Occupation: President, Klaussner Outdoor

Special Interests/Hobbies: “Susan and I just returned from the most exciting trip of our lives, an African safari. When I get a chance I like to play golf and read novels.”

Problems/Issues Facing the Patio Furnishings Industry: “Making shoppers excited about quality outdoor furnishings – both in terms of getting them in our stores, and selling them with confidence and enthusiasm.”

Key Trends in the Industry Today: “More than ever the move to new materials, techniques, and functions combine to create much needed, unique products.”

Forecast for the Patio Furnishings Industry in 2017: “Given what I see now, with the strong financial markets, a better employment outlook, and strong housing picture, demand should be high.”

Years Reading Hearth & Home: “As long as I’ve been in the industry.”

Reasons for Reading Hearth & Home: “The content of Hearth & Home is always timely, and the writers dig beneath the surface to get to the deeper story associated with the issue.”

Article Idea: “How do we make the most of our industry’s small business model in a world that rewards large scale more than ever?”