Occupation: CEO – Today’s Patio

Special Interests/Hobbies: “Traveling, golfing and spending time with family.” 

Problems Facing the Patio Industry: “Many veterans in the industry are stuck in their ‘old ways’ of doing business and therefore are not willing to change. Additionally, there are very few members of younger generations entering the industry today. I think we may see more and more store closures over the next 10 years mainly because there is no one owners can pass the business to. We need more young/fresh ideas.”Sales Forecast for Your Patio Business in 2015: “We have seen tremendous growth over the past three to four years. However, to sustain that growth year after year will be difficult (same store sales). For 2015, my forecast is to be slightly ahead.”

How Has the Specialty Patio Retail Business Changed Since the Downturn Began in 2008? “There has been an immense amount of attrition in the specialty sector because many retailers and manufacturers were not willing to change. The ‘brand’ recognition of our industry has become less important with the consumer. Consumers today are now more interested in a quality product with a good look at a fair price. It has become more of a ‘perceived value’ game. Manufacturers that offer a perceived value to the end consumer have been, and will continue to be, very successful.”

Years Reading Hearth & Home: “I have been reading Hearth & Home for at least the past 12 years if not longer.” 

Reasons for Reading Hearth & Home: “The articles in Hearth & Home are relative to the ‘current’ issues going on in our industry. The studies and statistics to back up many of the articles are also helpful and useful in today’s business environment.” 

Article Idea(s): “I feel it’s crucial the industry recognizes and embraces the power of the Internet as a way of doing business today. It’s the fastest growing segment of retail and those who don’t jump on board will be left behind. 

“I would love to learn more about what manufacturers’ plans are to ‘grow’ and stay relevant if they don’t want to participate in the Internet as a way of allowing retailers to sell goods. Many have policies in place, but they purposely design them to make it very difficult (if not impossible) to be successful online.”