PHOTO: ©2020 JEFFREY SCHMIEG. GAMUT ONE STUDIOS. WWW.GAMUT1STUDIOS.COM.
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fire feature as a main gathering place,” Joey Shimek explains. “We want to create alternative experiences through fire features, where consumers can really enjoy being outside in the comfort of their own backyard. “Three to five years ago, we were experiencing double-digit sales growth. Much of our success can be attributed to our family background in the outdoor fire category, and the expertise of our 41 employees. The last couple of years our sales growth has slowed somewhat due to more people joining this market, particularly with lower-end products. That has made sales growth more challenging.”
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While the OCG offers an extensive and growing line of fire features and Outdoor Room products, its fastest growing category is its gas burners, for fire pits and fire tables. “This line has had strong sales growth every year,” according to Shimek. Called Crystal Fire Burners, the line includes linear models up to 120 inches, round, rectangular, square, and custom versions in high-grade stainless steel with suggested retail prices ranging from $339 to $2,898. OGC recently expanded that line to now include its upscale Crystal Fire Plus Burners, featuring higher Btu capacities and re-engineered and upgraded construction for brighter, taller, fuller, and
“While The Outdoor GreatRoom Company has focused on products for outdoor living, it does offer products for the inside of homes. ” — Joey Shimek
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more yellow natural flames. Crystal Fire Plus Burners include glass ember media. “We developed this line as a result of feedback from our dealers and consumers,” says Shimek. “People want to have the best and most real flame presentation, and they want to know that the burners will last a long time. We think these are the best gas burners on the market.” OGC makes quite a few of its products right in Minnesota. “We make the majority of the outdoor gas fire pits, all the outdoor kitchens, and other ready-to-finish pieces, including pergolas, says Shimek. “We used to import 100% of our products, now we make 50% to 70% in-house.”