Patio and Hearth Products Report May/June 2020

May/June 2020 | www.patioandhearthproductsreport.com

Dancing Flames

A SMOKIN’ HOT BBQ SHOP

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Sheltering Outdoors | 16

ICC-RSF

POLYWOOD

COYOTE OUTDOOR LIVING

AGIO

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may/june

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contents features

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Guest Editorial – Design Savvy

By Geneva Wallace Switzer A design expert describes how outdoor spaces take on greater importance during the coronavirus pandemic......8

69

Spotlight – Nesting in Style

By Greg Thompson The latest outdoor collections are perfect for hunkering down at home...............16

65

62 on the cover: (868) 997-7623 www.agio-usa.com

plus!

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Hearth Retailer – Sparking Growth

By Kimberly Rodgers Revenue grows for this Chicagoland hearth retailer who diversified its product mix to include grills and other outdoor products.........................................26

Corporate Profile – Luxe Living

By Kimberly Rodgers Castelle’s collections appeal to affluent customers who desire superior craftsmanship and ultimate comfort...................44

Outdoor Grilling – Passion for Profits

By Maura Keller A love for BBQ transforms a long-time hobby into a prosperous business model.............................................30

Insight – Grill Seekers

By Cherise Forno As grilling season heats up, fourth-generation Sunrise Metal Shop gears up for an influx of sales....................................46

Showroom Showcase – Crisis Care

By Sharon Sanders A respected industry leader shows compassion and creativity in responding to the coronavirus pandemic...............34

Insight – Platinum Jubilee

By Cherise Forno Esteemed manufacturer Barlow Tyrie celebrates 100 years of providing highquality, stylish outdoor furnishings........48

As I See It – Trendy Threads

By Sharon Sanders Vibrant colors and nature-inspired weaves are hits with Phifer’s customer base.................................................38

Perspective – Open Letter

By V.P. Berger The president of Lakeville, Minnesotabased Hearth & Home Technologies shares his thoughts on the hearth industry’s inspiring response to the pandemic...............................................50

My Turn – Gimme Shelter

By Sharon Sanders As customers continue to enjoy more time in their outdoor spaces, Treasure Garden expands its offerings to meet their needs..............................................40

Agio

Product Innovation – Full Steam Ahead

By Greg Thompson Modern Flames benefits from the growing demand for electric fireplaces with non-electric looks.............................42

Last Word – Major Player

By Maura Keller An entrepreneurial mindset has contributed to the success of the hearth industry’s second largest manufacturer...............52

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Editor’s Message

Industry News

What’s New: 6 Hot Products to Sell Now

Product Profiles

Product Profiles Directory & Ad Index

Circle Reader Service No. 5

editor’s message

Grit

Carol Daus

Must Reads ∂ A Chicago hearth/grill retailer, which offers cooking classes taught by a professional chef, may expand into the beer and beer-accessory category.

Sparking Growth, p. 26

∑ The owners of this Pennsylvania barbecue/grill shop hold 23 grand championships in competition barbecue.

Passion for Profits, p. 30

∏ Top U.S. outdoor fabric manufacturer Phifer is a one-stop shop for both cushion and sling fabrics.

Trendy Threads, p. 38

π Treasure Garden’s new online portal helps dealers determine which shade products meet their customers’ needs.

Gimme Shelter, p. 40

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The spring of 2020 will long be remembered as one of the most challenging and frightening times in our history. A global pandemic of this magnitude has not struck the U.S. since the Spanish flu over a century ago. And yet, as I write this from my cloistered home office, I cannot help but be heartened by how our industry responded to the COVID-19 crisis.

Without any lead time, retail stores and most manufacturers were required to shut down, employees were laid off or furloughed, salaries were cut, and countless hours were spent applying for Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Terms like social distancing, sheltering in place, PPE, asymptomatic, flattening the curve, and Zoom meetings became a part of our everyday talk. Individuals who could work remotely suddenly assumed additional roles as babysitters, teachers, caregivers, cooks, bakers, maids, barbers, TP scavengers, community volunteers, and more. A sense of normalcy was abruptly disrupted.

Here in California, where our governor was the first to enact a statewide shelterin-place order, patio shops and hearth retailers have been closed for at least seven weeks (it’s May 4 as I write this)!

Throughout the country, this shutdown has been a crushing blow for small outdoor-living businesses that rely on th e spring selling season for the lion’s share of their annual revenue. To make matters worse, since big-box stores throughout the U.S. remained open selling non-essential merchandise like patio furniture, firepits, umbrellas and grills, they stole a big chunk of sales from shuttered specialty stores.

The fury among retailers in our industry was palpable. Many sent letters to governors and mayors, educati ng them about the unfairness of these shutdowns. But even with these efforts, only a few states or counties ended up prohibiting the sale of non-essential items by mass retailers.

Despite their frustration, specialty retailers throughout the U.S. complied with state or local orders to ensure the health and safety of employees and customers. They closed stores quickly yet served their customers to the best of their ability.

Doug Sanicola, owner of Outdoor Elegance in La Verne, California, (p. 34), posted signs with his cellphone number on his store’s locked door in case customers needed immediate assistance. He also uploaded a video on the store’s website with additional information. A convenient curbside pickup service and contactless delivery were immediately implemented for customers. Michele and Tom Perelka, owners of Lancaster BBQ Supply in Pennsylvania (p. 30), created an online ordering system for customers who needed grills, charcoal, and other accessories during the shutdown.

Many retailers teamed up with other businesses and nonprofits to provide relief. Roger’s Gardens, a high-end garden and patio shop in Corona del Mar, California, partnered with out-of-work farmers market vendors to offer produce boxes to customers.

On the manufacturer side, numerous companies in our industry mobilized to retool their factory lines to produce muchneeded PPE, such as face masks and shields, for healthcare workers. Others donated a percentage of sales to relief efforts and community food banks (p. 10).

This is a challenging time for the industry. As businesses start to open, concerns will persist about r ecurring waves of the virus until a vaccine and effective treatments are available. Cautious consumers affected by the struggling economy will likely postpone purchases. But as things play out in the months ahead, one thing is certain: Outdoor and hearth products for the home have taken on greater importance.

The next couple of quarters may be weak, but future sales will eventually boom as consumers cont inue to view their homes as safe and relaxing places to shelter with family and friends. Case in point— what would you rather spend money on right now: A 3-week Mediterranean cruise with port stops in Italy and Spain? Or a brand-new patio set with a grill and outdoor fireplace?

Stay safe and strong!

Carol Daus caroldaus@gmail.com

Circle Reader Service No. 7

guest editorial

PUBLISHER Tony Ramos tramos@peninsula-media.com

DesignSavvy

EDITOR Carol Daus caroldaus@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR

BY GENEVA WALLACE SWITZER

Cassandra Estes

Our homes are our sanctuary during these extraordinary times.

Not only have they become our living space but our office, our classroom, our virtual meeting space, our gym, and even our place for staycations. Like everyone in business across the world, we have had to shift, be flexible, and quickly modify our business model during this time of unforeseen happenings.

At Designer’s Patio, we are trying to help our designers help their clients make the most of being at home by offering products that create a resort-like space that transforms their outdoor living room into their own personal paradise.

Before I dive further into how we are adjusting during these times, here’s a little introduction.

We are located in the Dallas Market Center, in the heart of downtown. We have two beautiful showrooms, totaling close to 14,000 square feet. We cater to independent designers, design firms, and to businesses with commercial and hospitality outdoor furniture needs.

cassestes1968@gmail.com

owned business and truly care about each other.

In our response to COVID-19, we are communicating and staying in touch with our designers in every way possible.

Video chats, texts, conference calls, and emails are changing the way we are doing business from the safety and comfort of our homes. We even had a very successful CEU accreditation Geneva Wallace Zoom meeting Switzer with a large number of designers in attendance.

We are thankfully still placing custom orders, as well as offering products off our sales floor to our designers, so the end user can capitalize on the time they have right now with their families at home without the wait.

I think we can all agree that

“Our homes are our sanctuary during these extraordinary times.”

Designer’s Patio started in 2008 with a vision of providing an innovative, relevant showroom that is designer and client friendly.

Our showroom is a meticulously designed, spacious and inviting space where we provide all the tools necessary for our designers to truly create a completely customized outdoor living space. We pride ourselves in being a family-

your outdoor room can and really should become the most used space in the home. We are asking what kind of outdoor room does your client need? Do they need an outdoor living room with a firepit, with tons of comfortable seating, with plush inviting cushions for afternoon nap time? Or a grand dining space for happy hours with, of course, 6-foot distancing with

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COPY EDITOR John Nalley STAFF WRITERS Cherise Forno Maura Keller Kimberly Rodgers Sharon Sanders Greg Thompson SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Greg Thompson CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Whitney Carrier BUSINESS MANAGER Susan Razetto CEO & PRESIDENT Tony Ramos

friends? Or an outdoor television viewing area and spa space? Or a backyard cooking space as luxe as their indoor counterparts?

We are doing our best to provide during this time—and yearround—easy access to the lines and information our designers need, so they can in turn take care of their clients.

Designer’s Patio is a unique concept that continues to evolve. We are proud to serve a community of designers all over the United States and even Mexico. We like to think we are contributing, in a very small way, to some of the best memories that will have been shared, and especially now during a forced time of connection and creativity in your own backyard. I think we can all agree—it’s definitely time for each of us to improve the largest room in our homes!

CORPORATE OFFICE Peninsula Media 21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 700 Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 792-7448 (310) 792-7449/Fax www.patioandhearthproductsreport.com

Tony Ramos Peninsula Media 21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 700 Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 792-7448 (310) 792-7449/Fax (310) 968-3962/Cell tramos@peninsula-media.com

Subscription Inquiries: Patio & Hearth Products Report PO Box 2190 Skokie, IL 60076-7890 Subscribe online:

Geneva Wallace Switzer is executive vice president of the Designer’s Patio in Dallas, Texas.

www.patioandhearthproductsreport.com Email: patioandhearth@omeda.com Phone: (847) 763-9261

AmericasMart — 9-B-70 Building 2, “The Gardens” Chicago Merchandise Mart — Suite 15-105 Las Vegas Market — Building C, Suite 1238

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PATIO & HEARTH PRODUCTS REPORT

IndustryNews Manufacturers Lend a Helping Hand During Pandemic In response to the coronavirus pandemic, numerous companies in the casual furniture, barbecue/grill, and hearth industries have retooled their manufacturing facilities and worked with other organizations to produce much-needed medical supplies and equipment.

A number of these companies have shared updates with Patio & Hearth Products Report.

OW Lee, a manufacturer of high-end outdoor furniture, firepits, and accessories located in Ontario, California, has produced 25,000 adult and children’s face masks. All masks are being made at cost in order to get them in as many hands as possible. In addition, a “buy one, donate one’” purchase option is available for consumers through its website: www.owlee.com/PPE. All donations are being sent to healthcare workers and other first responders.

California Umbrella (Pomona) is also sewing washable face coverings. It uses a medical-grade thread and a non-nonwoven blown fiber fabric liner material that helps enhance some particle capture and skin contact feel. The company has donated them to first responders, local public agencies, and clinics.

California Umbrella has also been able to collect over-

seas sources for the standard surgical masks and some filtration masks that medical workers need to use as disposable PPE. At short notice, Napoleon (Barrie, Ontario) partnered with a North American medical supply company to increase its production of PPE. To accomplish this, 50 Napoleon volunteer associates covered four shifts each day, including midnight shifts. The team provided much needed support in the areas of material handling, machine operations, assembly, engineering, and quality control, as well as team leadership and supervisory support.

Other outdoor furniture manufacturers that have contributed face masks and other PPE include NorthCape (Alsip, Illinois), SunVilla (City of Industry, California), Wearbest (Garfield, New Jersey), and Parà Tempotest (Milan, Italy).

During April, The Outdoor GreatRoom Company (Burnsville, Minnesota) donated a percentage of its sales to the University of Minnesota COVID-19 relief fund. This program supports the needs of physicians, nurses, and other frontline care-

POLYWOOD Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day April 22 marked the 50th anniversary of Earth The Ocean Chair by POLYWOOD Day, a day intertwined with POLYWOOD’s mission to improve the planet by turning 1 million pounds of out 2020. POLYWOOD remains committed to recycling 1 ocean-bound plastic into furniture by 2021. POLYWOOD is million pounds of ocean-bound plastic into its furniture line encouraging others to join in the fight by encouraging its by 2021. customers to take an active role in protecting the planet.

“POLYWOOD was born from a sustainability movement “Understandably, the focus lately hasn’t been so much during the Keep America Beautiful era,” says Doug Rassi, on the health of the planet—but instead, on the health of CEO and co-founder of POLYWOOD. “Stewardship was in the people who inhabit it,” says Brady Maller, EVP of strate- our collective consciousness. It motivated us to start our gy and sales at POLYWOOD. “However, just like we’re figcompany and is embedded in our culture. The thoughts uring out with the current virus, everyone can make a differ- and activities around sustainability today aren’t something ence. Educating others, picking up trash, recycling, plantwe added recently as it became popular. It has been part of ing more greenery, using fewer products around the our purpose from the start.” house—all of these actions can make a meaningful differFor the last 30 years, POLYWOOD has been transence if we engage in them together.” forming outdoor living spaces with durable, sustainable In addition to encouraging Earth-friendly acts, POLYand timeless furniture designs. All genuine POLYWOOD products are made in the USA from ocean-bound and WOOD conducted an Earth Day sales promotion in landfill-bound plastic and are produced in a 99% wasteacknowledgment of this global initiative, and will continue its promotion of ocean-bound plastics recycling throughfree facility.

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givers to assist with their health and well-being, as well as provides supplies and equipment for patient care.

Ashley Furniture (Arcadia, Wisconsin) donated 1,102 mattresses to 10 organizations throughout the U.S., including children’s organizations, churches, shelters, and non-profits local to the company’s manufacturing and distribution facilities—the communities they call home. Ashley’s Distribution Services has been hauling essential goods across the country to fight the spread of COVID-19. In addition to the delivery of the mattress donations, the fleet ran emergency loads, hauling medical supplies and masks from New Jersey to North Carolina. Ashley has also taken on extra loads to haul paper products, grocery items, water, agricultural supplies, pet food, and more throughout the states.

If you would like to share your company’s contribution in the fight against the pandemic, send a brief description to caroldaus@gmail.com.

Phifer Adds Online Fabric Shopping Portal

Phifer Incorporated recently added a new shopping portal (shop.phifer.com) to promote its GeoBella line of indoor/outdoor performance fabrics. GeoBella is an ecofriendly material woven from 100% recyclable olefin yarns ideal for affordable, designerquality cushions, pillows, and outdoor curtains. Swatch samples or cut yardage can be ordered from over 100 design er patterns at prices ranging from $18-$25 per yard.

Shoppers will find it easy to swap between fabric types and color groups to find the per-

fect choice. Helpful information on how to clean, fabric features, and common FAQs is also just a click away should users need more details during their visit to the site.

“We strongly believe that by making GeoBella more easily available to buy from our website, it will gain traction in the marketplace and build brand awareness for this outstanding performance fabric with consumers, designers and upholstery shops throughout the U.S.,” says Hugo Benitez, senior national market manager for Phifer’s Designed Fabrics products.

uniquely structured e-commerce sales platform, and our customers love having an EGG delivered (safely and with no contact) and assembled by a knowledgeable and well-trained dealer. Sales growth of Big Green Egg products in the U.S., combined with a successful expansion into international markets, is very strong. We know what sets the Big Green Egg apart is our product quality and value, combined with the knowledge, dedication and customer support provided by our independent retailers.”

Having created the kamado grilling category over 45 years ago, and being noted as the innovator ever since, Big Green Egg is again leading the way by integrating online and physical retail channels to give consumers the best of online shopping combined with personalized service. Ultimately, the authorized dealer network is rewarded with new opportunities to increase sales and build customer loyalty.

Former Frontgate GMM Sullivan to Lead Bernhardt’s Luxury Outdoor Line Bernhardt Furniture Erin Sullivan has tapped Erin Sullivan, former vice president and general merchandise manager of luxury home furnishings brand Frontgate, to lead its Bernhardt Exteriors outdoor furniture line.

Launched in October 2019, the Bernhardt Exteriors brand offers a range of approximately 70 pieces, including sofas, sectionals, accent and swivel

Big Green Egg Launches Omni-Channel E-commerce Sales Platform The Big Green Egg Company has long recognized the value of a strong independent dealer network and stands committed to supporting its retailers with the very best grilling products and numerous best-practices tools to help them succeed. New for Big Green Egg is the launch of an omni-channel e-commerce sales initiative that enables consumers to enjoy the convenience of online shopping for EGGs and related EGGcessories, while providing a direct sale at the local dealer level.

“Our model is unique in that it is designed to be inclusive of our authorized dealer network, and brings them into the process as the final point of customer engagement, whether it be in-store pickup or person alized delivery and setup,” says CEO Ardy Arani. “Unlike most other popular grill brands, the Big Green Egg product line is not sold in big-box stores, discounters, mass merchandisers or shopping club channels. It just doesn’t make sense for us to do that, to compete with our local dealers that way, but many retailers do have grills on their floor—especially in the gas and pellet grill category—that are being sold against them online and in big box, often at a discount to the bricks+mortar price.

When we set out to create an e-commerce presence, we knew we were not going to do it that way.”

Arani adds, “Having each Big Green Egg online sale handled and fulfilled by an authorized dealer in the same community as the customer is a key differentiator of the Big Green Egg model and is very important to us as a company.” Since 1974, Ed Fisher, the company founder and chairman, stressed that the company would never sell against its own dealers. “To be able to carry that philosophy into our ecommerce platform is very rewarding to us and to our dealer network. We support ‘Main Street’ retailers exclusively, and now we can do so through e-commerce as well.”

“With our omni-channel model, we manage an online sales platform, and yet all sales are fulfilled at the dealer level,” explains Tom Lengyel, national sales manager.

“Our dealers are already seeing the benefits of this Circle Reader Service No. 11

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industry news chairs, dining tables, dining chairs, and occasional tables in custom materials and finishes and luxury performance fabrics.

Sullivan, who will serve as director of Bernhardt Exteriors, held various senior merchandising positions at Frontgate for 19 years and most recently was vice pres-

ident of product development and merchandising at Fine Furniture Design since 2017. She reports to Steve Pilgrim, senior vice president of residential sales.

“Erin brings exceptional expertise in the luxury outdoor space to Bernhardt,” Pilgrim says. “She was regarded as the

driving force in establishing Frontgate’s position in the outdoor luxury space.

She has a deep understanding of what the end consumer is looking for, along with outstanding creativity and innovation in product development, strategic vision and team leadership,” he says.

Twin Eagles Celebrates 20 Years Twin Eagles (Cerritos, California) recently celebrated two decades in business, hosting employees and their families at the company’s factory in Cerritos. Patio & Hearth Products Report caught up with Brian Eskew, director of marketing, to learn more about the company—past, present, and future.

How was the 20th anniversary celebration?

Eskew: There were nearly 500 in attendance, including the mayor and many other local officials. We brought in food trucks, hosted guided factory tours, held a huge raffle, and presented attendees with 20th anniversary gifts. It was an opportunity to celebrate our employees and their dedication to building great quality products. We also wanted to give their families a chance to see where they work and what they produce. We are very proud of our employees and the work they do!

How was the company founded?

Eskew: Our owner and founder, Dante Cantal, a gas engineer by trade, had nearly three decades of experience designing and building residential and commercial cooking equipment before co-founding his first grill company (Lynx) in 1996. Soon after, Dante began designing and manufacturing for many other major brands, including Viking, Maytag, Dynasty, JennAir and Ducane.

Dante, who is a true entrepreneur, then set out to introduce his own brand, and in early 2000, Twin Eagles was born. It is named after the American Eagle because of its strength, beauty, and perseverance and his twin children who held the same characteristics.

What are the key strengths that have led to 2 decades of success?

Eskew: From a product perspective, staying focused on performance, reliability, and innovation has keep our brands

in the forefront. This is combined with a commitment to our Twin Eagles and Delta Heat lines being made in the USA. We also believe that establishing and maintaining strong, lasting relationships with employees, vendors, distributors, and dealers is critical. Without them, we would not be successful.

How has the company changed during the past 20 years?

Eskew: We started with two employees in a 2,500-square-foot facility in Anaheim. Today, we have over 140 employees and operate out of two The company’s new robotic welder, Waldo, company-owned build(Welding and Laser Design Optimization) was on ings totaling 75,000 display at the 20th-anniversary celebration square feet in Cerritos.

The product offering has increased from 10 models to nearly 300 under our Twin Eagles, Delta Heat, Delsol and OEM distinctive aesthetic qualities. The brands—not to mention a $10 million EAGLE ONE has only been on the marinvestment in state-of-the-art manufacket for a few months, but it has already turing technology, including automaexceeded our expectations. Both the tion, laser cutting, robotic welding and Pellet Grill and the EAGLE ONE have production software. elevated the entire Twin Eagles offerLast year, you introduced the ing. The year is off to a great start!

Wood Fired Pellet Grill and Smoker and the Eagle One. How In terms of product features, how have these products performed? do Twin Eagles grills stand out Eskew: These products represent our from the competition?

Eskew: You can look at our prodcommitment to performance, reliability, ucts, and it’s easy to see and feel the and innovation. The Wood Fired Pellet quality. From a distance, it is easy to Grill features many industry firsts and is identify a Twin Eagles product. The the only premium pellet grill on the marvisible and tangible cues are very ket that is made in the USA. Dealers and consumers were ready for this product important because consumers want and it has been very well received. good looking, well-built equipment for their outdoor kitchens. This, comThe EAGLE ONE is positioned as a bined with Dante’s history and hersuper-premium grill that targets luxury itage as a gas engineer and industry consumers who are looking for the very innovator, have given us the opportubest. It carries all of the core features that nity to offer the ultimate in performour Twin Eagles gas grills are known for, ance and reliability. This is evident in plus several exclusive features and some

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“I’ve always admired Bernhardt’s brand aesthetic, and I am excited about the opportunity to bring their iconic luxe look into the outdoor space,” Sullivan says. Currently, Bernhardt Exteriors is distinguished by its curated, eclectic assortment of unique, high

our proprietary, exclusive 5-Part Grilling System found in every Twin Eagles Gas grill.

Are plans underway for any additional product launches this Fannie and year?

Dante Cantal Eskew: After two major Twin Eagles launches with Pellet Grill and Eagle One, we are now planning some meaningful introductions in the Delta Heat line. This summer, we will introduce a Delta Heat Power Burner and Teppanyaki Griddle. We are taking every opportunity to increase the breadth of our offering as consumers continue to trend toward more fully featured outdoor kitchens. They want an outdoor kitchen that suits their personal cooking and entertaining style. It’s also worth noting that we are developing a Twin Eagles Pizza Oven that we hope to debut in 2021.

Given the pandemic, what are your expectations for Twin Eagles and the grilling market?

Eskew: This unprecedented event certainly shifted our focus to the safety of our employees and their families. When the dust settles, we are very optimistic about the rest of the year and the years that follow.

We can look at historic events, like the influenza pandemic of 1918 that was followed by the Roaring Twenties.

Consumers recover from these setbacks by picking themselves up, dusting themselves off, and starting again.

Everyone will be excited and anxious to get back to normal with renewed focus on what is important. Home, family and gathering will be at the forefront. Investments in quality product will be considered a good value. Our products fit well into these societal shifts, and Twin Eagles will be ready to jump forward in the reviving economy.

design furniture using innovative, quality materials designed for comfort that blurs the lines between what is indoors vs. outdoors. “As we expand the line, we will continue to focus on creating signature designs and collections congruent with our unique brand aesthetic.”

Given her 20-year background in outdoor furnishings, Sullivan says she also looks forward to “educating our sales team and retailers about Bernhardt Exteriors, while also introducing the Bernhardt brand and legacy to the dedicated patio and outdoor retail shops.”

The Hammock Source Hires Nifong as VP of Sales & Marketing The Hammock Todd Nifong Source hired Todd H. Nifong to serve as vice president of sales and marketing. Nifong is an innovative and dynamic executive bringing 18 years of experience in the home furnishings and textile industry. He is a strong leader with a progressive career encompassing operations, sales, design, mer-

Dan Binzer, Founder of Montigo/Canadian Heating Products, Dies Dan Binzer, founder of Montigo/ Canadian Heating Products, died on March 11. Binzer began building the company we now know as Montigo in the early 1970s. Ever the creative inventor, Binzer’s innovations changed the landscape of the hearth industry. An intensely private man, he never wanted to be the face of the company he built, but he touched many lives throughout the years and was widely respected throughout the hearth industry.

Although Binzer sold the company in June 2016, he remained involved in product design until he officially retired in late 2019.

Product development was the part of the business that Dan loved.

Dan Binzer

chandising, marketing, business management, and distribution in both domestic and international markets.

Prior to joining the Hammock Source, Nifong held executive positions with Swavelle Performance Fabrics LLC, New York, New York; and Al Fresco Functional Fabrics, High Point, North Carolina. He is an industry award winner and has been chairman of the International Textile Alliance and International Casual Furnishings Association board member.

Nifong’s goals at The Hammock Source are to “continue the tradition of creating and providing the highest quality handcrafted products to our business partners while exploring and validating

growth opportunities in adjacent markets. Refine and leverage the immense amount of resources and talent at the Hammock Source to achieve sustainable growth for the future of every aspect of the business.” In addition, he wants to “create a dynamic team that will be able to react to the ever-changing marketplace needs and continually exceed our partners expectations.”

“We are very excited about having Todd join our team,” says CEO Walter Perkins III. “His experience and enthusiasm will continue to propel The Hammock Source successfully into the future.” continued on page 72

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product spotlight

Nesting inStyle

After sheltering in place, this season’s latest furniture designs are just what we need to enjoy the great outdoors again with family and friends.

BY GREG THOMPSON

Gensun’s Florence collection in a Desert Bronze finish with a Regal Fire Table in a Desert Bronze/Onyx finish

T

he bread and butter of the outdoor experience is still furniture.

Indoor styles have been morphing to the outside for years now, and that trend continues.

Meanwhile, flame features in the hybrid furniture/fire category are still hot.

“The biggest single innovation in the last 10 years has certainly been the increase in fire tables and fire features,” says Mark Bottemiller, national sales manager at Ebel Inc. “This change really sparked a trend toward gathering, rather than dining, spaces.”

While bold colors still have a cherished place

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among outdoor aficionados, muted tones are undeniably popular in recent years. “Over the past few seasons, grays have really become the most popular trend in fabrics, finishes, and in weaves,” says Mark Gorr, vice president of U.S. Operations at Patio Renaissance.

The issue that transcends virtually all industries these days is one that no one saw coming, namely the coronavirus. As of the writing of this issue’s spotlight, most of the nation is under lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, people in the patio and hearth industry are an optimistic lot, and virtually all the manufacturers represented in

this spotlight agree: This too shall pass.

“When we get to th e future, we will be just fine,” says Wes Stewart, CEO and partner at Sunset West.

“I think there will be a renewed desire to gather with family and friends that we haven’t seen for some time.”

“The unprecedented pain, suffering, and misfortune that is part of our lives today will soon pass and we will all look forward to when families and friends can once again gather together and celebrate life in their beautiful outdoor spaces,” adds Erin Sullivan, director of Bernhardt Exteriors at Bernhardt Furniture. “There is a future, and it will be strong.”

Playa chairs from Bernhardt Furniture Verona hanging daybed in Smoke from Ebel

Monterra swivel rocker lounge chair by OW Lee

Slate Color Story with Redondo and Milano collections from Sunset West

Marin collection

by OW Lee

To prepare for those moments, check out the manufacturers in this issue’s spotlight and acquire the models, colors, and configurations that consumers will want when they are finally able to get back to buying and socializing.

NORTHCAPE The mixed media Hixon Collection from NorthCape (Alsip, Illinois) continues to do well with its clean lines and versatility. “Hixon uses our universal size cushion program and adds great retail value for the scale and comfort,” says Tom Murray, president. “High back woven options such as Portofino and Grand Stafford feature thicker weaves and are very comfortable.”

In his more than two decades at the helm, Murray has seen trends come and go, and these days he’s seeing more transitional designs, as opposed to clear examples of either contemporary or traditional. “Price points are competitive, but it seems that higher price points at good value are doing better than low price points,” he says. “There’s a lot of competition at the bottom price

PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM 17

product spotlight Sierra collection from Klaussner Outdoor

points, and it’s hard for anyone to make a profit there.”

Tracking fickle trends often depends on a willingness to listen to dealers in an effort to develop new ideas. Murray frequently asks: What does the market want or need?

When it comes to committing resources to a new collection, Murray says he “wants to be sure we have style, comfort, and value in every seating piece we make and sell…Choice and flexibility are also key—mixing frames, minimum order quantities that are low and many cushion fabric options.”

NorthCape has domestic and overseas warehousing, with product manufacturing in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the United States.

The strategy allows them to mitigate tariffs, while providing varied delivery options. “Growth looks strong overall,” Murray adds, “but many retailers and suppliers are in the outdoor furniture business, making for a very competitive landscape.”

BERNHARDT FURNITURE The Bernhardt Exteriors line from Bernhardt Furniture (Lenoir, North Carolina) debuted in October 2019, and is just hitting retail floors now, with product available to ship from the company’s Lenoir facility. For the spring market of 2020, Bernhardt officials plan to introduce 35 new items in the collection across outdoor upholstery, dining, and occasional tables.

“While we look forward to offering these new editions, we are just as excit-

Oasis collection

by Lane Venture

ed about the positive reaction we are getting from our customers on the current assortment, now that the product is live on our website,” says Erin Sullivan, director of Bernhardt Exteriors. “Retailers and designers are drawn to the balance of comfort, artistic designs, and innovative materials.”

Sullivan is confident that Bernhardt can evolve and build on the success of its eclectic swivel chairs such as the Bali, with its concentric circle pattern, and the Wailea, with its sock weave material.

“The evolution in outdoor furniture is demonstrated through new and innovative materials, all with the intention of increasing the beauty and comfort of the furniture to be more in line with interior furnishings, while minimizing the effort required to maintain it,” she says. “Inspired by the iconic Bernhardt Interiors line that is characterized by artistic design, luxurious comfort, and an elevated aesthetic, Bernhardt Exteriors plays to

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the trend of blurring the lines between indoors and out.

“The Exteriors collection was developed to follow similar principles,” she continues, “yet incorporate uniquely beautiful materials designed to endure in an al fresco environment…The Bernhardt Exteriors line is all about luxury, yet still at a great value.”

GENSUN Is outdoor furniture hot enough to compete with its venerable indoor brethren? Jan Trinkley, president of Gensun (Rancho Cucamonga, California), believes the answer is an enthusiastic yes.

“Outdoor furniture has become the fastest growth segment in the furniture industry,” he says. “Design with mixed materials and cushions has been prevalent, as well as fire tables and outdoor kitchens. Gensun is one of the few companies that offers all of the above. We design furniture, fire tables, and kitchen products that give

consumers the ability to coordinate their entire outdoor space.”

Gensun occupies a sweet spot in the outdoor furniture industry, offering what Trinkley cal ls “high quality luxury products at a middle price point.” The focus is a steady part of the family-owned company that makes furniture, fire tables, and kitchens. “Our furniture is available to our customers on one order and one truck,” Trinkley says. “We then support the product with exceptional customer service and a warranty that provides 15 years and up to a lifetime of worry-free enjoyment.”

In spite of the global pandemic that has transformed the world, Trinkley remains bullish on the future. “The future is bright for the outdoor furniture industry,” he says. “It is already the fastest growing segment in the furniture industry. This trend will continue and grow as people spend more of their discretionary income on the home instead of travel and other forms of entertainment and leisure outside the home. The safety and comfort of ‘home’ will grow, and the products that help consumers enjoy their home will grow.”

SUNSET WEST The “slate color story” has been a hit for Sunset West (Vista, California), and it continues to fuel strong sales.

“In this color story, we have aluminum product, rope product and resin wicker to round out the offering,” says Wes Stewart, CEO and partner. “The way that these materials complement each other is what makes the magic sauce really work for us.”

In 2020, Stewart predicts “a bit more white out in the marketplace” and he is ready for the “Frost color story” with the company’s Newport and Miami collections that he believes will bring a higher-end aesthetic to outdoor living environments.

Stewart is keeping an eye on indoor trends to get an idea of what might be hot for next season. “To keep things exciting, we are continuing to evolve our product mix to include new textures and materials each year so that consumers can combine all of these for a bespoke solution that is perfect for them and their needs,” he says.

“Today, we offer products in aluminum, wrought iron, rope, resin wicker, GRC, stone, as well as fully

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product spotlight

The Hixon collection from NorthCape

Tribeca woven chat set from Patio Renaissance

Grand Stafford collection from NorthCape

upholstered occasional items.”

Builders and architects are noticing the options, moving the outdoor entertaining space from afterthought to top of mind. “People are spending real dollars in these ‘new’ living spaces,” Stewart says. “In terms of our product offering, we have been called ‘upper middle’ and ‘the start of the really good stuff.’ I would say that we offer ‘obtainable luxury’ furniture.”

Obtainable luxury amounts to an “appealing product for the price we ask.” Stewart puts it this way: “We

offer indoor comfort for the outdoors and we have quick turnaround. Last year, we were four weeks or less on custom cushions…Our team will go out of their way each and every time.”

OW LEE This year, OW Lee (Ontario, California) came out with three new collections— Marin, Belle Vie, and Grand Cay—as well as a few new firepit options. All three new collections have been well received, with the Marin doing exceptionally well as

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evidenced by strong early-season sales.

For Leisa McCollister, vice president of marketing, it’s yet another strong start for a storied company. “I think back to when I started at OW Lee in 2010, and there were only a handful of us making firepits and fire tables, and it was definitely a fringe/niche product,” she says.

“Now, the firepit is such a sales driver for us and one of the most sought after outdoor items.”

OW Lee’s product development team enlists the help of dealers and

reps to funnel ideas in an effort to truly know what consumers want. “It seems like black is the new gray in terms of finish color, especially paired with white or lighter neutrals,” McCollister says. “Blues, grays and taupes continue to dominate fabric sales for us. There is a growing trend to have your outdoor room mirror your indoor style to create a more seamless transition. I think that is leading to less cookie-cutter looks and more thoughtfully designed spaces.”

Predicting trends is easy when compared to predicting the future in the wake of unprecedented quarantines due to the coronavirus. For her part, McCollister echoes many of her colleagues with a cautious optimism.

“Business, as a whole, will be a struggle for who knows how long,” she says. “I have faith in the ingenuity of our industry, and I feel we can come out of this stronger than ever. I believe the world will place an even bigger emphasis on the safety and sanctity of one’s home, and this will be reflected in home improvement purchases. I think the long run for us is still sunny.”

LANE VENTURE Recently introduced furniture collections at Lane Venture include: Mystic Harbor, an updated traditional woven collection with farm table occasional and dining; Biscayne Bay, a contemporary aluminum collection; and Colson, a modular, fully upholstered offering.

All three have performed well, but Zachary H. Bryant, president, reveals that South Hampton is still number one, mainly because “it hits that balance of design elements that makes it timeless.”

When timeless gives way to trendy, Bryant is seeing new materials that have been incorporated into products to create mixed-media

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product spotlight

The Edge collection from POLYWOOD

tom upholstery cellular manufacturing model.

This allows our custom outdoor orders to ship in less than 14 days. That’s not one collection in one fabric—that’s the entire line in all fabrics.”

The Ocean Chair from POLYWOOD

designs. “Consumers are more stylesavvy today than 10 years ago,” he says. “The ‘curated’ looks being driven by interior designers have filtered down to everyday consumers in many ways— including the ‘eclectic’ styles that today’s homeowners are asking for.”

Hemingway Outdoor continues to be a strong brand under the Lane Venture umbrella. “The namesake tells a great story for exotic travel and locales and gives us the ability to create a variety of products under that brand,” Bryant says. “The Hemingway Plantation collection is doing particularly well for us…Edgewood is another collection that’s performed exceptionally well. It’s a mixed-media collection of woven HDPE and exposed teak elements.”

Lane Venture (Newton, North Carolina) is part of a much larger company called Bassett Furniture Industries Inc., which allows it to take full advantage of considerable operational know-how. Bryant explains: “Bassett has a long-standing, financially stable 118-year history, and we’ve adapted our manufacturing system using their successful cus-

KLAUSSNER OUTDOOR Blending indoor and outdoor styles continues to be a priority for Klaussner Outdoor (Asheboro, North Carolina). The strategy goes along with keeping a keen eye on sites like Houzz and Pinterest, as well as travel magazines and television shows in an effort to keep up with trends.

Gary McCray, president, has used the knowledge to update and add to existing Klaussner lines such as Urban Retreat, Delray, and Sierra. “For Urban Retreat, we added to deep seating and dining chairs to bring added flexibility to the lineup,” he says. “For Delray and Sierra, both in our RealisTEAK synthetic wood, we added fire tables, counter- and bar-height dining, planters, screens, and a new series of Travertine top tables. These are our current top-selling collections along with our Crossroads dining and Essentials items.”

With more than three decades of industry experience, McCray is a student of the supply chain and acknowledges that this year “the biggest area to watch is going to be sourcing for our products.” While there’s a lot of sentiment around moving production back to the United States, McCray cautions: “That will only work in a limited number of circum stances.

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Companies are going to have to find good partners in the right countries to be able to continue to be a factor in this business.”

Finding good partners in the right areas helps keep price points on the “better and best segments of the market” where specialty retailers largely reside. “The lower-priced segment of our products focus on items and sets like our storage cabinets, swings, plus balcony se ts in our Essentials program and our Crossroads dining sets,” McCray adds. “At the higher end, it’s more about collections encompassing seating, occasional, lounge, and dining—providing the ability to create a complete outdoor environment.”

LEXINGTON HOME BRANDS Under the Lexington Home Brands umbrella, the iconic Tommy Bahama brand has built a 20-year legacy selling indoor home furnishings, with recent sales sur passing a cumulative $2 billion. Leveraging that indoor success to encompass Tommy Bahama Outdoor Living (High Point, North Carolina) is working well, thanks to a cohesive strategy from Phil Haney, president and CEO. “For the outdoor living assortment, we start with successful indoor designs and develop complementary outdoor silhouettes that allow for continuity between interior and exterior spaces,” Haney says. “Our line is unique in the industry in that regard.”

Of the four recent outdoor furniture introductions from Lexington Home Brands, makers of Tommy Bahama Outdoor Living, best-sellers were South Beach and St. Tropez, followed closely by Harbor Isle and Los Altos. According to Haney, each had a

distinctly different look, which resonated in different areas of the country.

“Two trends have demonstrated significant traction,” Haney says.

“The first is the blue color story. It has become the most popular palette by a wide margin. The second is a move toward more transitional and contemporary design. The success of our South Beach and St. Tropez collections would be prime examples.”

Specifically, St. Tropez boasts clean contemporary lines crafted in aluminum with a custom finish that translates as teak, but is resistant to weather. “Dining and occasional tops feature an eye-catching radial slat design in cast aluminum that imparts a strong architectural sense to the collection,” Haney adds. “Deep seating designs incorporate woven lanyard cording that accentuates the linear motif while offering exceptional seating comfort. Select occasional items feature cultured stone tops in an elegant ivory finish.”

POLYWOOD POLYWOOD (Syracuse, Indiana) introduced several new outdoor furniture items at the Chicago Markets last fall, including the Edge, Braxton, and Lakeside collections. All three were well received by dealer partners, with Patrick Isaacs, vice president of business development, designating “star” status for The EDGE collection.

“The appeal with EDGE is in the simple modern lines that can be transla ted to true modern design or can be softened up depending on the selection of lumber finish and color as well as fabric,” Isaacs says. “Between those selections and the modular options, this set can fit any space and

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product spotlight South Beach collection from Tommy Bahama Outdoor Living

Remy dining set with optional arm caps, shown with the Charleston dining table and bench from Ebel

Coronado and Coastal Teak make up the Driftwood Color Story from Sunset West

fit in any part of the country.”

Over the last decade, Isaacs has noted the rise of high-density polyethylene as a core material that retailers are enthusiastically presenting on the show floor. POLYWOOD’s design and engineering teams look for innovative ways to use the material by listening to dealer feedback, performing market research, and examining sales trends.

Isaacs says customers appreciate the “heirloom quality” of POLYWOOD’s offerings, knowing they will last for generations. “We also have a variety of design styles that cover a wide range of price points,” he says. “We have worked very hard the last few seasons to add in some entrylevel retails to introduce our furniture to new customers.”

All products that come off the line are designed to remain true to POLYWOOD founder and CEO Doug Rassi’s vision to do something meaningful for future generations.

“Sustainability is in our DNA,” Isaacs enthuses. “Starting with our in-house recycling processing facility, we manufacture outdoor furniture that will last. We are also excited to announce our commitment to incorporate over 1 million pounds of ocean-bound plastic into our operations for 2020.

“To commemorate this commitment, we have launched The Ocean chair as part of our new Wave Collection, a series of four Adirondacks,” Isaacs continues. “When side by side, the chairs symbolize the crest of a wave, paying homage to our oceans. With the purchase of

each Ocean Chair, we are able to commit to rescuing more than 1,000 plastic containers from the ocean.”

EBEL INC. This year’s main offering from Ebel Inc. (Jacksonville, Florida) is the Remy collection, a primarily wicker set with aluminum accents that give it a more polished look.

“Consumers are looking for more visual and tactile interest in their furniture,” says Mark Bottemiller, national sales manager. “It needs to be cohesive, but it also needs to be unique and varied.”

Accents in wicker on an aluminum group, or accents in aluminum on a wicker group, have helped to bolster the furniture’s aesthetic to match Bottemiller’s vision as “the premium supplier of all-weather woven and mixed-media product for the specialty market, focusing on design, comfort and quality.”

Designers at Ebel are furthering that goal by expanding mixed media to encourage consumers to evolve the look of their outdoor spaces. As far as product development, Bottemiller muses: “I think we're all trying to find that perfect combination of style, value, and retail sell-through. Early in the product development cycle, we bring in a key group of sales reps, who in turn get feedback from top dealers.

That feedback usually has some level of impact on the design aesthetics or functionality of a potential group.”

Ebel opened an on-site cushion factory in 2009 at its corporate head-

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quarters in Jacksonville, specifically to control quality and capacity while also decreasing reliance on COM cushion manufacturers. “We are currently able to offer hundreds of different fabric options and ship special orders in four weeks or less,” Bottemiller says.

Sustainability is an additional link in the supply chain that Bottemiller makes a point to cultivate. “That's always been important to Ebel,” he says. “For the past 12 years, we've partnered with Trees for the Future, an organization committed to improving the livelihoods of impoverished farmers by revitalizing degraded lands. Through that partnership, we have planted over 265,000 trees and counting.”

PATIO RENAISSANCE Patio Renaissance (Rancho Cucamonga, California) recently introduced its new Tribeca woven Swivel Lounge chair with an attached upholstered seat and back. Using a PVC sling material for ease of maintenance and wear, The Tribeca woven is an extension of the Tribeca collection introduced in 2018 as an aluminum modular sectional.

“We also introduced Copenhagen in a shale gray weave and a gray salvaged lumber finish,” says Mark Gorr, vice president of U.S. opera-

tions. “Copenhagen introduces a woven seat for low maintenance as well as maximum comfort for a noncushioned product.”

Patio Renaissance products can be offered within a good, better, and best framework for woven products, as well as aluminum sling and cushion.

Gorr notes that a retail price range from $499 to $1,699 on aluminum and woven lounge chairs occupies an attractive pricing sweet spot.

“One key factor that helps separate us from many of our competitors is we own our factory and are not reliant on a third-party factory to produce for us,” Gorr says. “Also, last year to avoid all the tariffs levied on Chinese goods, Albert (Lord, founder and vice president) was able to get his new Vietnam factory up and running in November of 2018. Our dealers have been able to benefit from this strategic move and we have plans to further expand operations in Vietnam.”

Gorr believes dealers will benefit from expanded operations, allowing them to take advantage of a “very bright” future. “We have been seeing our spe cialty stores navigate through all the challenges thrown at them,” he says. “They are evolving their business models to incorporate technology into how they manage and promote their business.”

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hearth retailer

A vast range of products draws shoppers from all over Chicagoland, Southern Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana

SparkingGrowth Chicagoland retailer fires up its fan base by expanding into grilling and other outdoor living products.

WRITTEN BY KIMBERLY RODGERS

F

ireplace & Chimney Authority was founded in 1998 as a business providing cleaning, service, and maintenance of chimneys. In just a few short years, however, this Chicago-area company has gone from a single truck operation providing onsite chimney services to establishing showrooms in the Western suburbs of Elmhurst and Lisle, in 2003 and 2007, respectively. This expansion has enabled the company to successfully grow the fireplace, grill/barbecue, and outdoor living categories.

Now over two decades since it began, Fireplace & Chimney Authority has about 50 employees and almost 10,000 square feet of beautiful showroom space displaying all types and styles of fireplaces, gas logs, fireplace glass doors, inserts, mantels, and hearth

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY TYRONE ACIERTO

accessories as well as stone veneer, stoves, and grills.

The outdoor living category includes kitchens, fireplaces, firepits, and fire tables. And while all matters relating to chimneys (residential and commercial) are still a huge part of the business, gas fireplaces and grills are its fastest growing categories.

Furthermore, a long-standing reputation for offering quality products, establishing excellent customer relationships, as well as full installation and service of every product Fireplace & Chimney Authority sells, draws shoppers from not only metropolitan Chicago, but also Northwest Indiana and Southern Wisconsin.

According to Adam McMahon, president, the business first began to dabble in the hearth category around 2002—initially fulfilling customer requests

made during chimney service visits—for vented gas logs and doors. “From there, our eyes opened to more efficient options such as gas and wood inserts along with direct-vent options.” Now, Fireplace & Chimney Authority offers a complete range of fireplace services, from new installation and remodeling inefficient existing appliances to yearly maintenance and inspection for residential, commercial, and hospitality.

While the showrooms offer a range of top names in the hearth industry, including RH Peterson Real Fyre gas logs, American Hearth, and Mendota, McMahon is not interested in being an average dealer for any of the manufacturers he represents. “When we take on a product line, we dive

Scott Bogat and Adam McMahon

in headfirst and strive to offer our employees as much training as possible.” He notes there is a direct correlation between the support given by a manufacturer and Fireplace & Chimney Authority’s ability to grow the product line in its market.

Only certified employees provide installation, service, and maintenance of every product the company sells.

No subcontractors are employed, and technicians receive extensive training before they ever step foot in a customer’s home. “This allows the consistency and quality control that we need to differentiate ourselves from the competition and grow our business,” McMahon says.

A dedicated team works to build confidence and trust with customers, from the first phone call or showroom visit to long after product installation.

“We stress to our staff the importance of c onsistent and ongoing client communication. This helps foster a smooth buying process for our customers,” he adds. Added trust comes with a generous labor warranty on top of factory warranties.

Mantels, stone veneer, and fireplace surround options bring a unique design element to projects

THE OUTDOOR CHEF Over the last decade, the grill side of the business has expanded significantly, and the company has become a real presence in the Chicago-area barbecue market.

The company embraced the category shortly after the second showroom opened, where about 1,500 square feet of space is dedicated to the barbecue/grills. “The location is on a very busy thoroughfare in the Chicago area, and we had a lot of people simply stop in and ask about our grills,” he says.

In a never-ending quest to add new and different flavors to their food, the store’s barbecue enthusiasts are quite vocal in their desire for new and exciting seasonings. Consequently, the rub, spice, and sauce business has really taken off. “Our selection has grown into one of the largest I know of in the area,” McMahon says.

There has also been a marked increase in customers upgrading their outdoor living spaces. Over the last few years, McMahon notes, “Outdoor kitchens have gone from something only found in the higher-end homes to a concept embraced by the middle market as well.” Custo mers increasingly want the cooking and food prep space that stand-alone grills simply can’t provide.

While Fireplace & Chimney Authority provides complete design, construction, and product installation of outdoor kitchens, it does represent a variety of manufacturers that offer portable outdoor solutions. This includes Fire Magic, AOG, Challenger Designs, and Napoleon. “People are sometimes more willing to make investment in the outdoor space because they can take these kitchens with them if they should move.”

To help support and promote the grill and outdoor kitchen categories, Fireplace & Chimney Authority began offering cooking classes in 2008 at the Lisle location. The events have become extremely popular. “We conduct about a dozen classes a year and almost all sell out shortly after they are announced,” McM ahon says.

Attendees get hands-on experience on a range of barbecue techniques, including smoking a variety of meats, cooking on the Big Green Egg, or making pizza in an Alfa Oven.

Classes are taught by professional chefs with McMahon serving as coinstructor for some. Classes featuring nationally recognized elite competition barbecue chef, Chris Marks and

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hearth retailer

The second showroom in Lisle was established in 2007

Good One Smokers, are always in high demand.

The acclaimed chef and barbecue business leader has won 50 national barbecue championships. Two years ago, Fireplace & Chimney Authority obtained a liquor license and started offering beer and wine at the classes, which McMahon says has definitely added to the experience.

In fact, with a liquor license and a strong barbecue business, McMahon sees possibly venturing into the beer

and beer-accessory category. “A lot of your hardcore barbecue guys are beer nerds like me, and this could help us bring a new type of customer into the showroom.”

It has taken some time to build a following and reputation for the classes, but McMahon says the return has been invaluable. “Overall, the classes are a great way to get people into our showroom, which have easily converted into hundreds of thousands of dollars in grill and hearth sales.”

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Fireplace & Chimney Authority takes pride in giving back to the local community through active community engagement. In 2019, the store hosted its first EGGfest benefiting Watts of Love, a non-profit organization that provides solar technology and education to millions of impoverished people around the world living without electricity.

McMahon has been in the industry in some capacity most of his life. His father founded the company but died when he was a child. “I was fortunate to still be able to work in the shop part time while I was growing up and came back full time after I graduated from college.” His partner, Scott Bogat, a veteran, has been with the company 14 years and is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

“Scott and I make a great team and I think our like-minded goals help us keep moving in the right direction.” Adjusting for trends and services related to the industry will continue to be the business model for the company, McMahon adds. “I believe we have done an excellent job adapting with the market and being at the forefront of new markets within our industry.”

Circle Reader Service No. 29

outdoor grilling

Lancaster BBQ Supply sells a wide variety of grills, smokers, sauces, rubs, and barbecue accessories

PassionforProfits The owners of this Pennsylvania store turned their love for grilling into a thriving business.

WRITTEN BY MAURA KELLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC FORBERGER

W

Michele and Tom Perelka

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hen you have a passion for something, you often want to fill your time pursuing that passion and sharing your interests with others. That’s exactly what happened for Michele and Tom Perelka, owners of Lancaster BBQ Supply in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Since 2006, Michele and Tom had been competing professionally in BBQ as Lo’-N-Slo’ BBQ. So when Lancaster BBQ, which originally opened in May 2013, became availabl e for sale a little over a year later in August 2014, the Perelkas jumped at the opportunity to continue to pursue their love of “all things BBQ” while sharing their knowledge with consumers.

Today, the roughly 4,000-square-foot barbecue shop is fully stocked with rubs and sauces that are being used by teams every weekend on the National BBQ Circuit. What was once a small 1,200-square-foot store with lim ited choices has grown into a meticulously stocked shop with a wide variety of smokers, grills, sauces, rubs, and specialty items. The store also features samples of rubs and sauces for customers to try before purchasing—ensuring it is not too spicy, sweet, or salty for their taste.

“We’ve been winning awards on the National BBQ Circuit for the past 12 years and are eight-time Pennsylvania State BBQ Cup Champions from 2011-2018,” Tom Perelka says. “We love to share what we have learned and to share our love of barbecue with every-

“When a customer returns to the store to say how amazing their food turned out and shows us pictures of the finished products, it puts huge smiles on our faces.”

The Perelkas love sharing their knowledge of grilling during frequent classes

Steak Boot Camp for Beginners is one of their most popular classes

one.” Together, Michele and Tom hold 23 Grand Championships and 17 Reserve Grand Championships throughout their competitive barbecue careers.

And because Michele and Tom have such extensive experience in the barbecue world, they have stocked their store with some of the best-selling grilling products in the industry, including leading-edge smokers, gas grills, and ceramic grills. Some of Lancaster BBQ Supply’s best-selling grill products include Traeger pellet smokers, Napoleon gas grills, Gateway Drum Smokers, Kamado Joe ceramic grills, and the PK Grill & Smoker.

In addition, the store is stocked with over 300 different rubs and 150 barbecue sauces that will take an average cook to the next level. “We personally test all products before bringing them into the store, whether it be grills, smokers, charcoal, rubs, and sauces,” Tom says. “If it doesn’t meet our stan-

dards, we will not stock the item.”

And because of the Perelkas’ extensive expertise in grilling and barbecues, they have been witness to the ongoing evolution that the grilling industry has undergone over recent years. From grilling technology evolution to the introduction of new accessories that enhance the grill ing experience and taste, the Perelkas have seen it all and can educate novice cooks and experts alike. “The new evolution is all about technology,” Michele Perelka says. “Wi-Fi has been introduced to the barbecue industry and has made it easy for people to get great results with less effort.”

Specifically, Wi-Fi is being used on all new Traeger products, allowing anyone with a smartphone to control the g rill from an app. This allows the user to also change and monitor grill temperature, monitor meat temperature, and get alerted if the pellets are low.

Products and accessories displayed meticulously encourage customers to buy

They can even shut the grill down.

What’s more, draft units for charcoal grills that maintain a set temperature are also now offered in Wi-Fi. “You can be in bed or doing yardwork and know what temperature your grill is without going to the grill to check t he temperature,” Michele says.

One of the biggest trends the Perelkas are seeing is that the “set it and forget it BBQ cooking” mindset is replacing the “stay up all night and babysit the fire BBQ cooking” method. “In addition, children of all ages are enjoying working the grill for their family,” Tom says.

While being a small-business owner comes with its own set of challenges, both Michele and Tom love sharing their barbecue knowledge with people

and teaching them different techniques. “When a customer returns to the store to say how amazing their food turned out and shows us pictures of the finished products, it puts huge smiles on our faces,” Michele says. “We love our customers!”

In fact, the Perelkas love their customers so much that they also offer a wealth of cooking classes. These classes provide those new to the world of grilling, as well as those who consider themselves experienced in the art, a new avenue to expand their barbecue horizons.

The types of classes are as various as the grilling products themselves and include classes on cooking brisket, pork, ribs, chicken, seafood, steak, as

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outdoor grilling

trimming, seasoning, marinating, cooking, grill marks, and presentation. As part of the “hands on” experience, each student selects a steak, and trims, seasons, cooks, and tastes the end result.

“We ask customers what type of classes they would like, and we try to make each one happen,” Tom says. The store has a dedicated classroom that holds 24 students.

Most classes are on Saturday mornings and are four hours Lancaster BBQ Supply offers free assembly and long. The classes include free local delivery on all grills and smokers instruction on meat selecwell as sausage making, knife skills, and mozzarella tion, trimming, injecting, marinating, seasoning, smokmaking. For example, the “Steak Boot Camp for ing, and grilling.

Beginners” class includes discussing steak selection, As the grilling industry continues to evolve and

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more big-box stores embrace this niche market, Lancaster BBQ Supply and other small grilling businesses are challenged. “We experience growing competition from big-box stores when they discount prices,” Tom says. “It’s frustrating because they provide a disservice to their customers by not explaining how to properly use and clean the smokers and grills.”

To attempt to compete with these big-box behemoths, the Perelkas pride themselves on their extensive customer service and their ability to exude a keen interest in each and every customer and their grilling experience.

“Customers come in with tons of questions when they are purchasing a new grill or smoker,” Tom says.

“We also have a ton of questions for them. We like to get to know the customer before we suggest a particular item. Some questions we may ask are family size, do they have big parties, how often will they be cooking, do they want the ease of setting the grill and/or smoker to a certain temperature and walking away or building a fire. What is the goal for their final product: smoked, grilled or baked? We pride ourselves in helping them make the perfect purchase that fits their lifestyle.”

To further help their store stand out, Tom and Michele offer free assembly and free local delivery on all grills and sm okers. “We are passionate owners who offer expert knowledge and advice,” Michele says. “We understand that excellent barbecue starts with meat selection, layering of seasonings, proper fire management, and the perfect finishing sauce to complement your meat. Knowing your grill or smoker and how it performs is your key to successful barbecue.”

And when it comes to seasonings, they can deliver more than a pinch of knowledge. “When asked about different rubs and sauces, we first ask what type of food they will be using it on—any allergies, will children or elderly be eating the food, taste preference (savory, sweet, hot, and sweet to a little heat),” Michele says. “We strive on giving the customer the taste they are looking for in their final product.”

What does the future look like for both Lancas ter BBQ Supply and the grilling industry as a whole?

The Perelkas both agree that it is a very bright future, indeed. Their plans for the future involve becoming more interactive with customers by having more outdoor events and on-site competitions. To date, the Perelkas have had two steak competitions at the store, and they have two planned for the remainder of this year. The steak competitions are ope n to anyone who has a grill and likes to compete. In addition, the couple plans on hosting special events that feature cooking classes led by celebrity barbecue chefs.

“The future is brighter than ever with the introduction of Wi-Fi technology added to grills and smokers, as well as a growing market of younger customers who are enjoying barbecue and grilling at home,” Michele says. “Grilling food is a health y way of cooking. Youths represent the future of barbecue, and one of the best ways to spark their passion is to educate them about the latest product technical innovations and how they make outdoor cooking as easy as possible.”

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showroom showcase

Outdoor Elegance goes the extra mile for its customers in response to COVID-19.

Outdoor Elegance is known for its eye-popping furniture displays

CrisisCare O

utdoor Elegance (La Verne, California) is known for its knowledge, service, products and for creating a shopping experience like no other outdoor retailer in the area. This year, it unwittingly became known for something else—its customer care in a time of crisis. Owners Doug and Sharon Sanicola have always put the needs of their customers first, but they were recently faced with an opportunity to demonstrate it on a whole new level.

The family-owned business opened its doors as Outdoor Elegance nearly 20 years ago and has been building a loyal customer base ever since. On any given weekend, the store’s showroom is filled with shoppers looking for the best in barbecues, outdoor furniture, statuary, fountains, and accessories. “Our store environment is relaxed, low pressure and makes people feel comfortable just browsing,” says Doug, who adds that the store is all about the experience— from the sale to after care.

“We don’t just sell, we do,” Doug

explains. “For example, if someone is looking buy a grill, but can’t wrap their head around spending $3,000 versus $500 (for a basic model from a big-box retailer), we offer to fire up the grill on the spot so they can sample some food—99% of the time, we make the sale.” The store regularly holds barbecue cook-offs, contests and tasting events (with lots of grilling), as well as handson cooking classes. “We have created a little community of our own.”

When it comes to patio furniture, Outdoor Elegance carries top lines including OW Lee, Patio Renaissance, Summer Classics, Gloster, Gensun, Tropitone, and Hanamint. More than 70% of sales are special order, which reflects the store’s focus on personalization. Over the past few years, its furniture Clean and Care program has become a customer favorite. “We go out to customers’ homes to clean and tune up their patio furniture, so they don’t have to spend time doing it themselves,” Doug says. “It’s basically the same idea as tuning up your car.”

34 PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

BY SHARON SANDERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILY FASSNACHT

(Left to right) Joseph Sanicola, Doug Sanicola, Rob Decker

Peak times for the service are early spring (to get furniture ready for summer) and at the end of the summer season. “We detail the cushions and frames, and then put on furniture covers so it’s protected for the winter.”

The service is extremely popular with the contract market as well. Local restaurants and hotels (that bought furniture from Outdoor Elegance) have come to rely on the service not only to save time, but to keep their outdoor furniture looking its best season after season.

Word of mouth and repeat business are the store’s lifeblood. “Many of our customers have loyally shopped with us since we opened the business in 2001. Even when they move out of the area, many of them call us to furnish their new backyards because they love our products and value our service.”

The store is a local landmark in La Verne, California

Customers are drawn to the store’s wide selection of shade coverings

During the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, Outdoor Elegance cared for its customers in ways it’s never done before. “We had to make some speedy, decisive decisions,” Doug says. First, when California issued a stay-at-home order, Outdoor Elegance was quick to comply. “Our priority was to keep everyone safe, so we didn’t try to take advantage of any loopholes to stay open.”

After shuttering the business, the Sanicolas posted signs on the front gate and warehouse explaining the details of the closure, along with a listing of a few staff cell phone numbers. “We wanted to alert customers that the showroom was closed temporarily, but that we were available by phone or appointment if they needed us.”

The next priority was to reassure customers that everything was going to be OK. The Sanicolas’ nephew filmed

and posted a short video (featuring Doug) on the store’s website announcing that the showroom was closed, but people didn’t have to stop shopping.

The response to the video was tremendously positive, and it became the launching pad for ongoing communication with customers, which included several additional video updates on the store’s website. “We made it clear that we would gladly make any arrangements needed to keep people happy, while being safe at the same time.”

As part of their new normal, the Sanicolas implemented a convenient curbside pickup service so customers could get last-minute merchandise, like charcoal and barbecue items, from the safety of their cars. “Just like a restaurant offering takeout, people could drive up and we’d put items directly in the trunk of their car while wearing a

mask and gloves for safety. If they didn’t have a trunk, the items were sealed in a plastic bag and placed on the back seat.” Customers didn’t even have to roll down their car window because everything was prepaid with a credit card. Doug adds that everyone was very appreciative, “There was one person who took a video and posted it on Instagram.”

Many manufacturers were still shipping special orders, so, if a customer wanted, the Sanicolas would arrange for the shipment to be dropped off directly in their backyard or garage. If a customer wanted to postpone a delivery, the item would be held at the store until they were ready to receive it. As a courtesy, the payment balance wasn’t

Modern designs are popular this season

PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM 35

showroom showcase due until the item was delivered to their home.

Doug also encouraged customers to place summer orders as soon as possible so they would be first in line when factories were back up and running. “I didn’t want to risk products not arriving until late August or early September. I had a feeling it would be a frantic toilet paper-buying situation and people wouldn’t be able to get the merchandise they wanted.”

Looking back, the Sanicolas remember that while it was a crazy time, they kept calm and were levelheaded with the business. The center of their overall strategy Adirondack chairs are summer must-haves

was to deploy consistent communication at every level. “We didn’t want people to worry that we were going out of business, so we operated as normally as possible, monitoring emails and phone calls daily,” Doug says. “With so many businesses packing up and shutting their doors permanently, we felt like silence would cause confusion.”

The Sanicolas had to temporarily lay off most of their employees—so they became the de-facto customer service department. “On the positive side, it ended up being a good way to connect with customers to see how they were feeling about the whole situation,” Doug says.

Outdoor Elegance is emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than ever with a new appreciation for loyal customers who have shown patience and understanding.

“Over the years, we’ve been through 9/11, the stock market crash and many other crises, yet we’ve found a way to survive by keeping our business strong financially and operationally at all times. At the core, we are a family business (my wife and I are the board of directors), so we just put our heads together and have faith that we c an take care of anything that comes our way.”

Circle Reader Service No. 36

36 PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

Outdoor Elegance boats two floors of stylish outdoor collections

Circle Reader Service No. 37

as i see it

trendy threads

Phifertex Plus sling fabric

Phifer’s durable and fashionforward fabrics add pizzazz to patios. BY SHARON SANDERS

Resort collection sling fabric in Straw Mat Melon

Resort collection

Many top outdoor furniture

manufacturers—including Tropitone, Telescope Casual, Winston, and Brown Jordan—are turning to Phifer (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) for its fresh, innovative fabrics that bring out the beauty and performance of their furniture. Patio & Hearth Products Report sat down with three members of the Phifer designed fabrics team: Hugo Benitez, national sales manager, designed fabrics; Monica Thornton, director of design; and Gregg Terry, director of marketing. They shared their thoughts on outdoor fabrics and how this dynamic fabric manufacturer continues to build a solid showing with its products in the marketplace.

ufacturer of many respected brands including solar interior (SheerWeave) and exterior (SunTex) solar shading fabrics used in roller blinds and shades, exterior sun protection screens and shading systems.

Phifer came onto the outdoor fabric scene in 1980 with the innovative Phifertex brand of slin g fabrics, and in 2012, the company built on its success by introducing GeoBella 100% olefin fabrics for cushions and pillows. The company’s expertise in weaving, design, and innovation have given it a well-deserved place among the ranks of the most respected performance fabric manufacturers in the outdoor furniture industry.

Who is Phifer?

Terry: Established in 1952, Phifer is a family-owned manufacturer of technical textiles and fabrics used in diverse applications. The company star ted out as a maker of high-end aluminum insect screening, and over the years has become a leading worldwide man-

What niche does the company fill in the outdoor living space?

Benitez: Our primary manufa cturing is done in the United States in our state-of-the-art facilities in Tuscaloosa. Customers like the fact that we make our products domestically. Phifer is a vertically integrated

38 PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

Wicker Weave collection

company, which means we have control over every aspect of the weaving process from start to finish. We are master weavers—our forte is high design, and we believe that we offer some of the most fashion-forward designs in the industry with a variety of different fabrics that can’t be found anywhere else in the marketplace.

What put Phifer on the map?

Benitez: Phifertex sling is the outdoor fabric that opened the door for us in the specialty patio market. Highend furniture manufacturers are particular about the fabrics they choose, so we make our fabrics to a standard that we know will meet their needs.

Phifertex is the world’s o nly outdoor

fabric infused with Microban, the leading brand of antimicrobial protection that inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria.

Everything we do is technical and design oriented, and our fabric selection is huge. In sling alone, we have 140 stock fabrics. Of those, there may be 10 constructions and, within those designs, 50 different weaves. Quality is very important at Phifer, and we adhere to a stringent minimum standard on all new weaves. We work with our customers to validate weaves before we put them into the market to ensure that they will stand up to the rigors of real-life use.

For the past eight years, we have been making GeoBella—our designer cushion/pillow fabric that was the next logical step for our outdoor line.

It gave us new credibility in the marketplace because we weren’t a slingonly manufacturer anymore. The cushion fabric market, as a whole, has grown over the last 15 years as compared to sling, so it was a good strategic addition to our offerings.

While the pie in sling market has slowly been shrinking, we believe we still have a big piece of it—but at the same time, we have seen the potential continued on page 72

Circle Reader Service No. 39

my turn

Shademaker’s 13’ 1” Astral-TC in 5816 Aqua

GimmeShelter

Treasure Garden’s stylish, sturdy, and easy-to-use shade designs provide years of protection from the sun. BY SHARON SANDERS For more than 35 years,

Treasure Garden and its brands, Shademaker and Jardinico, have been leading the way in the shade industry.

Since 1984, the company has manufactured the widest selection of shade products in the world. From its stateof-the-art battery-operated Starlux Collar tilt and Glide Tilt market umbrellas to the stylish, easy-to-use Polaris sidepost umbrella by Shade maker, Treasure Garden brands offer the perfect shade solution for any outdoor environment.

Founder Oliver Ma began his manufacturing experience at an early age by apprenticing and mastering the craft of umbrella construction.

His uncompromising attention to detail and strong work ethic laid the groundwork for the successful formation of Treasure Garden. The company’s Southern California facility in Baldwin Park, as well as both of its state-of-the-art facilities in Ningbo and Qingdao, China, are integral parts of its business operation and point of service. The pas-

sion and dedication of 6,000 employees who share in the same vision daily and their uncompromising attention to detail enables Treasure Garden to be deemed “The World’s Favorite Shade.”

Treasure Garden is known as the largest manufacturer of shade umbrellas in the world. Whether it’s residential or hospitality, the company has the brands and product lines that fulfill the demands of both markets. Its contract brands, Shademaker and Jardinico, cater to the rapidly expanding hospitality market. Bridging all brands, the company addresses moderate to better price points, as well as designs its lines to appeal to discerning shade customer s across every market channel.

“In the shade category, we are known for being a one-stop shop for a multitude of outdoor accessory needs,” says Candy Chase, national sales manager. “Dealers can purchase not only their shade umbrellas from us, but their umbrella bases, umbrella lighting, protective outdoor furniture

40 PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

covers, outdoor cleaning and maintenance products and outdoor rugs all from one source.”

TYI NG IT TOGETHER As people continue to expand and enjoy more time in their outdoor spaces, being comfortable in those spaces is priority. Outdoor rooms have become an extension of indoor tastes and décor and, as a result, creating fun, fashionable outdoor rooms has become a part of the entire homeownership experience.

Umbrellas not only provide protection from the sun and harsh elements, they visually tie everything together in an outdoor setting. A trend toward larger, unobstructed shade dominates today’s shade market and that includes cantilever styles with multiple functions that can be positioned over outdoor chat rooms and large dining areas. From a design standpoint, clean, modern silhouettes are gaining popularity, as are lighter finishes and gray, blue, and natural canopy colors.

As a leader in shade, Treasure

Treasure Garden Online Design Studio

Garden is always looking for ways to improve its operations and offerings.

“Right now, we are making a concerted effort to promote our complete line of shade products,” Chase explains. “We want to make it clear that we not only serve the residential market but are also aggressively marketing the growing contract and hospitality sectors of business.”

Treasure Garden recently redesigned its pr oduct catalog to include all brands, making access to information and images of all products easier for its specialty retail base.

“We continually look to innovate within all brands and across all categories,” Chase says. “The key to our growth momentum is to stay ahead of the shade curve and offer additional continued on page 73

Circle Reader Service No. 41

product innovation

Landscape Pro Slim 56-inch electric fireplace

Full Steam Ahead As demand heats up for Modern Flames’ electric fireplaces, another innovation is poised to make waves.

BY GREG THOMPSON

I

n an industry steeped with tradition, the linear electric fireplace stands out as a brash upstart. Bearing little resemblance to its hearth ancestors’ rustic origins, the electric fireplace often flaunts bold colors in a deliberate attempt to transcend the typical orange hues of traditional fire.

“In 2008, we helped develop the first linear electric fireplace in North Ameri ca,” says Kris Richardson, president and founder of Modern Flames (Phoenix, Arizona). “These days, all of our new models come with full highintensity multicolor lighting with any color you want.”

From the beginning, Modern Flames aimed to turn heads, introducing a 56-inch wall mount unit in 2009 with incandescent lighting.

Richardson calls the initial model “pretty archaic” by today’s standards, but eve n then he sensed a growing enthusiasm. “We made a custom 95inch size in the first model, and it was strictly for a wow factor in the showroom,” he says. “We didn’t expect to sell any, and now obviously a lot of larger sizes are trending. The evolution of the inside is also going from incandescent lightbulbs into LEDs.” Next came a two-by-four recess to

Sedona Pro Multi 30-inch electric fireplace

42 PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

accommodate growing preferences for flush-to-the-w all units. Since many installations were going below flatscreen TVs, fireplace sizes increased along with TV screens. “It evolved from the 56-inch to a model that’s 144 inches,” Richardson says. “Demand has changed to the bigger, the better.”

Modern Flames has come to occupy an aesthetic niche within the patio and hearth industry, particularly among designers looking for a realistic flame appearance and ease of installation. At the heart of the design ethos is the simulated flame. “The most challenging thing has always been the flames,” Richardson says. “It’s not super technical, but we continually find small ways to make the flame look more and more realistic. We find ways to make electric fireplaces look the least electric as possible.”

Sometimes, the flame is so realistic that users “feel” the heat, even when it’s not really there. In fact, it’s that phantom heat that ultimately led to the revelation of color. Richardson explains: “It can put off heat if you want, but one of the biggest selling features is that you can have the ambiance without the heat. In the beginning, we would only have yellow or orange flames, and people would say, ‘It still feels hot, even though it’s not putting off heat.’

“So w e developed a blue flame years ago to make it a true year-round fire-

place,” Richardson continues. “People asked, ‘Well if you can give me blue, why can’t you give me green and purple and all the colors?’ And that full spectrum of color is what we have now in all of our new models.”

The lack of heat ultimately makes Modern Flames “less of a fireplace and more of a piece of art.” For many, it’s a difficult concept to grasp, and the 33year-old Richardson has heard all the objections. As someone who grew up in the family hearth business prior to starting Modern Flames, he knows the sentiment all too well—fire should look like fire.

“They ask, ‘Why are you giving me purple flames?” Richardson says with a chuckle. “Well, other people want what they want, and we’ll give them that. We even have a little icon on our remote control that’s like a factory default, so if you have purple flames and a green ember bed, or whatever you customize it to, there’s always a reset. Hit one button and it goes back to the most natural looking flame colors.”

As much as architects appreciate Modern Flames’ clean lines and vivid colors, TV producers have sought out the company’s units to decorate their studios. During the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia, broadcaster Bob Costas routinely performed his monologue with a Modern Flames’ electric fireplace in the background.

“That was the year Bob Costas had

Sunset Charred Oak 26-inch electric log set

pink eye,” Richardson says, “so everybody always said, ‘Your fireplace gave Bob Costas pink eye.’ I watched more Olympics that year than any other year before or since. We just did the new Rams stadium in Inglewood, California, and we’ve done additional installations in Marriott hotels and Wendy’s restaurants. It just shows a lot of what the designers and architects have tho ught about us over the years, and it’s pretty cool.”

Even with all the exposure, Richardson acknowledges that industry “buy in” requires that Modern

Flames’ fireplaces resemble gas fireplaces. To fill this need, Richardson’s team developed an electric unit to be built completely into the wall and “finished off just like a clean-face gas fireplace with a full-view landscape.”

Ultimately, customers who see a fully realized vignette tend to understand the appeal of Modern Flames.

With that in mind, the company has developed a trade-show-quality display for showrooms only. It’s essentially a wall that Richardson believes makes it “easier for dealers to show our latest and greatest products immediately

when they’re out.” Once customers get a look at the eye-catching display, dealers can talk about a dizzying a rray of customization options.

According to Richardson, a new product called Landscape Pro Multi is the most customizable fireplace that Modern Flames has ever built.

Designed with independent multicolor flame lighting, ember bed lighting, and down lighting, users can operate all three with a color wheel. “It can also be customized on the installation to be single-sided, left-corner, rightcorner, and a bay,” Richardson enthuses. “It can be built into a full wall with a 12-inch wall depth, a twoby-four wall which is standard, and even wall mount it. Everything in the box can be configured in a way that customers want.”

Ultimately, customers are willing to spend money on products that offer value and connection. While tracking the latest trends is notoriously difficult, Richardson believes that dealers who em brace a diverse product mix can maintain strong sales. “Dealers have often thought that electric fireplaces are more big box and online,” he says. “But now a lot of electric fireplaces are sold through the hearth

industry, and everybody is embracing it more and more every year.”

For Richardson, embracing the spirit of innovation is something he routinely cultivates, and he’s confident that consumers will be attracted to the high-tech nature of Modern Flames.

“Overall, we’re focusing on new technologies and development,” he says.

“There’s a long way for electrics to go, and we see that. We’re investing in new technologies, research, development, and engineering. We have a lot of confidence in the category, and we see the value in new technologies as more manufacturers on the gas side start hopping in. Fo rtunately, we have a little bit of a head start being in electric for 11 years.”

A peek at the future yields an innovation that Richardson reveals they’ve been seeking to perfect for two years now. “It’s a brand-new invention—a steam fireplace,” he says.

“We create a steam curtain and then we shine light onto that. An electric fireplace is a two-dimensional visual with a screen and an image. Steam creates t hat third dimension. It looks extremely realistic, and probably the closest you can get to a real fire without using fossil fuels or wood.”

Circle Reader Service No. 43

PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM 43

corporate profile Castelle continues to offer new options to help retailers compete in the high-end casual market. BY KIMBERLY RODGERS Bordeaux deep seating

luxeliving

For over 40 years, luxury furniture manufacturer Castelle has been making a mark in the casual furniture industry with its high-end, award-winning designs. The company continues to move toward the future with four new collections for the 2020 season: Antler Hill, a licensed collection from Biltmore; Bordeaux; Prism; and Savannah, a licensed collection from celebrity designer and author, Barclay Butera.

Beyond the artis an hand craftsmanship and ultimate comfort Castelle is known for, the new collections offer unique advantages and benefits giving casual retailers and dealers some exciting and special options to present to their high-end customers. “Each of the collections were developed by our

internal design team with specific goals in mind,” says Rory Rehmert, senior vice president of sales.

For example, Antler Hill’s Craftsman style reflects elements of its rich name—the historic Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. The look and feel of the collection was accomplished using design elements found in high-end interior furniture such as mortis and tenon details and reclaimed wood accents. “The collection is quite versatile and blends well in a lodge setting or can take on a coastal vibe depending on the finish and fabric selections,” Rehmert says.

“Antler Hill resonates positively all over the country and may well be our number one collection for 2020.”

The Bordeaux collection, made

Prism chaise lounge

44 PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

Barclay Butera for Castelle Savannah balcony dining

from handcrafted aluminum, projects the beauty and formal elegance of a French garden. “Our team was able to translate its Old World look by creating a full cast offering that has the feel of forged metal,” Rehmert says.

Further adding to the Old World European charm is the intricate back detail on seating pieces along with forged accents on arms and unique cast details on the legs. Dining and lounge options are available, including an inviting double chaise. “The collection has broad appeal and has placed well across the country,” he adds.

Prism is a contemporary collection that can also play well into a transitional setting, depending on fabric selection.

“Our goal was to come to market with a high back contemporary collection that is also super comfortable,” Rehmert says. The pitch on Prism’s seating pieces is the key to that comfort, he notes. The collection is available in deep and sectional seating, as well as sling dining.

Prism also features a solid aluminum back panel that can be customized in a contrasting finish.

The Savannah collection by Barclay Butera reflects the beauty and gentility of the South. Featuring a geometric bamboo design and subtle chinoiserie in handcrafted aluminum, the collection is characterized by intricate detailing that gives an on-trend look in an elegant circular motif. “Savannah has resonated very well with the design trade and is being shown in a wide variety of finishes and fabrics,” Rehmert says.

GIVING RETAILERS AN EDGE Castelle is mindful of helping to keep its retail partners profitable by offering a variety of products that provide unmatched quality, style, innovative manufacturing techniques, and a sophisticated level of customization.

In fact, Castelle sets itself apart in its price point by giving consumers the ability to customize product over and above the majority of other high-end manufacturers, Rehmert not es.

“Whether it’s hand-applied detailed finishes, a wide array of fabric choices, continued on page 73

Monterey by BT Design Collective

Award-winning outdoor furniture since 1920 +1 856 273 7878

ussales@teak.com Circle Reader Service No. 45

teak.com

insight • sunrise metal shop Silver Rocket Outdoor Kitchen

grill seekers

With four generations of experience perfecting

Silver Rocket Smoker-Baker

46 PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

The sizzling hot product lineup from Sunrise Metal Shop will get you fired up for cookout season.

custom work and high-quality metal fabrication, Sunrise Metal Shop (Topeka, Indiana) continues to expand its renowned product line to give its customers numerous ways to improve their outdoor cooking experience. “We specialize in stainless steel, and we do a couple of different lines of products,” says Lee Miller, Sunrise Metal Shop partner.

The company started as Topeka Metal Shop in 1958 as a custom sheet metal fabricating shop and fullline plumbing store. The business evolved over time to include a wide array of products after Enos and Katie Kuhns established Sunrise Metal Shop in 1971. The company built its first custom-made maple syrup evaporator pans out of stainless steel that were tailored to each customer’s needs. Sunrise Metal Shop built a legacy upon custom stainless steel work for decades. The company focuses on producing highquality finished work that meets individual customer needs. “We are very diversified,” Miller says. “We focus very much on quality.”

BY CHERISE FORNO

When Sunrise Metal Shop first decided to design grills, the company realized the market was saturated with many average, mid-range price level grills, so they set out to create a high-quality grill line. It remains committed to innovating superior products and manufacturing them in the United States. Sunrise Metal Shop has also expanded its product offerings to include outdoor stainless steel patio furniture and indoor/outdoor high-end metal range hoods. “We knew we had to do something special and high end,” Miller says.

The company’s flagship grill line—Silver Bullet—was renamed Silver Rocket in 2018 and includes everything from rib racks to numerous outdoor kitchen configurations. Sunrise Metal Shop prioritized optimal heat containment and quick startup times while designing its Silver Rocket charcoal grills. They are constructed with 304 stainless steel with a 1-inch, 2,600-degree thermal blanket for unparalleled heat retention.

The all-in-one units are designed to be used as a convection oven, smoker, baker, cooker, and

“We didn’t stop until we had what we thought we needed, and we have many more innovative products on the horizon.”

The spacious interior of the Silver Rocket Smoker-Baker

even a pizza oven with a cooking range from 125 degrees to 700 degrees. It can cook in a slow mode for days on a single load of charcoal for consistent results.

The large Silver Rocket Grill has a 640-square-inch grilling surface ideal for large gatherings such as weddings and corporate events. The medium Silver Rocket Grill, with 360 square inches of grilling space, is perfect for

homeowners and competition grilling.

A small Silver Rocket Grill, which provides 199 square inches of cooking surface, is designed for small-to-average entertaining needs. The Silver Rocket Tailgater Grill offers 85 square inches of a cooking surface, making it the ideal grill for occasions such as tailgating at sporting events or camping outings.

Sunrise Metal Shop’s new smoker/baker attachment for medium

and large grills is designed to be used with grills to provide people with limitless cooking options without having to purchase an entirely new grill or smoker.

The attachment has multiple racks to cook different foods at the same time and is also a pizza oven. “You don’t have to buy a whole unit,” Miller says. “You can use your existing grill. We’re pretty excited about it because it allows us to use what we already have and add to it.”

The cold smoke hopper that attaches to the bottom vent of a small, medium, or large grill is an attachment that allows people to smoke food with or without heat for a wide range of food such as cheese and meat. “As far as I know, there’s nothing else like this in the market,” Miller says. “If you want heat, you

can still light the charcoals for heat.”

Miller says this product is in line with a growing trend of consumers moving toward charcoal. “The trend is going back to charcoal instead of pellets,” Miller says. “It’s a lot faster with lump charcoal than briquettes and the grills are so much more controllable.”

Miller notes that Sunrise Metal Shop is always focused on quality while designing new products, and with these latest additions to its grill line, the company continues its commitment to creating durable grills that create consistent heat. “We didn’t stop until we had what we thought we needed, and we have many more innovative products on the horizon.”

Circle Reader Service No. 47

PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM 47

insight • barlow tyrie Aura dining

Platinum Jubilee

Barlow Tyrie is

celebrating an impressive milestone this year—its 100th anniversary as a prominent and profitable outdoor furniture company. From its humble beginnings in a converted horse stable in London in 1920 to the renowned luxury furniture it produces today, Barlow Tyrie has been recognized for its high-quality, stylish outdoor furnishings.

Family-owned Barlow Tyrie celebrates a century of business, thanks to multiple generations of devoted employees.

“Barlow Tyrie has remained a family-owned and hands-on m anaged company for 100 years,” says Charles Hessler, vice president. “We are proud of our heritage and in being the oldest remaining manufacturer of this very traditional English product.”

Frederick Barlow and Victor Tyrie’s partnership formed when the pair started producing handmade, highquality teak benches and furniture for gardens and parks. The company has

Indonesia where much of its first-grade teak is sourced. “We manufactur e all of our products,” Hessler says. “We control all facets of the manufacturing process, so the end user is assured of quality all the way through. We offer a product that will last for many years of satisfaction and enjoyment.”

This attention to detail and the quali-

BY CHERISE FORNO

added stainless steel, powder-coated aluminu m, eucalyptus, and handwoven synthetic fiber to the top-grade teakwood it continues to use.

One way Barlow Tyrie keeps its commitment to producing high-quality furniture is by maintaining complete oversight of its manufacturing process with some products still made in England and others produced in a factory owned by the company in

48 PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

Layout dining

ty of materials used to build its products has been integral to Barlow Tyrie earning 20 international awards for design excellence. “The Tyrie family name is on every piece of furniture we sell,” Hessler says.

“It’s our guarantee that buyers are getting exceptional furniture that is correct to the eye and body.”

When Frederick Barlow passed

tomers’ orders were processed and shipped promptly.

Hessler notes that, of the company’s many collections, its Aura deep seating, dining, and high dining collections are very popular for Barlow A memorial bench handcrafted in 1922

away in 1959, Victor Tyrie continued to manage the business with his son, Peter Tyrie, joining him in 1967.

Victor soon retired, leaving Peter at the helm of the company.

When other companies in the industry switched to using cheaper timbers, Peter resisted the temptation, choosing to uphold the company’s commitment of using only the best quality materials and craftsmanship possible. This proved successful as Barlow Tyrie’s presence grew throughout Europe, Australia, and North America. Barlow Tyrie Inc., was established in 1986 in Moorestown, New Jersey, with an office and warehouse to meet growing demand throughout the continent and to ensure that cus-

Victor Tyrie

Tyrie. The wide range of table heights, seating configurations, and color schemes appeals to the company’s customers. “Our Aura collection does very well for us,” Hessler says. Pieces in this collection combine tubular aluminum with first-grade teakwood for an eyecatching finish. “This combination is a good mix offering a no-fuss durable powder-coat finish with the natural beauty of t eakwood,” Hessler says.

“It has a very good price point considering the quality and finish.”

Barlow Tyrie takes notice of what its customers are seeking for their outdoor living spaces, and the company incorporates those desires into its designs. Its customers tend to want classic designs that will stand the test of time. “Everyone seems to be looking for no-fuss, nomaintenance in outdoor products,” Hessl er says. “Here at Barlow Tyrie, our customers are looking for wellmade products with clean design lines–products that will be fashionable for many years to come.”

The company offers an eclectic lineup from the romantic lines of its Sissinghurst Seat designed by archi-

tect Sir Edwin Lutyens that evokes classic English stylings to the relaxed design of its Haven pieces that were crafted with comfort at the forefront. A Junior collection features chairs and a low height table perfect for children to have their own seating area during meals and playtime.

The Glenham collection includes circular and hexagonal tree seats designed to fit around trees in one’s yard so that homeowners can incorporate nature into their outdoor living spaces in truly unique ways. With each collection, color and inscriptions can be added as ways to personalize pieces.

Barlow Tyrie continues to balance value and quality as it designs new products and collections to introduce into the marketplace. It is assessing demand for furniture pieces and using that customer feedback to craft new products to introduce this year at shows in the United States and Europe.

“Our goals for all the years ahead are to continue designing and manufa cturing outdoor furniture that strikes the highest note in quality and style,” Hessler says. “We are busy developing some often-requested range extensions right now.”

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perspective

Open Letter to Our Industry

BY V.P. BERGER V.P. Berger

I struggled to find the right words to start this letter.

The words coming to mind were the following: resilient, inspiring, tenacious, innovative, tough, smart, and loving. No single word alone felt adequate to describe the dealers and distributors in our industry. All taken together, however, these words get closer to what I’ve witnessed in the small-business owners of our industry since March, when COVID-19 became a brand-new word for all of us.

To be sure, the key COVID-19 battle was fought by medical staff and first responders around the world.

They are the true heroes. However, the battles fought by many small-business owners in our industry to save their businesses and the livelihoods of their employees is no less inspiring.

There was no road map to rely on when COVID-19 first hit our economy. It was like those first few seconds after you’ve been in a car accident. It was sudden. . . jarring. . . the airbags deployed. . . you’re in shock. . . but you’re alive. You crawl out of the wreckage and the only thing on your mind is “now what?”

“Now what?” is a question all good leaders ask themselves. It’s not just a matter of what needs to be done, but what order should it be done in. First things first.

For you as business owners, your first thing was the health and safety of your team. For many of you, your team is “family”—figuratively and, in some cases, literally. Your instinct to protect their safety first and foremost proved that this isn’t just about business. It’s personal.

In so many phone conversations with our customers, I heard first-

“

I have a friend in the industry who often says, ‘people are around our products in their magic moments and their tragic moments.’

hand the concern and caring you had for your team and was impressed by how you put their needs ahead of your own.

Next came the challenge of financially stabilizing your business. Many, but not all businesses in our industry, were successful in securing shortterm government assistance.

Programs such as the CARES Act and PPP, along with other statefunded programs, were available in the U.S. And Canadian assistance in the form of ERP and CEWS were available to offset the economic impact of COVID-19.

But having financial assistance “available” and getting it are two different things. Owners of specialty hearth stores and distributorships had to become overnight experts at navigating the bureaucracy that exists when the words “government” and “banking” are used in the same sentence.

Again, many conversations left me marveling at the tenacity and calmness with which so many of you made the necessary financial decisions to ensure your business could continue into the future.

The third “Now what?” business owners faced was how to function in a “stay-at-home” economy. Some of you were in markets with total lockdown orders. Others were able to function for new-construction-related business but were forced to close your retail stores.

In the true fashion of entrepreneurial business owners, you pivoted

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quickly to offering virtual showroom tours, online chat functions, curbside pickup for accessories, all while complying with health guidelines for your team and your customers to continue to service hearth appliances. In a word, you were innovative!

The biggest question now for us all to answer is “What’s next?”

For the near term at least, business will be different. No more warm handshake greetings when customers come through the door. No more packed crowds on the sidewalk munching free snacks on grill demo days. No more wall-to-wall customers in the showroom on a cold Saturday morning in October.

But make no mistake—the customers will continue to be there for us. Here’s why I am so confident.

During this past spring, when all of us were under some form of COVID-19 shelter-in-place order, internet searches for fireplaces actually increased! You could say, “well of course they did; people were stuck at home, so they spent more time online.” Fair enough, but usually we see hearth-related searches decrease dramatically in the spring in favor of barbecue and gardening ideas. We believe this internet behavior validates the main, primal driver of consumer behavior for our industry, that a home fire brings security and comfort when people crave it most.

I have a friend in the industry who often says, “people are around our products in their magic moments and

”

their tragic moments.” People are drawn to their home fire when they are celebrating a personal win, and they seek the comfort of a fire when they are mourning some personal loss.

Hearth & Home Technologies invests in consumer research and the results are predictable: 9 out of 10 consumers view a home fire favorably and 7 out of 10 say a fireplace is “essential” to a home’s design. I appreciate Napoleon Fireplace’s willingness to also share its consumer research with the industry. The National Association of Realtors, National Association of Home Builders, and Angie’s List all have done research on the value of a fireplace. All our results are consistent. . . People. Love. Fire.

That is a wind we will always have at our back. The ability of a home fire to comfort and to inspire means there will always be customers for the products and services we as an industry provide.

On behalf of myself, and our members at Hearth & Home Technologies, I want to say thank you to the manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and each person that makes up our businesses for keeping the home fires burning for everyone.

V.P. Berger is president of Lakeville, Minnesota-based Hearth & Home Technologies, the largest hearth manufacturer in the world.

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last word

majorplayer

Luxuria 74 – LVX74

As the second largest

hearth manufacturer in the world, Napoleon has much to celebrate.

Not only does the company offer some of the most innovative technology and designs of hearth and barbecue/grill products in the marketplace, but the company also continues to inspire consumers to enhance their home and business environs.

Founded in 1976 by Wolfgang Schroeter in Barrie, Ontario, as a small steel-fabrication business, Napoleon has emerged from humble beginnings to become a much-celebrated manufacturer that consists of three different segments.

Napoleon’s vibrant 44-year history launched after a long journey across the Atlantic Ocean. “As a German immigrant, Wolfgang came to North America on a boat through the St. Lawrence Seaway and ended up in the Toronto area, where he met his wife, Ingrid,” says John Czerwonka, vice president of sales.

“At the time, with an engineering background, Wolfgang got into the stair-manufacturing business for the Toronto/Ontario market.”

After Wolfgang and Ingrid married, he learned that his father-in-law was going to buy a wood stove. Rather than having his father-in-law do so, Wolfgang offered to make him a stove

in his garage. Within a short period of time, he made his first handmade stove. Eventually, this led to the first of many Napoleon innovations, including a wood stove with the firstever glass door. Others began inquiring about purchasing one for their own homes.

With Schroeter’s vision and commitment to innovation, the Napoleon in bending company metal and was born. had a keen When understandthe compaing of gas and ny first startwood. This ed, the hearth

BY MAURA KELLER allowed the compabusiness was a seany to start the BBQ sonal one, so at the end season, employees division, which today is one of of each hearth had to be furloughed. “That didn’t sit the fastest-growing brands in the really well with Wolfgang and Ingrid, industry. This product expansion as they wanted to keep employees also allowed the company to keep working year-round,” Czerwonka employees engaged year-round and to says. “So they began thinking about become a very responsible employer. what type of product adjacencies— Today, Napoleon employs about specifically off-season products—that 1,400 associates worldwide, many of would complement the hearth busiwhom have worked with the company for more than 30 years. “We then ness. Their intuition led them to the started taking a look at other opporbarbecue grill business.” tunities and saw the third business The Schroeters and their team the company excelled opportunity as our HVAC division, recognized that

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A far cry from its humble roots, Napoleon today is a powerhouse in the hearth and grill industries.

Altitude X 36 – AX36

whereby we manufacturer air conditioners and furnaces. This offers the opportunity for the company to play a part in the construction and remodeling markets as well,” Czerwonka says. “Today, we have three very strong business segments underneath the Napoleon banner.”

During the company’s growth and for the last five years, Napoleon has received the honor of being named one of the 50 best-managed companies in Canada. In Kentucky, where the company manufactures several products, the company was recently named as one of the best places to work in the state. “We really focus on our vision of manufacturing products that provide more meaningful moments for people to enjoy in their home,” Czerwonka says.

EMBRACING TRENDS dream to be able to put a televiFrom a hearth standpoint, the sion right above the fireplace Napoleon team is seeing that to create a beautiful aestraditional fireplaces will thetic in the home.” always be the number one In the stone and segment within hearth. hearth category, However, the trends Napoleon’s largestthat they are seeing growing segment is increase over the last electric fireplaces.

When the company four years are toward first entered this segproducts that offer a ment, it offered three more modern, contempoor four units. Today, rary design. This trend is that number is nearing leading consumers toward 40 different electric firemore linear, zero clearance, place options. “This is gaining clean-face fireplaces.

Elevation X 42 – momentum for several different “Customers don’t want the big EX36 reasons,” Czerwonka says. “One of the ornate fireplaces. They want to be able to tile, stone up or drywall right to the unit so you have biggest is demographics. The younger homeowner a very clean-face installation,” Czerwonka says. or renter still wants to have the benefit of the hearth “Linear is one of our fastest-growing categories on experience they grew up with but can’t afford the cost the gas side of the business. Some of the innovations associated with new construction or renovation in order to have a gas unit in their home.” we have come out with include our dynamic heat In addition, there are legislative concerns with control systems.” regard to emissions and gas units going to homes, so These systems allow customers to take units and Napoleon is seeing a significant rise in electronic fireinstall them with combustible materials, which offer a place opportunities in those markets. “You are also cost savings, and it allows customers to put a TV right above the fireplace within 6 inches of the unit. “This seeing these types of fireplaces going into high-end is very ground-breaking,” Czerwonka says. “It really homes and high-rise buildings,” Czerwonka says. has a become an architect and interior designer’s “When you have multi-story buildings, they basically

eliminate gas options. But the customers still want to have that hearth experience. The enhancements in the technology with the electric fireplace market have proven it is a sustainable business for years to come.”

The third reason people are gravitating toward the electric fireplace is that for older homes, where hearths are in disrepair and can no longer burn wood, th e homeowners are looking for electric inserts. The aging population also does not want to deal with the mess associated with wood-burning hearth products, so electric products are providing nice alternatives.

GRILL ON On the grill side of Napoleon’s business, the company continues to evolve and make a name for itself.

Today, the company’s product lines can be found in 46 countries and the products continue to grow in popularity, thanks in part to high-end quality infused in every design.

“We are being recognized as the premier leader in the grill category,” Czerwonka says. “We offer some very unique products, features and innovations, including our heat-indicating knobs and sizzle zone technology, which offer a restaurant-quality experience.”

The price-value relationship with the quality offered

by Napoleon’s grills is also grabbing the attention of consumers and retailers alike. “We take it very seriously when we put the Napoleon badge on any of our products,” Czerwonka says. “It better be a first-rate quality and something that homeowners want to own.”

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what’s new

6

Hot Products to Sell Now

Phifer Phifer’s GeoBella Outdoor Fabrics come in a variety of beautiful, stylish jacquards and patterns. These designs transform ordinary backyards into outdoor sanctuaries. Cut yardage and swatch samples are available now on the new shopping site, shop.phifer.com. Contact: (800) 221-5497 or www.phifer.com.

POLYWOOD

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Treasure Garden The Edge-Chili from the 2020 Treasure Garden Outdoor Rug Gold Collection features a small pattern in gray and edged in chili red. The soft color story allows for a calming unity in the outdoor space. Constructed with 100% polypropylene multi-ply cabled heat set yarns, this rug offers an incredible and luxurious texture with excellent durability. Made in Belgium, the Edge-Chili Outdoor Rug is available in two sizes, is easy to clean, and comes with a 1-year fade warranty. Contact: (626) 814-0168 or

The POLYWOOD Vineyard Porch Rocking Chair features a comfortably contoured seat and gently sloped runners that provide a smooth rocking rhythm. Constructed of genuine POLYWOOD lumber, a proprietary blend of plastics including recycled milk jugs and detergent bottles, each rocker is durable and not prone to splinter, crack, chip, peel, or rot. This product comes with a 20-year residential warranty and is made in the USA. Contact: (877) 457-3284 or www.polywood.com.

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www.treasuregarden.com.

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Ortal Ortal has now implemented the new Mertik SYMAX system. This system allows for wireless communication from the receiver to the unit via WiFi, allowing use of the MyFire app. The simplistic design of the SYMAX remote controls makes it easier for homeowners to use and ensures they get the most functionality out of their fireplace. Contact: (844) ORTAL-FIRE or www.ortalheat.com.

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Dimplex Memphis Wood Fire Grills Memphis redefines pellet grilling by combining the great flavor of wood-fire cooking with the ease and versatility of a full-service indoor kitchen. Expert engineering and precision temperature control (up to 700°) mean superior smoking, searing, roasting, and baking. Carts and built-ins are available. Contact: (888) 883-2260 or www.memphisgrills.com.

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Pairing elegant design with powerful performance, the N65 from Dimplex is leading the way for a new generation of high-efficiency wood stoves. Certified for EPA 2020 New Source Performance Standards, N65 heats up to 2,152 square feet with up to 8 hours of burn time. N65 sets the standard for modern woodburning stoves. Contact: (800) 668-6663 or www.dimplex.com.

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Product Profiles AEI/Gensun Outdoor Island Grill

AEI Corporation and Gensun’s quick ship and easy-to-assemble island, featuring the PGS Model S36T Pacifica grill combo, is the perfect addition to any outdoor space. With a sleek, stainless steel finish and PGS FuelStop one-hour gas flow timer (patent pending) built into the control panel, it delivers a high-quality outdoor grilling experience with the safety and satisfaction to meet any grill master’s need to sizzle this summer. Contact: (949) 474-3070 or www.aeicorporation.com.

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Titan Pub and Counter Height Dining

The Titan 30-inch square high and counter height tables and stools are part of the Titan “Rustic Teak” range. The stool features a pedestal design, clad in “rustic” teak, and a weighted steel base plate for stability. The chairs also feature a returning swivel in the seat, which always keeps the stool facing forward when not in use. Contact: (856) 273-7878 or www.teak.com.

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Louisiana Grills Black Label Series

Country Lane Villas

A Country Lane Villa adds versatility in taste and function to an outdoor space. It’s designed for those with discerning taste or in need of a practical space outdoors. The elegant and sophisticated Villas are available with Traditional Wood and Vinyl Pavilions, or Hampton Pavilions. Make your outdoor space functional and resort-worthy with a Villa.

Contact: (866) 885-7847 or www.gazebo.com.

Louisiana Grills Black Label Series is flavor redefined. With the company’s most impressive features yet, the Black Label Series completely redesigns the original Louisiana Grills Series. This fully enhanced series delivers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, PID technology for intelligent temperature control, and superior grilling performance with an all-new cutting-edge burn system. It’s an elevated experience fit for the modern outdoor chef. Available in 800 sq.in., 1,000 sq.in., and 1,200 sq.in. Contact: (877) 972-2474 or www.louisiana-grills.com.

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New Products Added in Navy

The Originial Pawleys Island Refined Collection

By popular demand, C.R. Plastic Products is expanding the number of products available in beautiful new Navy frame color! Navy is a classic, timeless addition to the sustainable outdoor furniture collection, which is made from up to 100% recycled plastic. Navy options have been added for the most popular products, including Generation Line Counter and pub height dining pieces, and the popular T202 Harvest collection bar table.

Contact: (800) 490-1283 or www.crpproducts.com.

Introducing the high dining swivel chair from the new Refined collection from The Original Pawleys Island. Elegantly styled with clean contemporary lines, this new collection will give your customers the luxury outdoor lifestyle they have been looking for. Made with Durawood, a nonabsorbent synthetic lumber that makes this outdoor furniture virtually maintenance-free and indestructible. The Refined features a lifetime warranty, mortise and tenon joints, and marine-grade stainless steel hardware. Contact: (800) 334-1078 or www.thehammocksource.com.

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product profiles Avalon Dining Collection

Apricity’s elevated new collections shine in part due to their inclusion of new designs and the very latest materials. The Avalon dining collection includes Resysta, the revolutionary new material that is transforming what’s next in outdoor. Stronger than wood, fade and splinter resistant, Resysta gives Avalon the warm, welcoming appeal of real wood, but in a material that offers years of beauty, comfort and durability to consumers who live for outdoor entertaining in style. For more details on the latest looks, including Resysta from Apricity by Agio, contact: (888) 997-7623 or www.apricityoutdoor.com.

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Layout Modular Deep Seating and Lounge Collection The sleek and stylish Layout collection, a modular deep seating system, brings elegant indoor lounging to outdoor spaces. Refined frames, made of stainless steel with a durable powder-coat paint finish (Forge Gray or Arctic White), support the upholstered seats and teak tabletops. Contact: (856) 273-7878 or www.teak.com.

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Infinity Canopy

Infinity Canopy Inc., inventor of modular slide-on-wire shade systems, in collaboration with U.S.-based pergola manufacturers, introduces modular shade structures made from aluminum and fiberglass. These innovative, stylish structures help architects, designers, and their customers to create outdoor areas that emphasize elegance and Zen, while providing functional and novel shade solutions. The shade structures come in 10.5’ x 10’ modules that can connect together to create larger inline, curved or more complex connected structures. Contact: (844) 422-6679 or www.infinitycanopy.com.

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Aspire by Hestan

Aspire by Hestan has added two new exclusive color finishes, Orion and Reef. Inspired by the clear night sky, Orion is a midnight blue hue, while Reef draws its origins from the warm shades of pink found in a coral reef. From grills to refrigeration, Aspire combines high performance with high style to create the perfect oasis in your backyard. And new exclusive colors allow you to complement your grilling style with the perfect vibe. Contact: (888) 905-7463 or https://aspire.hestan.com.

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RSF Focus 3600

With its versatile size and modern features, the Focus 3600 is an EPA 2020 certified unit at 1.49g/hr.

Capable of heating 1,500 square feet, it can be outfitted with options to move excess heat from the fireplace to the basement or an adjacent room with the flick of a switch.

Contact: (450) 565-6336 or rsf-fireplaces.com.

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New Frame Color – Light Grey

New Color for Summer 2020!

Light Grey is a beautiful, modern addition to C.R. Plastic Products’ sustainable outdoor furniture, which is made from up to 100% recycled plastic. Light Grey options have been added to popular products, including Adirondack chairs, rockers, footstools, and side tables. Contact: (800) 490-1283 or www.crpproducts.com.

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product profiles Veranda Collection

Appealing to the creative eye, the Veranda collection adds the perfect finishing touch for outdoor and indoor spaces. UV stabilized, this all-weather collection is built to last, and is mold, mildew, and water resistant. Woven of 100% heat-set Courtron Polypropylene, raised accents provide an over-tufted effect, providing added dimension and texture to each area rug. Sizes include: 2’2” x 4’3”, 3 ’11” x 5’6”, 5’3” x 7’6”, 7’10” x 10’9” and a 2’2” x 7’7” runner.

Contact: (800) 223-6186 or www.couristan.com.

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Louisiana Grills Founders Series

The Founders Series Legacy Grill is an homage to pellet grill visionary, Dan Thiessen, and his worldrenowned brand. At the heart of the Legacy Grill is a luxury design complete with a reawakening of performance and technology. It features a state-of-the-art burn system, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and PID technology for intelligent temperature control. The Founders Series Legacy Grill by Louisiana Grills is where tradition meets innovation.

Contact: (877) 972-2474 or www.louisiana-grills.com.

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The Originial Pawleys Island Refined Collection

Introducing the high dining chair from the new Refined collection from The Original Pawleys Island. Elegantly styled with clean contemporary lines, this new collection will give your customers the luxury outdoor lifestyle they have been looking for. The collection is made with Durawood, a nonabsorbent synthetic lumber that makes this outdoor furniture virtually maintenancefree and indestructible. The Refined includes a lifetime warranty, mortise and tenon joints, and marine-grade stainless steel hardware. Contact: (800) 334-1078 or www.thehammocksource.com.

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Glenwood Fire Pit Dining

Apricity continues to deliver when it comes to what’s new and exciting in outdoor living. With a mix of dining and seating options, paired with the warmth and appeal of outdoor fire, Apricity’s Glenwood Fire Pit Dining Collection features a mix of texture and high-quality materials. The trending mix of bench and traditional seating is accented with all-weather wicker and the group’s centerpiece, a firepit dining table to give homeowners new ways to showcase their outdoor spaces in style. For more details on becoming an Apricity by Agio retailer, contact: (888) 997-7623 or www.apricityoutdoor.com.

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Boulevard DirectVent Linear Fireplaces

Boulevard linear fireplaces by White Mountain Hearth have a reputation of providing bold views. The Boulevard 36-inch has recently joined the family of 48-, 60- and 72-inch models, and is able to bring that same bold feel even to small spaces.

Customize your Boulevard with a variety of accessories, including liners, decorative media, and logs. Check out the recently added decorative fronts that give you the opportunity to personalize your fireplace. Boulevard direct-vent fireplaces are available through White Mountain Hearth dealers. Contact: (800) 8513153 or www.whitemountainhearth.com.

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Custom Cushions

FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions’ custom cushions are made to order, in large or small quantities, to fit any size, style and shape of your furniture. A full range of fill options, decorative elements and furniture-grade fabrics enhance and personalize your order. Complete the décor with a coordinating FiberBuilt umbrella, such as the popular Market with Tilt option (shown).

Contact: (866) 667-8668 or www.fiberbuiltumbrellas.com.

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ICFA Cancels Preview Show, Keeps Casual Market on Schedule

“ The overriding opinion at this time is that dealers want

to reopen their stores in the coming weeks and respond to the pent-up consumer demand for outdoor furniture by

” — Joe Pucci

providing outstanding service.

Joe Pucci

The International Casual Furnishings Association is canceling the Preview Show slated for July 14-16 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and has shifted its focus toward Casual Market Chicago scheduled in September.

“ICFA continues its commitment to the health and safety of its members along with other professionals

who contribute to the hosting of the casual furnishings trade shows at theMART in Chicago,” says Joe Pucci, president of Great Gatherings and chairman of the board, following a conference call of the ICFA Executive Committee in May. Pucci noted that the leadership group and theMART management team have been monitoring the evolving situation over the past

seven weeks in preparation for a possible disruption of the business cycle that would affect retailers, manufacturers, sales representatives, and industry suppliers.

Both groups circulated surveys to their constituents to gain input for this decision.

“We recognize that the majority of retailers and manufacturers were forced to suspend their business operations at the height of the sell-

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ing season for outdoor furnishings,” he says. “The overriding opinion at this time is that dealers want to reopen their stores in the coming weeks and respond to the pent-up consumer demand for outdoor furniture by providing outstanding service.” Inventory levels are currently high from orders delivered at the beginning of the year, he added.

Casual Market Chicago remains scheduled for Sept. 22-25.

product profiles Outdoor Kitchen Design Tool – It’s Free

Portofino

NorthCape’s popular Portofino collection features a stunning high back design. The collection is created with hefty, variegated Husk HDPE resin finish hand woven over thick-gauged, powder-coated aluminum frame with suspension seating. Headreststyle cushions make this seating set one of the most comfortable collections in the market. NorthCape offers domestically made quick ship and made-to-order cushions in a variety of Sunbrella fabrics. Contact: (708) 563-2890 or www.northcape.com.

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RTA Outdoor Living has launched a new web-based Outdoor Kitchen Design Tool— a free, 3D design configurator and visualizer. This innovative tool is for homeowners, designers, architects, and contractors to simplify the design process. The Outdoor Kitchen Design Tool utilizes RTA’s award-winning construction system and ready-to-assemble cabinets. It allows users to custom design a myriad of islands, including linear BBQ/bar islands, galley, L-Shape, or U-Shape outdoor kitchens. Buyers also select from Coyote Outdoor Living’s full line of high-quality and all stainless steel grills and appliances. To access the app, visit http://design.rtaoutdoorliving.com. Contact: (855) 520-1559 or www.rtaoutdoorliving.com.

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IndoorOutdoor Tunnel

by Ortal

Redefine flexibility with Ortal’s Indoor Outdoor Tunnel fireplaces, emanating warmth and beauty from the interior and exterior of any space. Make the most of the benefits of outdoor living without compromising the comfort of an indoor fireplace. Available for all double-glass Tunnel models.

Contact: (844) ORTAL-FIRE or www.ortalheat.com.

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Double Vent Canopy with Mesh Panels FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions offers canopy options to improve wind management in areas prone to high wind conditions. One style is a Double Vent Canopy, which can be ordered with the same marineor furniture-grade fabric throughout, or with the middle vent made of vinyl weave mesh panels on all or alternating panels with coordinating acrylic fabric on the others (as shown). The mesh panels allow more air to flow through its open weave and weaken the wind’s energy.

Contact: (866) 667-8668 or www.fiberbuiltumbrellas.com.

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DSH Series Indoor/outdoor Infrared Heater

The DSH Infrared heater series was designed with flexibility in mind. With three installation options and an indoor/outdoor rating, these heaters are ideal for any commercial or residential installation.

Reaching maximum heat in less than 3 seconds, this product provides premium comfort, quality and is suitable for a variety of climates. Contact: (800) 668-6663 or www.dimplex.com.

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RSF Pearl 3600

The Pearl 3600 has the perfect combination of refined, yet rustic styling. It is 2020 certified at 1.49g/hr, takes 6” EXCEL chimney and can be outfitted with options to transfer heat throughout the home. The 2.1ft3 firebox was built to last a lifetime and comes with a 30-year warranty. Contact: (450) 565-6336 or rsf-fireplaces.com.

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Big Green Egg Smokehouse-Style BBQ Sauce

The complete line of Big Green Egg Barbecue Sauces will enhance the flavor of any barbecue recipe. These versatile sauces are also great with your favorite pizza recipe, to kick up the flavor of baked beans and potatoes or mixed into your favorite meatloaf. Two new flavors complement the full line: Traditional Moppin’ Sauce Barbecue Baste and Sweet Kentucky Bourbon Grilling Glaze. These sauces are so good your customers will want to try them all!

Contact: (770) 938-9394 or www.biggreenegg.com.

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Lovinflame Tabletop Firepit

Lovinflame tabletop firepits are free-standing and portable, allowing you to enjoy clean-burning, wind-resistant, and odorless flames indoors or outdoors. The technology is powered by Lovinflame’s proprietary stainless steel wick and non-toxic, water-soluble, and ethanol-free fuel, which minimizes emissions, flare-ups, and risks associated with fuel spills.

Contact: (909) 781-8462, www.lovinflame.com, or hello@lovinflame.com.

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SUNGLO A270 Patio Heater

The SUNGLO model A270 portable propane heater is ideal for open patio designs. The 8-foot heater requires no electrical power. The battery operated DSI pilot ignition makes lighting the pilot easy. The post and cylinder cover are available in black or copper vein powder-coat finishes or 304 stainless steel. Contact: (888) 317-5255 or www.infradyne.com.

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product profiles Absolute Black

Hixon

NorthCape’s Hixon collection offers a sleek contemporary design for dining and deep seating that features sturdy Midnight aluminum framing complemented with Antique Mahogany PolyTuf by Tangent arms and tabletop surfaces. Hixon’s plush cushioned seating is domestically made with Sunbrella outdoor fabric. NorthCape offers quick ship and made-to-order cushions for the Hixon collection in a variety of Sunbrella fabrics. Contact: (708) 563-2890 or www.northcape.com.

Absolute Black is a well-priced premium black granite fireplace facing from MLW Stone. Rich and luxurious, this durable material is available in the company’s three standard sizes. A strong and resilient surface makes it highly resistant to scratches. This ultra-polished granite lends itself to both contemporary and traditional styles. Contact: (800) 477-7665 or www.mlwstone.com.

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Capt’ N Cook Ovenplus Salamander Grill

Get ready for the perfect combination of a pizza oven, stove, and a grill. This culinary innovation lets you grill and cook/ bake at the same time. With a proprietary burning system that is energy efficient and virtually smokeless, you can enjoy risotto, steak, pizza, and more! It takes just 15 minutes to cook for eight people.

Contact: (909) 781-8462, hell o@ovenplus.com, or www.ovenplus.com.

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Broilmaster Stainless Grills

The Broilmaster Stainless grills combine the distinctive features of an original Broilmaster with a sleek, contemporary design. Every Broilmaster Stainless grill comes fully loaded with a variety of standard features, including flame thrower ignition, multi-level cooking grids, and three bow-tie burners. Several optional accessories are offered to optimize your grilling experience. With the ability to roast, sear, smoke, grill, or bake, the Broilmaster Stainless grill is the only grill you will ever need.

Available through Broilmaster dealers. Contact: (800) 851-3153 or www.broilmaster.com.

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Memphis Wood Fire Grills Memphis redefines pellet grilling by combining the great flavor of wood-fire cooking with the ease and versatility of a full-service indoor kitchen complete with coordinating doors and drawers. Expert engineering and precision temperature control (up to 700°) mean superior smoking, searing, roasting and baking. Contact: (888) 883-2260 or www.memphisgrills.com.

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Marin Collection by OW Lee

The Marin collection takes inspiration from the Northern California coastal community of Marin County, located just north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate bridge. Taking cues from both natural elements as well as modern design, Marin exemplifies the relaxed yet sophisticated nature of the area. Marin is a full-line collection that includes dining, deep seating, and lounge options in both cushion and the patent-pending Flex Comfort seating. Additionally, Marin cushioned deep seating features the Plush Comfort and Sytex Seating Systems, which creates a superior level of comfort. Contact: (800) 776-9533 or www.owlee.com.

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Legend G3.5 Insert – Coming Soon

The new G3.5 steel burner engines are now equipped with the V-Class burner, which incorporates the popular H3 fires—including birch, driftwood, and traditional logs. With over two decades of design innovation and four generations of gas insert DNA, it is no surprise that the G3.5 insert exudes radiance, high efficiency, and the ultimate in comfort control. Contact: (800) 468-2567 or https://valorfireplaces.com/g35.

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Vineyard Adirondack Rocking Chair

SunTex 95

SunTex 95 is part of Phifer’s popular SunTex product line. Recognized for its durability and fade resistance, SunTex is a leading sun protection fabric for outdoor shading systems. Contact: (800) 221-5497 or www.phifer.com.

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With a classic back and sleek profile, this POLYWOOD Vineyard Adirondack Rocking Chair looks great in any outdoor space. Constructed of genuine POLYWOOD lumber, a proprietary blend of plastics that includes recycled milk jugs and detergent bottles, each chair is durable and not prone to splinter, crack, chip, peel, or rot with a 20-year residential warranty. Made in the USA. Contact: (877) 457-3284 or www.polywood.com.

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American Fyre Designs Iron Saddle Firetable

The new American Fyre Designs Iron Saddle Firetable brings a rugged, industrial design to the outdoor room. Crafted in the USA from glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), the Iron Saddle Firetable is highlighted with heavy gauge steel straps in a weathered brown powder-coated finish. Measuring 17”H x 36” W x 60” L, the table houses a 60,000 BTU linear burner, manual flame-sensing controls, and is available in several GFRC finish options. Contact: (800) 332-3973 or www.americanfyredesigns.com.

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Tempotest Home FiftyFour CollectionVolume II

Parà S.p.a and its U.S. subsidiary, Tempotest USA, have introduced their latest collection of solution-dyed acrylic fabrics. Building upon the success of the Tempotest Home Fifty-Four, they have added Volume II to the collection. The new collection builds upon the up the roll stripes of the first collection and adds three new jacquards in four colorways, along with a new ottoman stripe that is receiving rave reviews. Fully stocked in the U.S. for immediate shipments from Tempotest USA in Carrollton, Texas, these new additions are Teflon treated and come with Tempotest’s best in the industry 6-year warranty. Contact: (972) 512-3534 or www.tempotestusa.com.

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SHADE PRODUCTS & CUSHIONS FOR EVERY LOCATION, BUDGET AND DESIGN 866.667.8668

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product profiles Sunbelievable

High-performance fabrics that perform beautifully together: The Sunbelievable collections are created to coordinate perfectly. Drawing from many sources for inspiration, the designers at Sunbelievable don’t simply follow trends—they establish them. “Pool Party,” from the Vintage Novelties collection, features a uniquely retro design further enhanced with chenille and bouclé accents. Practical for the patio—luxurious in the living room. Contact: (336) 210-2630 or www.sunbelievable.com.

Cook in style with the Silver Rocket Outdoor Kitchen! Built with 304 stainless steel, the outdoor kitchens will last a lifetime. Kitchens can be customdesigned and feature stainless steel drawers, granite tops, rocket towel bars, a serving shelf, sealed doors, and stainless steel or granite sink options.

With options like a corner cabinet with lazy Susan and an island cabinet with bar, these Silver Rocket kitchens are designed with the customer in mind. Contact: (260) 463-4026.

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Silver Rocket Outdoor Kitchens

Fire Magic Electric Grill Island

Belle Vie Collection by OW Lee

The sophisticated style of Belle Vie is reminiscent of 19th-century design that was popular among French aristocracy. With flowing lines in both the profile and back, the Belle Vie collection offers a distinct Art Nouveau flair that lives up to its name, which means “beautiful view” in French. Belle Vie is a full-line collection that includes dining, deep seating and lounge options. In addition, Belle Vie’s cushioned deep seating features the Plush Comfort and Sytex Seating Systems, which create a superior level of comfort. Contact: (800) 776-9533 or www.owlee.com.

Fire Magic Electric Grill Island bundles deliver a complete outdoor kitchen system ideal for patios with limited space or where gas fuel is unavailable. The newest bundle features a Fire Magic Electric Grill, triple stainless steel drawer and LED lights to illuminate the surrounding outdoor space—all housed in a durable glass fiber reinforced concrete island in a neutral Smoke finish. Contact: (800) 332-3973 or www.firemagicgrills.com.

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Summerset

This all-new line of premium refrigeration from Summerset features slender, 15-inch outdoor refrigerators available with a stainless steel door or a glass door. You can even choose a standard cabinet or dual-zone, with the dual-zone allowing you to store things like beer and wine at different temperatures, all in one place. Contact: (800) 966-8126 or www.summersetgrills.com.

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Leeward

Telescope Casual’s Leeward Marine Grade Polymer sling collection is complemented by a new armless side chair. Featuring a simple yet stylish design that highlights the elegant sweep of the back leg and creates a beautiful profile. The chair is constructed of MGP and powder-coated aluminum materials. Size is no object for this product—being armless and compact makes this chair the perfect companion to comfortably maximize seating in any space. Contact: (518) 642-1100 or www.telescopecasual.com.

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Twin Eagles

Tempotest StarScreen

The new Twin Eagles, EAGLE ONE – Super Premium Grill features a striking appearance that speaks to the most discerning designers.

Bold illumination characteristics allow you to manage and track temperature with accuracy and style. The grill also offers exclusive features like extra-large half-inch diameter Chef Grade Hexagonal Grates and a Black Glass Infrared Rotisserie Burner. Contact: (800) 789-2206 or www.twineaglesgrills.com.

Tempotest USA has introduced a new screen fabric, StarScreen, that provides shade and privacy—and absorbs up to 97% of the heat caused by solar radiation—while allowing for the passage of light. The 11 designer colors add to the beauty of any structure and can be used indoors or outdoors. Made from recyclable PET solution-dyed yarns, the fabric is PVC free and fire retardant. It is fade resistant and is treated with Teflon for easy cleaning. Contact: (972) 512-3534 or www.tempotestusa.com.

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Legend G4 Insert

Upgraded for 2020, the G4 insert now offers a number of improvements, including the new V-Class burner, 3 new log sets, and craftsman fronts. The G4 is designed to fit existing large fireplace openings without sacrificing performance. The result is an impressive flame, highlighted by proportional surrounds that complement, not overpower. Contact: (800) 468-2567 or https://valorfireplaces.com/g4.

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Silver Rocket Smoker-Baker

New to the industry, the Silver Rocket Smoker-Baker is a versatile grill attachment with a world of possibilities. Use it for baking, smoking, cooking, and much more. Invite your friends to a BBQ bash or make a business of catering! This new attachment is available for the medium and large Silver Rocket grills. Contact: (260) 463-4026.

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Juno Sling Dining Chair The Juno dining armchair from Windward Design Group offers a two-piece seat and is available in regular, or padded sling. Special attention was paid to the pitch of this group. This is a full collection, including motion pieces, chaise lounge, and high dining, and is perfect for any residential or commercial application. Available Summer 2020. Contact: (941) 359-0890 or www.windwarddesigngroup.com.

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product profiles JCP.301 from Jardinico The JCP.301 from Jardinico boasts an extra sturdy aluminum frame construction required for residential and demanding contract applications. A 360-degree rotation allows for the JCP-301’s shade to follow the sun or terrace activities.

Designed to include a seamless transition from the post to the base, the base also includes locking wheels for ease of portability or stationary use. With sophisticated Belgium design style, this sidepost umbrella also features infinite front to back and left to right tilting capabilities, and is available in four highend finishes, including Alu Teak, Charcoal, Silver Anodized and Matte White.

Contact: (626) 814-0168 or www.jardinicousa.com.

Silver Pearl

Silver Pearl is MLW Stone’s newest fireplace facing. This granite is available in the company’s three standard sizes.

The nature of the material lends itself to durability and resilience. The neutral colorway and unique leathered finish will coordinate with a multitude of design styles and home trends.

Contact: (800) 477-7665 or www.mlwstone.com.

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Kalea Bay

Make a modern statement with the all-new Kalea Bay LED and Non-LED outdoor linear gas fireplace.

Designed with a clean and contemporary style, the Kalea Bay doesn’t require a chimney or venting, making it an ideal product for quick and efficient framing and finishing. Contact: (800) 966-8126 or www.summersetgrills.com.

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Juno Deep Seating Lounge Chair

Regency Alterra Ci1150 Cast Iron Wood Insert

The Juno deep seating lounge chair makes a bold statement with the contrast of aluminum and polymer materials on the arm caps, side, and back panels. The box and welt cushion design offers a clean line and enduring comfort. Choose from Windward Design Group’s numerous combinations of frame finish, poly color, and fabric to truly customize this collection. Available Summer 2020. Contact: (941) 3590890 or www.windwarddesigngroup.com.

Highly efficient with limited emissions and high heating capacity all inside a compact frame, the Alterra non-catalytic cast iron wood insert fuses the heating capacity of cast iron with contemporary styling. This small EPA-certified wood-burning insert features a cast iron exterior to provide ample radiant heat and comes standard with a two-speed blower to help the Ci1150 push warmth and comfort throughout the home. Contact: (800) 442-7432 or www.regency-fire.com.

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Hudson

The Hudson collection by Kingsley Bate is made from a blend of premium teak and all-weather wicker. Seat and back surfaces are designed to look like authentic paper-cord, with two distinct fibers interwoven in a classic pattern. The collection, which includes dining and lounge seating, is stocked in a traditional natural color, or can be special ordered in a soft, woven lace material. Contact: (703) 361-7000 or www.kingsleybate.com.

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Delta Heat Premier Grills

The all-new Delta Heat Premier Grills include significant design, performance, and feature enhancements.

Made in the U.S. with a limited lifetime warranty, Delta Heat Grills are in a class of their own. An extensive built-in accessory offering complements the 38”, 32”, and 26” built-in grill models. Contact: (800) 422-0091 or www.deltaheat.com.

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Country Lane’s Santa Fe Pavilion

Country Lane’s handcrafted Santa Fe Pavilion is a unique, contemporary look that will add drama and sophistication to any backyard. Pavilions add a stylish dynamic to any space while creating a place for shade and entertaining. These show-stopping Santa Fe Pavilions will enhance your home and landscape, resembling a work of fine art.

Contact: (717) 351-9250 or www.gazebo.com.

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Coyote Pellet Grill

The Coyote Pellet Grill has the look, versatility, and superior functionality of a luxury indoor appliance.

Design is in the details, and this high-end grill that performs like an indoor oven includes a state-of-theart digital touch screen, a unique Versa-Rack for multi-tiered cooking surfaces, a double-walled canopy with gasket and a spring assist hood. As a bonus, Coyote’s green, Smart drop pellet system has a frontloading hopper that can be used with any flavored pellet. Contact: (855) 520-1559 or www.coyoteoutdoor.com.

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Elevation

Sleek and inviting, the Elevation collection from Lloyd Flanders transforms any space into a chic respite. Woven light gray rope, a stainless steel frame, and teak arm accents create an airy silhouette with plush deep seating. The collection includes a sofa, loveseat, lounge chair, ottoman, end table, cocktail table, dining armchair, and rectangular dining/umbrella table.

Contact: (800) 526-9894 or www.lloydflanders.com.

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Big Green Egg Modular Nest System

Sunbelievable

Build your outdoor kitchen one step at a time with the new Big Green Egg Modular Nest System. Start with an EGG Frame, then add to your custom EGG display with a watertight cabinet or an expansion frame with your choice of beautiful and functional acacia wood, distressed acacia, or stainless-steel inserts. Contact: (770) 938-9394 or www.biggreenegg.com.

Mixing in patterns from the Sunbelievable Modern Culture collection, these beautifully coordinating neutrals simultaneously speak to simplicity and sophistication. “Design from the fiber up” translates to these proprietary yarn colors and textures, plus a unique construction for exquisitely detailed patterns to suit both indoor and outdoor living spaces. Contact: (336) 210-2630 or www.sunbelievable.com.

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product profiles

Coraleen

Provo

Liven up your home, inside or out! Provo is a collection of textured indoor/outdoor rugs featuring a variety of everyday and trendy patterns with pops of color. Provo was made to withstand any weather, so get ready to decorate your home in any style! These rugs are machine-woven in Turkey with a low ¼” pile height. Contact: (800) 967-4254 or www.kasrugs.com.

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The InsideOut Performance Fabric pattern, Coraleen, is a classic geometric ogee that comes in a range of bright colors that all provide a pop of vibrancy for a dynamic design scheme.

Coraleen’s small scale allows it to be easily layered with other patterns in a pillow assortment or used as a statement-making accent piece. Contact: (828) 874-2181 or www.insideoutperformancefabrics.com.

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Westport Garden Collection

The Westport Garden Collection from Highwood USA offers the experience of a coastal lifestyle within the comfort of your own backyard. With a look befitting harbor towns, lighthouses, and sandy beaches, these pieces are perfect for open-air retreats. If rocking is your style, the Classic Westport Rocking Chair will bring you the calmness you crave as you gently sway. Both have been designed with the same classic Adirondack style but with a higher seat, making it easier to get in and out. Perfect for larger gatherings, the Classic Westport Garden Conversation Set features the Classic Westport Garden Bench, two Classic Westport Garden Chairs, and a Classic Westport Conversation Table. Available in 11 colors, Highwood’s proprietary high-grade poly offers the most realistic look of natural wood without the headaches of maintaining a wood product. Contact: (570) 225-7501 or https://highwood-usa.com.

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Hudson

TRD Series

Amantii’s TRD (Traditional) series represents roots, heritage, and tradition.

Its classic hearth design adapts to both traditional and modern spaces alike. A TRD insert promises to be the focal point of any room.

Contact: (877) 850-9458 or www.amantii.com.

The Hudson collection by Kingsley Bate is made from a blend of premium teak and all-weather wicker. Seat and back surfaces are designed to look like authentic paper-cord, with two distinct fibers interwoven in a classic pattern. The collection, which includes dining and lounge seating, is stocked in a traditional Natural color, or can be special ordered in a soft, woven lace material.

Contact: (703) 361-7000 or www.kingsleybate.com.

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Montigo DelRay Fully Loaded

Montigo’s newest linear fireplace is specifically designed for affordability while featuring beautiful flames inside a sleek and modern firebox. The fireplace includes a black glass liner, fan system, halogen downlighting, and InvisiMesh screen with the convenience of a full function remote. The DelRay was designed with ease of installation in mind with its slim 14 ¼” framing depth all within a stunning clean face design. Converting to propane can be performed in minutes with a simple conversion kit and easy access to the control board and gas valve.

Dealer inquiries welcome. Contact: (800) 378-3115 sales@montigo.com, or www.montigo.com.

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Florence Chair

Featuring an extra wide seat, the Florence chair from Sunset West exemplifies comfort with a deep seat and pillowback cushion. Wrapped by hand with a flat all-weather rope on a curved bucket frame and tapered legs, this plush, comfy design is the perfect addition for beautiful outdoor sanctuaries. Contact: (760) 599-1021 or www.sunsetwestusa.com.

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Geneva Collection

New for 2020: The beautiful Geneva collection from Higold, distributed by Forshaw. This innovative group combines teak and aluminum into a sleek, comfortable, and stylish design. Available in both champagne and black color combinations, this group offers dining and seating groups suited to today’s transitional design trends. Don’t worry about wet cushions: All Geneva seating and dining pieces feature quick drying slings. Contact: (314) 874-4316 or www.exterusoutdoor.com.

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Clare View

An effortlessly elegant choice in outdoor furniture, the Clare View Outdoor Furniture collection marries sturdiness and style in such a delightful way. For that much more weather protection, the sofa’s eucalyptus wood frame with tapered touches and slat styling is treated to a 5-step finishing process.

Sumptuously soft yet remarkably durable, the included cushions and colorful throw pillows are wrapped in a high-performing, low-maintenance fabric you’re sure to love. Contact: (608) 323-3377 or www.ashleyfurniture.com.

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Donovan Outdoor LP Gas Fire Pit

Malibu Barrel Chair

Now your summer will be truly endless with the Donovan Outdoor LP Gas Fire Pit, including patented DualHeat Technology

by Endless Summer. This technology combines a traditional gas firepit with an infrared patio heater below the mantel totaling 41,000 BTU of heating power. The additional patio heater element provides true body warmth. Designed to be used in four ways: fire pit, patio heater, fire pit plus patio heater, or add the insert and use as a table, making it versatile and built for functionality. Now that’s smart outdoor living! Contact: (516) 962-2396 or www.mrbarbqproducts.com.

Inspired by the vintage look of natural rattan, the Malibu Barrel Chair mixes contrasting materials for a modern, minimalist take on an outdoor lounge chair. Distinguished by sleek lines and graceful curves, this chair is crafted with premium wrought aluminum paired with N-dura resin wrapping, creating a dramatic interplay between the oak and burlap finishes. Contact: (888) 868-4267 or www.summerclassics.com.

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Stamskin One allure

Serge Ferrari North America introduces the Stamskin One allure collection of indoor/outdoor upholstery fabrics. Stamskin One allure offers the same unparalleled performance of its sister collection, Stamskin One. But while the ultra-popular Stamskin One upholstery fabric has a smooth, slick finish, Stamskin One allure provides an understated leather-like grain that is well suited to classic designs. Designed for intensive use, the allure pairs a supple, luxurious hand with exceptional performance properties, including abrasion resistance, inherent resistance to pink mold, and flame retardancy. With a silicone topcoat, Stamskin One allure resists stains as well. Contact: (954) 942-3600 or www.sergeferrari.com/us-en.

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industry news continued from page 15

Leadership Changes Announced at Agio, USA Executive vice president Doug Peppler will become the new president of Agio, USA, as part of a long-planned management succession arrangement. He succeeds Bob Gaylord, Agio’s visionary co-founder, who will move into the newly created position of executive committee chairman. In this new role, Gaylord will step into a strategic advisory position.

Peppler, a company partner, has been with Agio for nearly 20 years, rising through Agio’s senior management positions. In his latest position, Peppler managed and oversaw Agio’s key account business. He has also been active in ICFA for many years, including serving on the association’s board of directors. In 2018, Peppler succeeded John Oppenheimer, Agio’s executive vice president and partner for over 20 years before his retirement.

Peppler conceived and launched Agio’s “Reserve Program,” a warehousing option that introduced many single dealers or small chains to direct-shipping by “reserving” certain collections to be mixed and matched into a single container

as i see it

Bob Gaylord

Doug Peppler

for importing. Another career highlight is his leadership to reintroduce traditional furniture retailers or acquaint first-time furniture merchants with selling outdoor furniture.

“Over the years, Agio, USA has brought together some of the best product managers, designers, R&D, and merchandisers in the industry,” Peppler says.

“Working with such a great group of people has made my career here extremely fulfilling and rewarding.”

Gaylord, who is recognized in the outdoor furniture industry as an innovator and visionary, will no

longer be involved in day-to-day company management. However, as executive committee chair, he will continue to provide guidance and cultivate industry relations he’s built up over five decades.

Gaylord lists a number of highlights—Agio’s leadership in outdoor fire elements and the portable gas firepit in particular; the move away from glass-top tables to higher quality tops; investing in actionable trend research and hiring fresh designers; and the overall embrace of “The Outdoor Room” concept. But Gaylord believes the greatest impact was his pioneering role in building longstanding manufacturing relationships in China and his unabashed boosterism of the outdoor category.

“The relationships we established as the company grew have mutually benefitted not only furniture retailers of all stripes—specialty, traditional, dot-com, clubs—but consumers; perhaps most of all from quality goods at accessible price points,” Gaylord says. “I’m really proud of the way we operate. We’re one ownership group, with multiple designers and campuses to pull from. That’s the secret to Agio’s ability to deliver quality goods on time.”

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GeoBella indoor/outdoor designer fabrics for cushions/ pillows/curtains

for growth in the cushion space. Our customers appreciate that we are a one-stop shop for both cushion and sling fabrics because they know they can expect the same high quality from all of our products.

How do the company’s designers approach fabric/product design?

Thornton: Our designers work to create a seasonal introduction of over 400 outdoor fabrics that fulfill specific patterns and color directions that can be found in the design community.

Most of Phifer’s color direction is from our membership and participation in professional color groups that meet annually to forecast color movement for 12 months. In addition to these meetings, our inspiration is also

drawn from attending influential industry design events such as Maison de Objet, SPOGA, and the HD Expo.

Lastly, we carefully listen to the needs of our customers—if the customers are looking for something in particular, they are likely to purchase it.

What Phifer fabrics did well in 2019 and how is the company building on that in 2020?

Benitez: Color is hot. In 2019, Phifer launched its Resort collection that was all about color, and we received a tremendous response both residentially and commercially. To build on that success, we have expanded our Resort color offerings for 2020 and, as predicted, we are seeing significant sales in that line. We’ve introduced a wide selection of fabrics with an array of col-

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Phifertex 2020 stock additions

ors that have already received a terrific reception in the market. We’ve tried color before, but it’s selling really well right now, which is the general trend in the industry indoors and outdoors.

What Phifer fabrics/products do you think will be standouts in 2020? Why? Benitez: In the industry as a whole, we are seeing a surge in both sling and cushion. If I had to name one standout, it would be our Phifertex cane wicker sling fabrics. The weaves mimic the textures of nature—wood, rattan, and wicker—but retain the strength and stability for sling furniture. Within our line of cane wicker, we have countless different weaves and colors—in our stock line alone, we have close to 50 looks that are selling well.

Every year, we evaluate what is selling best and add new colors that create unique looks in the same family. As a leader in design, we have set a precedence that we are always going to be developing innovative fabrics.

Manufacturers often come to us first when they are looking for something unique because we’ve built that reputation in the patio industry. We’ve found that manufacturers are even willing to try fabrics that are out of their comfort zone because they trust our design intuition.

What does the future hold for Phifer?

Benitez: Phifer has been a leading manufacturing company worldwide for 68 years, and today we are stronger than ever. We are always trying to grow within our current product segments, while at the same time looking for opportunities to weave fabrics for new markets, as well. Whether it’s outdoor furniture or any of our other products, our company’s superior technology allows us to create something special. We will continue to diversify, but at the same time concentrate on giving our core markets the innovative, quality products that they have come to expect.

my turn

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categories that make us even more important to our dealer base.”

Treasure Garden takes great pride in its ongoing attention to product innovation and functionality. “While every umbrella can open, close, and possibly tilt and rotate, we take those basic functions to the next level, which sets us apart from our competitors,” Ma says.

“For example, we introduced our revolutionary Glide Tilt umbrella that tilts with an effortless single slide of the housing, which is a completely new way to tilt a simple market umbrella with ease, and we are still able to maintain a value price point.”

As the demand for larger-size umbrellas continues to grow, Treasure Garden has made it easier for its 16’4” Astral-TC umbrella by Shademaker to open with less than 10 crank turns without compromising its commercialgrade strength. “At the request of our customers, we also created a rolling cantilever base that can lock and unlock position with one easy step on its foot pedal,” Ma adds. “This makes large can-

corporate profile

tilevers more mobile without compromising the strength of the base.”

2020 AND BEYOND Treasure Garden is offering its new rechargeable battery-operated 9’ Starlux Collar Tilt market umbrella.

Capitalizing on the success of its 13’ Starlux AKZ Plus Cantilever umbrella, the company introduced this muchrequested, modern market umbrella that provides shade by day and ambiance by night—thanks to the twinkling light strips built into each rib. A rechargeable battery pack allows for free-standing or in-table application, so there is no need to position the umbrella near an electrical outlet. As an added bonus, there is a convenient USB port on the Collar Tilt housing that can charge devices. “Our dealers are over the moon for this umbrella and initial sales have been outstanding,” Chase says.

This year, the company also introduced its revolutionary Glide Tilt market umbrella that operates with an effortless single slide of the housing, tilt-

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welts or no welts, buttons or no buttons, and comfort options in the cushion interiors, the choices within our collections are numerous and this resonates well with high-end consumers.”

Ultimately, Castelle gives consumers the ability to design and create outdoor furniture that meets their individual tastes, desires, and need s.

Luxury consumers, he adds, “Want what they want and this results in larger average transactions.” With foot traffic down in brick and mortar stores, it is critical that retailers maximize each transaction and increase ticket price.

“Castelle allows dealers do accomplish this,” Rehmert says.

Another advantage for retailers working with Castelle is the location of the company’s manufacturing plants in the Americas. A 300,000-square-foot vertically integrated plant in Cartago, Costa Rica (a second plant is located in Juarez, Mexico) has enabled the company to avoid tariffs on products made in China.

“The impact of Chinese tariffs has been a positive one for Castelle,” Rehmert says. “Dealers are playing it safe and working hard to buy product that does not include tariffs.” Certainly this is not

always possible, but Rehmert has seen a shift in the thought process when it comes to determine what product should be placed in the showroom floor.

Another major related impact of tariffs is how retailers view Castelle in its retail price points. “The gap between imported goods and Castelle is shrinking somewhat, which improves our value statement,” Rehmert says. Above and beyond the location of factories is the quality product that comes out of each plant—where truly every piece of furniture is handmade and crafted.

While traditional products continue to be the backbone of Castelle’s product line, the company does recognize the shift, in some locations, toward contemporary and transitional design. The Prism collection is in response to fill this need and it has been received well in certain geographic markets . “We know that traditional products are popular all over the country and while contemporary is important to us, modern design does not play well with all consumers,” Rehmert says.

Castelle is constantly monitoring design trends, as well as sales data, to ensure the company’s product

Treasure Garden’s protective furniture covers

ing the umbrella to just the right position needed as the sun moves during the day. The Glide Tilt and its one-of-akind housing design is another example of how Treasure Garden responds to requests from its retail partners for advanced designs and competitive prices. This value-priced umbrella is available in 7.5 ft. and 9 ft. octagon.

Also in 2020, Treasure Garden is working with specialty retailers to help them merchandise and sell its products.

“Our point of purchase is available on our online portal, TeamTG. It is designed to educate dealers extensively on how to select the right shade product for their customers’ needs. The Design Studio on our website gives consumers access to our extensive fabric and finish lineup so they can customize

and design just the right umbrella for them,” Chase explains, adding that Treasure Garden continues to offer its popular mini-umbrella displ ays for dealer showrooms. “The mini umbrellas take up zero floor space and help showcase all the different types of designer covers available.”

As the patio industry naturally grows and diversifies, Treasure Garden has big plans for the future. “We never rest on our laurels and will continue to look for ways to capitalize on our strengths,” Ma says. “Our dealers look to us to help them find ways to stay pro fitable. Whether that means offering faster shipping, more accessories or bringing in new trends and technology, Treasure Garden promises that its brands will always deliver.”

Biltmore by Castelle Antler Hill cushion dining

portfolio is aligned with demand.

Successful collaborations with noted designer Barclay Butera and Biltmore help to elevat e Castelle’s profile in the industry. Rehmert certainly sees value in these relationships.

“Brand awareness is hard to achieve in our channel and our current agreements do help bring our products in front of more consumers.” Last year, the Savannah collection by Barclay Butera was featured in the outdoor spaces of the second-annual House Beautiful Whole Home Concept House in Nashville, Tennessee. The collection adorned a covered patio and an open outdoor dining area as part of the 6,000-square-foot English Arts and Crafts style home.

At the end of the day, however, the key to success is quality of product. “We know that compelling products are what consumers are after and that is what we strive to bring to market year after year,” Rehmert says.

In May 2019, Brown Jordan Incorporated acquired Castelle; both companies are headquartered in St. Augustine, Florida. The acquisition of Castelle by Brown Jordan has been a real blessing, he notes. “It has allowed us to correct some missteps that were made over the past couple of years and get back on track.” He adds, “The key difference is that we are now owned by a company that understands the casual channel and which has the resources to help us to grow.”

PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM 73

advertiser index Advertiser

Phone

Website

Page

profiles directory

AEI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(949) 474-3070 . . . . . .www.aeicorporation.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Company

Agio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(888) 997-7623 . . . . . .www.agio-usa.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

AEI ..........................................................................................................56

Page

Amantii ....................................................................................................70 Barlow Tyrie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(856) 273-7878 . . . . . .www.teak.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

American Fyre (RH Peterson) ......................................................................65 Apricity (Agio)......................................................................................58, 60

Big Green Egg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(770) 938-9394 . . . . . .www.biggreenegg.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 C.R. Plastic Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 490-1283 . . . . . .www.crpproducts.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Ashley Furniture ........................................................................................71 Big Green Egg ....................................................................................63, 69 Broilmaster (Empire Comfort Systems) ........................................................64

Country Lane Gazebos . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(717) 351-9250 . . . . . .www.gazebo.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Capt’n Cook (Lovinflame)............................................................................64 Country Lane Gazebos ........................................................................56, 69

Coyote Outdoor Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(855) 520-1559 . . . . . .www.coyoteoutdoor.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Dansons, USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(877) 303-3134 . . . . . .www.dansons.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Couristan ..................................................................................................60 Coyote Outdoor Living..............................................................................69 C.R. Plastic Products ............................................................................56, 58

Dimplex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 668-6663 . . . . . .www.dimplex.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Delta Heat (Twin Eagles) ............................................................................69 Dimplex ..............................................................................................54, 62

Empire Comfort Systems . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 851-3153 . . . . . .www.empirecomfort.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions . . . . . .(866) 667-8668 . . . . . .www.fiberbuiltumbrellas.com . . . . . . . . . .65

FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions............................................................60, 62 Fire Magic (RH Peterson) ............................................................................66 Forshaw ....................................................................................................71

The Hammock Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 334-1078 . . . . . .www.thehammocksource.com . . . . . . . . .43 ICC-RSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(450) 565-6336 . . . . . .www.rsf-fireplaces.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .12, 13 ICFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(336) 881-1016 . . . . . . .www.icfanet.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

The Hammock Source ..........................................................................56, 60 Hestan ......................................................................................................58 Highwood USA..........................................................................................70 ICC-RSF ..............................................................................................58, 62 Infinity Canopy ..........................................................................................58

IMC/ Las Vegas Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(702) 599-3046 . . . . . .www.lasvegasmarket.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Informa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(866) 490-3097 . . . . . .www.poolspapatio.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Lovinflame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 474-5587 . . . . . .www.lovinflame.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Infrared Dynamics (AEI) ..............................................................................63 InsideOut Performance Fabrics (Valdese Weavers) ........................................70 Jardinico (Treasure Garden) ........................................................................68 KAS Rugs ..................................................................................................70 Kingsley Bate ............................................................................................70

Memphis Wood Fire Grills . . . . . . . . . . .(888) 883-2260 . . . . . .www.memphisgrills.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Merchandise Mart Properties . . . . . . . . .(800) 677-6278. . . . . .www.casualmarket.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Louisiana Grills (Dansons)......................................................................56, 60 Lovinflame ................................................................................................63 Lloyd Flanders ..........................................................................................69

MLW Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 477-7665 . . . . . .www.mlwstone.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Memphis Wood Fire Grills ....................................................................54, 64 MLW Stone..........................................................................................64, 68

NorthCape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(708) 563-2890 . . . . . .www.northcape.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Ortal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(844) ORTAL-FIRE . . . . .www.ortalheat.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Montigo....................................................................................................70 Mr. BAR-B-Q Products ................................................................................71 NorthCape ..........................................................................................62, 64

OW Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 776-9533 . . . . . .www.owlee.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Ortal ..................................................................................................54, 62 OW Lee ..............................................................................................64, 66

Phifer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 221-5497 . . . . . .www.phifer.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 POLYWOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(877) 457-3284 . . . . . .www.polywoodoutdoor.com . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Phifer ..................................................................................................54, 65 POLYWOOD........................................................................................54, 65 Regency Fire..............................................................................................68

RH Peterson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 332-3973 . . . . . .www.rhpeterson.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

RTA Outdoor Living (Coyote Outdoor Living) ................................................62 Serge Ferrari ..............................................................................................71

Summerset Professional Grills . . . . . . . .(800) 966-8126 . . . . .www.summersetgrills.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Sunbelievable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(336) 210-2630 . . . . . .www.sunbelievable.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Summer Classics ........................................................................................71 Summerset Professional Grills................................................................66, 68 Sunbelievable......................................................................................66, 69

Sunrise Metal Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(260) 463-4026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Sunrise Metal Shop ..............................................................................66, 67 Sunset West ..............................................................................................71

Telescope Casual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(518) 642-1100 . . . . . . .www.telescopecasual.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Tempotest USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(972) 512-3534 . . . . . .www.tempotestusa.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Telescope Casual..................................................................................66, 68 Tempotest ..........................................................................................65, 67 Teak (Barlow Tyrie)......................................................................................58

Treasure Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(626) 814-0168 . . . . . .www.treasuregarden.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Titan (Barlow Tyrie) ....................................................................................56 Treasure Garden ........................................................................................54

Twin Eagles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 789-2206 . . . . . .www.twineaglesgrills.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Valor Fireplaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 468-2567 . . . . . .www.valorfireplaces.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Twin Eagles ..............................................................................................67 Valor Fireplaces....................................................................................65, 67 White Mountain (Empire Comfort Systems) ..................................................60

Windward Design Group . . . . . . . . . . . .(941) 359-0890 . . . . . .www.windwarddesigngroup.com . . . . . . .25

Windward Design Group ......................................................................67, 68

PATIO & HEARTH PRODUCTS REPORT (ISSN 1939-6929) IS PUBLISHED BIMONTHLY BY PENINSULA MEDIA, 21250 HAWTHORNE BLVD., SUITE 700, TORRANCE, CA 90503. US POSTAGE PAID AT LEBANON JUNCTION, KY 40150. MAY/JUNE 2020, VOL. 15, NO. 3 © 2020 PENINSULA MEDIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO PENINSULA MEDIA, 21250 HAWTHORNE BLVD., SUITE 700, TORRANCE, CA 90503-5514, PATIOANDHEARTH@OMEDA.COM, PHONE (847) 763-9261. WHILE THE PUBLISHERS HAVE MADE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THE MATERIALS PRESENTED IN PATIO & HEARTH PRODUCTS REPORT, THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CORRECTNESS OF THE INFORMATION AND/OR OPINIONS EXPRESSED.

74 PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

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