hopper load. What powers a Timber Stove? A gravity fed system that requires no electricity or moving parts. Contact: (877) 347-2848 or www.woodpelletproducts.com.

Eco-Friendly Poly Lumber | Made in the USA Bring a fresh new look to your outdoor entertaining space with NorthCape’s new Oceanview collection. The Oceanview collection features a modern contemporary design with comfortable ergonomic seating and is constructed with durable eco-friendly PolyTuf by Tangent material. Comfortable, stylish, and built to last. Contact: (708) 563-2890 or www.northcape.com.

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Freestyle Grill Just in time for the 2022 grilling season, Napoleon has introduced the allnew Freestyle, a stylish grill with mass appeal, superior performance and boasting Napoleon’s trademark quality — backed by its industry-leading 10-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. Available in three- and four-burner models, the Freestyle boasts features such as an integrated bottle opener, sleek graphite gray finish, folding side shelves with integrated tool hooks, a concealed tank compartment, porcelain enameled triangular sear plates, durable one-piece cast aluminum firebox and the Accu-Probe Temperature Gauge. Contact: (866) 820-8686 or www.napoleon.com

SV Series You can enjoy these modern fireplaces from indoors and outdoors. The double layered ceramic glass panel on the indoor side will complement your room as an additional window with a dancing flame behind. Available in four sizes up to 7 feet long (6 feet model SV-72 shown). New dealers are welcome! Contact: (844)-636-3473 or www.woodbridgedealer.com.

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PRODUCTS Muscle Grill Crafted entirely in the USA from the American Made Grills Hybrid Series, the Muscle Grill is a luxury grill series designed for use with solid fuels like wood, charcoal, and lump charcoal. Available in 36” or 54”, Built-In or Cart Model, featuring the Gold Standard Lifetime Warranty. The Muscle Grill comes fully loaded with a Drop-In Infrared Sear Burner, Rotisserie Kit, Starter and Care Kit, & Cover. Contact: (800) 966-8126 or www.americanmadegrills.com.

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Titan Base For the 2022 season, Treasure Garden is introducing the new Titan Base under the Shademaker collection. The Titan Base is designed to hold the maximum weight needed for large umbrellas, while having the benefit of cost savings on freight. Strong in both weight and material, the Titan Base features a galvanized steel frame and a dense aluminum lid. It weighs up to 850 pounds with standard concrete pavers that dealers or consumers can purchase at any home improvement store. Contact: (626) 814-0168 or www.shademakerusa.com.

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DV32CV Fireplace Woodbridge Fireplace introduces the DV32CV model. Adjustable input rate 25,000 36,500 BTU (NG) or 25,000 32,500 BTU (LP) makes this 32” fireplace ideal for medium-sized rooms. The DV32CV is available with millivolt or electronic ignition systems and features a herringbone brick liner, realistic 8 piece log set, and a clean face.

Contact: (844)-636-3473 or www.woodbridgedealer.com.

Apollo Bistro Table Whether it’s a waterfront patio in Miami, or a luxury hotel pool deck in Beverly Hills, the Apollo Bistro table’s clean lines, and sophisticated modern design refine any outdoor space. Powder-coated, high-grade aluminum construction ensures this timeless design will last for years to come. Contact: (941) 213-5869 or www.windwarddesigngroup.com.

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Timber Griddle Love cooking outdoors but hate being cold?

Cook your favorite meals and enjoy the ambiance of a wood fire all at once with the Timber Griddle. Built as an accessory for Timber Stoves, this griddle is easy to take on and off for storage and portability. With over 400 square inches of cooking area, you can prepare party-sized meals and keep your guests warm and fed. Contact: (877) 347-2848 or www.woodpelletproducts.com.

Spartherm Spartherm-America has a new CD. Please check out the new homepage at www.spartherm-america.com and enjoy the new experience.

Contact: Spartherm-America / Markus Aumann / m.aumann@spartherm.com / 0049-15222644162.

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Origins Solid Surface Acrylic Table Top Selection Made entirely in the USA, Telescope Casual’s beautiful all-onepiece Origins Avonite Solid Surface Acrylic Table Top is supported by a durable powder-coated aluminum frame. Constructed with no seams to collect dirt or grime, the non-porous, heat resistant Solid Surface Acrylic is 68% denser compared to the already high-density Marine Grade Polymer and over 4x stiffer! Available in the patterns on accessory, dining, balcony, and bar height tables and fire tables. Contact: (518) 642-1100 or www.telescopecasual.com.

Sunbrella Emerge Emerge is a versatile and vibrant collection that highlights a host of new yarns in the brand’s portfolio, from calming blues to muted earth tones.

Classic colors pair with modern hues for a fresh take on the familiar. Introducing eight new patterns and an array of new colors for Sunbrella’s most popular solids. Discover how the Emerge Collection draws from the origins of traditional fabrics and adapts them for a more contemporary experience. Contact: (336) 221-2211 or www.sunbrella.com.

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Smokin’ Ugly Pizza Oven The Smokin’ Ugly Pizza Oven is easy to assemble and has charcoal and wood heating options. Griddle hotcakes, fry up some eggs, toast a sandwich, or wood fire a delicious homemade pizza! This Pizza Oven Kit is a must have for any Drum Smoker enthusiast! Contact: (800) 828-9254 or www.weberknapp.com.

Dometic Delta Heat Outdoor Pizza Oven Dometic Delta Heat outdoor kitchen products are known for their innovation, superior engineering, exceptional design, and unparalleled performance. The new Dometic Delta Heat Outdoor Pizza Oven is no exception. A versatile addition to an outdoor kitchen, it boasts top-ofclass design, uncompromising quality, and, most importantly, perfect results. Contact: (800) 544-4881 or www.dometic.com.

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Hoxter Give that wow factor to your clients with Hoxter, the world’s finest wood-burning guillotine fireplaces. All of these singlefaced and see-through models feature double ceramic glass, which increases combustion temperatures and gives a cleaner burn (efficiency over 80%) and ultra clean glass unlike most competitors. Hoxter’s easy-gliding guillotine system can be serviced from inside the fireplace!

Hoxter—the best technology starts with the details!

Contact: (860) 639-8284 or www.thevulcangroup.com.

Callaway ST This fireplace offers a sleek and versatile option for your customers that are shopping for a see-through fireplace, with design options from contemporary to traditional. Additionally, the new Callaway ST is available with an optional outdoor kit for customers who want to extend their living space outdoors. Enjoy a kozy fire from either side! Contact: (800) 253-4904 or www.kozyheat.com.

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PRODUCTS Clementi

New Propane Patio Heater

Since 1975, family pride is built into every Clementi product. Only the highest quality materials like foodgrade stainless steel are combined with Italian craftsmanship and painstaking quality control to build every Clementi pizza oven outdoor product. Weighing in at up to 50% more than the competition, The Vulcan Group gives you margins up to 25% higher. Clementi—The King of Fire! Contact: (860) 639-8284 or www.thevulcangroup.com.

New for 2022, Telescope Casual’s Propane Patio Heater is the perfect outdoor dining solution. Convenient Electronic Ignition, fueled by a standard 20-pound propane tank (not included), the burner is 46,000 BTU. This item can be used as a free-standing product or under several dining, balcony, and bar height tables. Only from Telescope Casual!

Contact: (518) 642-1100 or www.telescopecasual.com.

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Sunbrella Shade Fabrics Drum Smoker Spring Hinge

Sunbrella shade fabrics are saturated to the core with color and UV-stabilized pigments at the fiber level to be both UV-resistant and fade-proof, allowing them to retain their beauty even when exposed to direct sunlight and normal wear. Available in an extensive range of colors and patterns, Sunbrella shade fabrics are easy to clean—even with bleach—and provide breathable, cooling shade and protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Contact: (336) 221-2211 or www.sunbrella.com.

This adjustable spring-assisted hinge allows users to keep their hands free when checking on their slow-cooking masterpiece. The multi-position spring adjustment accommodates a variety of lid weights and opens beyond 90 degrees for full access to the smoker. The high quality stainless steel hinge body is built to withstand extreme heat and fits on a variety of drum smokers.

Contact: (800) 828-9254 or www.weberknapp.com.

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Lakefield XL

The Quogue collection by Kingsley Bate combines all-weather wicker with a modern upholstered seating surface, eliminating the need for a cushion.

Upholstered surfaces are made from durable, easy-to-care-for Batyline mesh. Seats are gently padded with quick-drying reticulated foam and typically dry in as little as 20 minutes after rainfall. The collection includes dining and club seating and is stocked in a Rush wicker color with white upholstery. Contact: (703) 361-7000 or www.kingsleybate.com.

The Lakefield freestanding stove has made a return! It has everything your customers loved about the Lakefield from before, but now features an overall larger stove, an updated log set, more design features, and 40,000 BTU to keep your customer’s family nice and Kozy. Contact: (800) 253-4904 or www.kozyheat.com.

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Quogue Collection

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Sunbelievable Introducing 100% acrylic fabrics from Sunbelievable.

Select patterns and colors available in as little as six weeks’ time! Sunbelievable is known for exquisite patterns, colors, performance, and innovative features—all at unbeatable value. The fabrics feature the very best durability, stain, and fade resistance.

Production capacity has been increased to 3 million yards per month, thanks to six new buildings outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment.

Visit the website for Quick Ship details. Pictured here: Seastar collection in Sunshine, Margarita, Spring, and Lollipop. Contact: (336) 210-2630 or www.sunbelievable.com.

Fire Magic Pizza Oven The handsome, new Fire Magic Pizza Oven isn’t just for artisan-style pizza. You can bake, broil, and more with thermostatic control up to 750°F. Truly a complete outdoor oven, the built-in Pizza Oven boasts a ceramic glass viewing window in an easy access door to the pizza stone or baking rack. Designed to complement the Fire Magic suite of outdoor kitchen products, the new Pizza Oven will be available this summer. Contact: (800) 332-3973 or www.firemagicgrills.com.

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Tahoe Plank Tables The Tahoe Plank Table brings a touch of modern rustic flair to any outdoor space.

Planks available in high density marine grade polymer or recycled polymer effortlessly integrate with any style from traditional to contemporary. The unique “Asterisk” base features fully-welded, powder-coated construction built to last season after season. Contact: (941) 213-5869 or www.windwarddesigngroup.com.

Coconut Inspired by the sprawling ancient banyan trees of the historic neighborhood of Coconut Grove in Florida, the intricately handwoven UV-resistant Durastrap and Durarope seek to mimic the beautiful branches of the banyan trees. The chic hand-brushed pearl colored powder-coated aluminum legs are tapered to wrap around the dual-colored polyolefin Durastrap and Durarope. The cushy rounded cushions offer maximum comfort.

Contact: (866) 919-1881 or www.ratana.com.

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Valor Freestanding Stoves Tempotest StarScreen Tempotest USA has introduced a new screen fabric, StarScreen, that provides shade and privacy—and absorbs up to 97% of the heat caused by solar radiation—while allowing for the passage of light. The 11 designer colors add to the beauty of any structure and can be used indoors or outdoors.

Made from recyclable PET solution-dyed yarns, the fabric is PVC free and fire retardant. It is fade resistant and is treated with Teflon for easy cleaning.

Contact: (972) 512-3534 or www.tempotestusa.com.

Valor offers an outstanding collection of radiant gas stoves, from the classic President that fits anywhere to the Madrona Series, including two Traditional and three Modern—featured here. The Madrona Series comes with Traditional Logs, Driftwood or Splitwood—popular choices throughout the product line. More than ever, homeowners want comfort in their homes, and Valor stoves provide that convenient, energy-efficient comfort in any space.

Contact: (800) 468-2567 or valorfireplaces.com/freestanding-gas-stoves.

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PRODUCT INNOVATION

HEARTH & HOME TECHNOLOGIES

hearths are popular. And modern or linear styles continue to grow in popularity. “There also is a lot of influence from Europe coming into North America, and the sleek designs are gaining traction here,” Forman says. “Stoves, on the other hand, continue to be more traditional in design and really meet different consumer needs.”

While a fireplace might be more for ambiance than heat, stoves and inserts generally are purchased primarily for heat. And as consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious, they also are starting to show more interest in efficiencies of biomass stoves and inserts, likely due to the sizeable tax credit that is available on the purchase and installation of these products if they are over 75% efficient at high heating value.

EMBRACING CHALLENGES Like most industries, the pandemic has had a significant impact on all facets of the hearth industry, and HHT is no exception. Specifically, the combination of growth in the remodel and new construction segments along with supply chain issues and labor shortages have made for very interesting times.

As Forman explains, the company’s manufacturing facilities and procurement professionals have managed through this time with resilience. “Still, it’s not over yet.

Every morning, many of our members are waking up to new challenges related to COVID, raw materials, and labor issues.”

In addition to the pandemic, there are several governmental regulatory pressures facing the industry, including

CORPORATE PROFILE

net zero energy and electrification on the gas side, and more and more stringent requirements on emissions and efficiencies for biomass products through EPA. “But fire is still important as a basic human need. As people spend more time at home, this need will continue to drive demand for hearth products both in new construction and in remodel markets,” Forman says. “Also, there are new technologies, and improved products, especially in electric fireplaces, that will continue to drive growth in the hearth category.”

While the new construction market continues to be extremely strong, within the remodel market, which is less impacted by the regulatory issues, there are thousands of fireplaces that can be updated with more attractive, more efficient, and more consumer-friendly hearth appliances. “This will be a great market moving forward,” Forman says.

FULL SPEED AHEAD Having such a long-standing history means that HNI and HHT embrace new opportunities that will positively impact their product and service offerings for consumers.

That said, one of the things the HHT team is most excited about is the company’s recent acquisition of The Outdoor GreatRoom Company.

“The whole pandemic has really expanded the need for more outdoor activities at home, and this is a category that is growing quickly,” Forman says. “We are very excited about the array of products and the channels that this acquisition has brought into the HHT fold. Plus, we love

SEASIDE CASUAL

this management team and are excited to see what kind of future innovation in the outdoor experience they can provide for us and homeowners.”

In addition to expanding its product offerings, HHT continues to pay attention to the needs of today’s consumers, which tend to seek a full end-to-end experience that begins with research on the product they are looking for and hopefully results with a purchase.

“For retailers, it is essential that they show up when and where the consumer begins the journey and ends the journey,” Forman says. “This means that they need to be found online when consumers are just starting to look, and their showroom and sales team need to be ready to make it a seamless experience from the consumer when they walk through the door.”

So as consumer interests continue to evolve and the hearth industry continues to experience unmitigated growth, what excites the HHT team when looking to the future?

“This industry, for as small as it is, gets in your blood and makes people feel good. Overall, the passion of the industry from manufacturers and distribution/retailers is incredible,” Forman says. “It is exciting to bring joy into the home for homeowners and their families.

People love what fire does for their peace of mind and that is exciting. At HHT, our people are passionate, they are innovative and they are committed to continuing to improve our brands, our products, and our technology to meet the increasing demands of homeowners throughout the world.”

continued from page 48

The Via Seaside lineup of outdoor lighting

Initially, she says the company didn’t implement a retroactive price increase for dealers, but after the most recent surcharge, there was no other choice but to change the pricing. “There’s only so much you can absorb,” Carret says. “There were some difficult conversations, but our customers were understanding.” And it didn’t hurt that delivery times were still reasonable because the raw

continued from page 46

material was in stock.

Looking ahead, she said the fourth-generation, family-owned company is in the process of diversifying its product line with the addition of more premium products with simulated wood grain, as well as items such as fire tables, which sold well last season in tandem with cushioned deep seating.

The company also formed a part-

nership with Maiori Designs to market and distribute a line of solar powered outdoor lighting. The fashionable, high-end lamps and lanterns, which are hybrid models since they also include a traditional rechargeable battery, also have sold well and have enhanced the company’s sustainability message. “We’re constantly looking for products that we think are interesting and unique that tie into our story of sustainability and quality,” she says.

Carret predicts that another growth area in the next couple of years will be the company’s contract and commercial business. The line always has been popular with hotels and resorts because of its durability, but now that there are some signs that travel is increasing, “it’s really starting to open up again.”

She says one thing that won’t change, however, is Seaside’s commitment to putting its customers first by standing behind its product and “doing what we say we’re going to do.

We have always built our business on our relationships with our customers.

That goes a long way.”

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GET TO KNOW Seaside Casual Furniture, a subsidiary of Arnold Lumber Company HOW IT STARTED Seaside Casual was founded in 1911 as a sawmill by Kate Carret’s great-grandfather, Kit Arnold. The company was born when her father, Arthur “Art” Arnold Jr. began making mahogany Adirondack chairs. When the company began making its furniture out of EnviroWood in 1999, mahogany was phased out.

HOW IT’S GOING Carret and her sister, Allison Arnold, run the company as co-presidents. Kate also holds the title of CEO, while Allison is COO.

BY THE NUMBERS The company has more than 100 employees at its factory in Coventry, R.I. About 98% of its components come from domestic suppliers, and the company strives to use suppliers in the local community.

INSIGHT

SUNBELIEVABLE

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“

We continue to do a lot in blue.

That’s always a big story. But we’re putting a little more emphasis on green.

”

wonderful response (to bouclé) now that we’re focusing on acrylic. That has been our biggest growth area.”

From a color standpoint, the 2022 lineup includes the usual array of blues and grays, but also has an increased emphasis on soft brown shades and “earthy” greens such as seagrass and olive, according to Spires. “We continue to do a lot in blue. That’s always a big story. But we’re putting a little more emphasis on green.”

Another big story for 2022 is a major expansion of Z-Wovens’ factory in

INSIGHT

WEBER KNAPP

Sevenseas Collection (from top to bottom): Daisy, Parakeet, Blueberry, Dream, Mist, Taupe, and Peony

Hangzhou, China. Finneran says the expansion will almost double the mill’s production capacity, making it the largest woven residential jacquard mill in China.

Scheduled for completion this spring, the expanded facility will feature new looms and new finishing equipment, allowing the company to further improve service and meet the still-surging demand for fabric. “It’s a very exciting time for us,” Finneran says. “It will give us even more of a manufacturing advantage. It’s a huge deal.”

continued from page 52 As experts in motion control engineering and state-of-the-art welding, Weber Knapp has found a growing market for its hinging systems.

(DYO) spring-loaded counterbalance hinges. The proprietary Vectis software and specialized Weber Knapp engineering team pair up to craft premium control mechanisms for kitchen and outdoor cooking appliances.

All of the company’s hinges have unique designs that are also very userfriendly. Their ergonomic construction makes them easy and safe to lift.

Motioncontrol hinges feature beautiful designs that are crafted with performance and durability in mind. “We knew there was a better way to make motion control products,” Bell says. “We’ve had some really great success.”

Weber Knapp has stood out because of its ability to provide high quality custom hinging solutions produced in the U.S. that exceed cus-

hinge also frees people from having to find a place to hang or set the hot lid, making cooking even more effective and convenient.

The Smokin’ Ugly Pizza Oven is easy to assemble and has both charcoal and wood cooking options. It also only takes a few minutes to change from the pizza oven to the grill for added convenience. “These products stand out because they are unique in a growing market and bring families together, which is something we love to do,” Bell says. “We listen to our customers, the market, and our gut instincts to drive our design directions.”

Weber recently released a springassisted hinging system for barrel smokers for a grill accessories distributor that is being very well-received.

tomers’ expectations. “We take pride in becoming an extension of our customers’ engineering team, working closely to design and manufacture a motion control solution that will allow them to stand out in their market,” Bell says.

Launched in 2021, the Smokin’ Ugly product line has performed exceptionally well as consumers have loved the versatility and uniqueness of its products such as the pizza oven. “The pizza oven/griddle makes any drum smoker an all-in-one backyard family feeding solution,” Bell says.

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The company is also planning to expand on its popular Smokin’ Ugly Drum Smoker accessories line.

Weber Knapp exhibited its products and new releases at the HPBExpo in Atlanta in March. “This year, we will launch a product that we believe will sell very nicely and fit the theme of family, BBQ, and outdoor living,” Bell says.

Looking to the future, Weber Knapp will work on building brand awareness, growing its outdoor market business, and connecting with new manufacturers looking for motion control solutions for their product lines.

“We’re always innovating here at Weber Knapp and have several new products that will launch in 2022,” Bell says. “Our goal each year is to release multiple, innovative products.”

AD INDEX Advertiser

PROFILES DIRECTORY Phone

Website

Page

AEI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(949) 474-3070 . . . . . . . .www.aeicorporation.com . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Company

Page

AEI ....................................................................................................66 American Made Grills (Summerset Professional Grills)..........................82, 84

American Made Grills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 966-8126 . . . . . . . .www.americanmadegrills.com . . . . . . . .39 Big Green Egg ..............................................................................68, 70 Big Green Egg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(770) 938-9394 . . . . . . . .www.biggreenegg.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

British Fires ....................................................................................62, 70

British Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 468-2567 . . . . . . . .www.britishfires.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Bull Outdoor Products ....................................................................60, 72

Bull Outdoor Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 521-2855 . . . . . . . .www.bullbbq.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

California Umbrella ........................................................................66, 70 Couristan ......................................................................................62, 66

CGProducts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 833-5998 . . . . . . . .www.cgproducts.com . . . . . . . . . . . .40, 44

Dimplex ........................................................................................66, 74

California Umbrella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(909) 622-4800 . . . . . . . .www.marchproducts.com . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Dometic (Twin Eagles) ..........................................................................85

Couristan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 223-6186 . . . . . . . .www.couristan.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

DuraVent........................................................................................68, 74

Dansons, USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(877) 303-3134 . . . . . . . .www.dansons.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Eiklor Flames ..................................................................................70, 76 Enviro ................................................................................................60

Dimplex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 668-6663 . . . . . . . .www.dimplex.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

European Home..............................................................................60, 72

DuraVent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 835-4429 . . . . . . . .www.duravent.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

F&C Distributors ............................................................................68, 78

Eiklor Flames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(888) 295-5647 . . . . . . . .www.eiklorflames.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

FiberBuilt Umbrellas ......................................................................68, 76

Enviro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(250) 652-6080 . . . . . . . .www.enviro.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Fire Magic (RH Peterson) ................................................................82, 87 Frankford Umbrellas ........................................................................72, 74

European Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(781) 324-8383 . . . . . . . .www.europeanhome.com . . . . . . . . . . .59

Gensun ........................................................................................60, 70

F&C Distributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(630) 241-0506 . . . . . . . .www.fandcdistributors.com . . . . . . . . . .77

Heat & Glo (Hearth & Home Technologies) ..............................................76

FiberBuilt Umbrellas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(866) 667-8668 . . . . . . . .www.fiberbuiltumbrellas.com . . . . . . . .36

House of BBQ Experts ....................................................................80, 82

Frankford Umbrellas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(856) 222-4134 . . . . . . . .www.frankfordumbrellas.com . . . . . . . . .21

HPC Fire ..............................................................................................83 Infrared Dynamics (AEI) ........................................................................76

Gensun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(866) 964-4468 . . . . . . . .www.gensuncasual.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Infinity Canopy ....................................................................................62

Hearth & Home Technologies . . . . . . . . . .(888) 427-3973 . . . . . . . .www.hearthnhome.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Kingsley Bate ......................................................................................86

Memphis Wood Fire Grills . . . . . . . . . . . . .(888) 883-2260 . . . . . . . .www.memphisgrills.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Kozy Heat ......................................................................................85, 86

Napoleon Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(866) 820-8686 . . . . . . . .www.napoleon.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .64, 65

Le Griddle (CGProducts) ........................................................................62 Memphis Wood Fire Grills ................................................................78, 80

NorthCape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(708) 563-2890 . . . . . . . .www.northcape.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Napoleon Products ........................................................................62, 83

Ortal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(844) ORTAL-FIRE . . . . . . .www.ortalheat.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

NorthCape ....................................................................................74, 83

The Outdoor GreatRoom Company . . . . .(866) 303-4028 . . . . . . . .www.outdoorrooms.com . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Ortal ............................................................................................68, 72

OW Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 776-9533 . . . . . . . .www.owlee.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

The Outdoor GreatRoom Company ..................................................74, 78 OW Lee ........................................................................................76, 80

Phifer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 221-5497 . . . . . . . .www.phifer.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Phifer ............................................................................................78, 80

POLYWOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(877) 457-3284 . . . . . . . .www.polywood.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Pit Boss Grills (Dansons) ..................................................................66, 72

Powrmatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(514) 493-6400 . . . . . . . .www.powrmatic.ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

POLYWOOD ..................................................................................78, 80

RH Peterson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 332-3973 . . . . . . . .www.rhpeterson.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Powrmatic......................................................................................78, 82 Ratana ..........................................................................................60, 87

Ratana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(866) 919-1881 . . . . . . . . .www.ratana.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

RCS Gas Grills (CGProducts) ..................................................................70

Seaside Casual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 809-3114 . . . . . . . . .www.seasidecasual.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Seaside Casual ..............................................................................62, 72

Spartherm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .+49 1522 2644162 . . . . .www.spartherm-america.com . . . . . . . .67

SimpliFire (Hearth & Home Technologies) ................................................74

Summer Classics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(888) 868-4267 . . . . . . . .www.summerclassics.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Spartherm......................................................................................83, 84 Summer Classics ............................................................................66, 68

Sunbelievable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(336) 210-2630 . . . . . . . .www.sunbelievable.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Sunbelievable ................................................................................82, 87

Telescope Casual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(518) 642-1100 . . . . . . . . .www.telescopecasual.com . . . . . . . . . . .61

Sunbrella ......................................................................................85, 86

Tempotest USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(972) 512-3534 . . . . . . . .www.tempotestusa.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Telescope Casual ............................................................................85, 86

Treasure Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(626) 814-0168 . . . . . . . . .www.treasuregarden.com . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Tempotest ......................................................................................82, 87 Treasure Garden ............................................................................60, 84

Valor Fireplaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 468-2567 . . . . . . . .www.valorfireplaces.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Urbana Fireplaces (Enviro) ....................................................................76

The Vulcan Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(860) 639-8284 . . . . . . . .www.thevulcangroup.com . . . . . . . . . . .71

Valor Fireplaces ..............................................................................80, 87

Weber Knapp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 828-9254 . . . . . . . .www.weberknapp.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

The Vulcan Group ..........................................................................85, 86 Weber Knapp ................................................................................85, 86

Windward Design Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(941) 213-5869 . . . . . . . . .www.windwarddesigngroup.com . . . . .47 Windward Design Group ................................................................84, 87 Woodbridge Fireplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(844) 636-3473 . . . . . . . .www.woodbridgedealer.com . . . . . . . . .69

Woodbridge Fireplace ....................................................................83, 84

Wood Pellet Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(877) 347-2848 . . . . . . . .www.woodpelletproducts.com . . . . . . .81

Wood Pellet Products ......................................................................83, 84

PATIO & HEARTH PRODUCTS REPORT (ISSN 1939-6929) IS PUBLISHED BIMONTHLY BY PENINSULA MEDIA, 21250 HAWTHORNE BLVD., SUITE 700, TORRANCE, CA 90503. US POSTAGE PAID AT LEBANON JUNCTION, KY 40150. MARCH/APRIL, VOL. 17, NO. 2 © 2022 PENINSULA MEDIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO PENINSULA MEDIA, 21250 HAWTHORNE BLVD., SUITE 700, TORRANCE, CA 90503-5514, PATIOANDHEARTH@OMEDA.COM, PHONE (847) 763-9261. WHILE THE PUBLISHERS HAVE MADE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THE MATERIALS PRESENTED IN PATIO & HEARTH PRODUCTS REPORT, THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CORRECTNESS OF THE INFORMATION AND/OR OPINIONS EXPRESSED.

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