Occupation: Retail Owner of Bay Breeze Patio

Special Interests/Hobbies: “My husband, Wayne Paul, and I participate in quite a few non-profit organizations in town that support the Arts, Children in Need, and both active and retired military.”

Problems/Issues Facing the Patio Industry: “Freight – more and more damage, longer lead times, decreasing number of drivers. Multiple price increases in one season will always be an issue.”

Key Trends in the Patio Industry Today: “The Composite category is growing by leaps and bounds, and we love it due to our challenging environment. On the flip side of the growth in the category is the increase in labor costs to assemble the product. Outdoor kitchens featuring higher quality appliances continue to gain momentum in our market – again due to our challenging coastal environment.”

Patio Retailers Face Stiff Competition, What’s Your Advice?: “Seek out product lines with strong MAP policies. Make the shopping experience as personal as possible. Don’t try to compete with the Big Boxes. Set yourself apart.”

Forecast for Your Overall Business in 2019: “Right now we see it trending up.”

Years Reading Hearth & Home: “Sixteen.”

Reasons for Reading Hearth & Home: “Good new product reviews. Nice balance between Hearth and Patio. Relevant demographic information.”