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Newly Created Acadia Hearth Builds Momentum

Newly Created Acadia Hearth Builds Momentum

Acadia Hearth LLC is a new venture, begun with considerable support from the venerable United States Stove Company (USSC), a 140–year-old business with firm roots in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Kent Roeder, vice president and general manager, sales and marketing, Acadia Hearth and Breckwell, acknowledges that competition is heavy, but he sees plenty of opportunity. Patio & Hearth Products Report (P&HPR) sat down with Roeder to talk about the genesis of Acadia Hearth, new products on the horizon, and how USSC is helping the company gain a foothold in the market.

P&HPR:How does Acadia Hearth fit into the specialty hearth market?
Roeder:There is an open niche in the specialty hearth market. There are great companies out there, all selling in their own special ways. There is enough business out there to dive in and carve out our own niche, based on the resources that Acadia has available. We’re a company that has something to offer to the consumer in a manner that the current offering can’t provide. We’re very confident of that.

P&HPR:How is the backing of USSC helping to make the process go more smoothly?
Roeder: The acquisition of Breckwell from USSC allowed for a wide arrangement of support from USSC; however, Acadia Hearth was actually formed by a group of investors based in Wyoming. Acadia Holdings has provided the working capital and up-front investment for what is already proving to be a successful initiative.

As far as backing from USSC goes, Richard Rogers and August S.L. Jones from USSC are among a number of investors who have helped form Acadia Hearth. As strategic shareholders, they bring the company obvious resources, including warehousing and OEM opportunities. The investment group was looking for someone with experience to guide this specialty hearth company, and I have been given the opportunity to lead Acadia Hearth as the general manager and vice president of sales and marketing.

P&HPR: What are some of the product introductions planned?
Roeder: In the direct-vent gas market, Acadia Hearth will initially be introducing two different-sized inserts, one fireplace, two linear fireplaces, a freestanding gas stove, and a vent-free gas stove. Through our Breckwell line, we will be introducing our newly patented nonelectric, gravity- fed pellet stove—along with revamping the entire Breckwell product offering to bring a more complete lineup to our dealers and distributors.

We will also offer a lineup of gas patio heaters, firepits, and patio furniture that will be stocked, sold, and shipped as needed, to alleviate the need for large early buys that force dealers to stock large amounts. We are truly offering a wide range of highquality products sold through distribution to dealers at phenomenal prices. We want our customers to achieve great margins.

P&HPR:What dealer-support programs are available or planned?
Roeder: Acadia Hearth plans to sell through distribution all over North America. We are in discussion with key partners, but do have some openings in specific areas. Please call me at (833) Acadia1/(833) 222-3421 or email me at kroeder@acadia hearth.com. We will also have all of the normal dealer programs (with aggressive burn programs) and are open to ideas from customers to cement our partnership for years to come.

P&HPR:What type of presence will Acadia Hearth have at HPBExpo?
Roeder: Acadia Hearth has secured indoor booth 2256. We look forward to showing off our new product line and discussing opportunities with all of our customers.

P&HPR:How is your experience in the industry helping the new company?
Roeder: I have been involved in all phases of the specialty hearth gas segment over the past 18 years. Design, marketing, sales, and management experience have put me in a great spot to help guide this venture. The opportunity to include a renowned brand of solid-fuel heating such as Breckwell gives me a further advantage in taking this venture to the next level.