March 2018 Flipbook

March 2018 Articles

Perspective:
Women – and Man

A year ago, in our March HPBExpo issue, we chronicled the slow pace at which the chairmanship of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) was turned over to a woman; it required 23 years before Sharla Wagy (2002-2003) was chosen.

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The Future Belongs to Women

By Lisa Readie Mayer

Women comprise a strong demographic that wields significant influence, economic strength, and buying power.

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Fireside Chats

By Richard Wright

It was a very good year for hearth product sales, according to the three manufacturers we interviewed. One had their best year ever; one is forecasting 50% growth in 2018, and one went from zero to 60 stores.

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Meet Amie Ryan

By Richard Wright

The incoming chairperson of the HPBA is the owner of Ryan Brothers Chimney Sweeping in Roseville, California, up north, next to Sacramento.

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Best Infrared Engineer

By Lisa Readie Mayer

Infrared pioneer Bill Best marks the 40th anniversary of his infrared grill; he’s now working on a fourth-generation grill that he says, “Will be the way everyone grills in years to come.”

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Spinuzzi’s Last Stand

By Bill Sendelback

For 40 years, founder and owner Gary Spinuzzi of Bighorn Stove & Spa has battled the many difficulties that come with being a “small” specialty retailer; now, he’s close to retirement.

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2018 New Products

A sampling of what you’ll see in Nashville, Tennessee, at the HPBExpo.

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Filling the Gap

By Tom Lassiter

Owner Marc Kaufer has positioned Frankford Umbrellas with pricing between that of Treasure Garden and TUUCI.

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Hearth Rebounds!

Following two years of dismal sales, hearth products post a darn good year in 2017.

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World’s Largest Barbecue Store?

By Lisa Readie Mayer

Perhaps, but Santos Grill Shop in Cologne, Germany, is certainly one of the best in the world.

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Mod Squad

By Lisa Readie Mayer

Modular outdoor kitchens offer high-end style, turnkey ease, and attractive profits.

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March News

Items of interest to members of the hearth, barbecue, and patio industries.

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2018 January Business Climate

In early February Hearth & Home faxed a survey to 2,500 specialty retailers of hearth, patio and barbecue products, asking them to compare January 2018 sales to January 2017. The accompanying charts and selected comments are from the 209 useable returns.

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