Occupation: Owner, Percy Guidry Manufacturing/Cajun Grill

Special Interests/Hobbies: “I love being outdoors, duck hunting, fishing, boating, cooking, and on the farm with our animals. Of course, I’m always doing it with my gorgeous wife, children, family, and friends.”

Favorite Drink, Favorite Food: “Community Coffee café special in the am, unsweetened tea for lunch, Bayou spiced rum or a good 12 yr. old single malt scotch over ice for evenings and weekends. My favorite food is, without a doubt, barbecue! My definition of BBQ is only over a real wood fire. I light my Cajun Grill at least three times a week and never use briquettes!”

Issues and/or Opportunities in the Barbecue Industry: “The HPBA is and always has been a great venue for the barbecue industry. I feel strongly that a fall show for the Patio and BBQ industries would benefit retailers and manufacturers. Most retailers have committed to products way before the HPBA show in spring. New and exciting products made in the USA are what our consumers in our demographic want.”

Key Things Retailers Should Do to Improve Their Barbecue Business: “Know your product, not just what’s on the brochure, but how to cook on it. Got a client on the fence? Put a demo grill in their backyard for the weekend; that’s a guaranteed sale every time. Fire up a different grill you sell each Saturday, and demo for your customers and employees. Be the expert in your market, get on TV for free air time, for May BBQ month, 4th of July, safety tips for BBQ holidays, etc. Train salespeople to be passionate and confident.”

Years Reading Hearth & Home: “I have been reading it religiously since it first came out, and prior to that it was called Wood ’n Energy. In 1982 I started implementing Hearth & Home strategies, and began the process of transforming our retail facility from a simple mom-and-pop store to Percy Guidry Hearth & Patio.”

Reasons for Reading Hearth & Home: “As a retail manager, the main reason to read Hearth & Home is to see the new products and trends. Also, to learn better ways to market, display, train sales staff, expand offerings, etc. To read what’s working in other markets, implement it, and see your company prosper is the greatest feeling.

“From a manufacturer’s point of view, the retailer has the pulse on the U.S. consumer, their wants and don’t wants. The retailer highlight articles are great resources. Hearth & Home also aids me in product design, where to expand, and where to eliminate.”