Outdoor GreatRoom Company™ founder and hearth-industry veteran Dan Shimek passed away on October 11, 2013, in his Apple Valley,Minnesota, home at the age of 65.His enthusiasm for life and dedication to friends and family will be missed by all. In 1975,Dan and Ron Shimek had an inspiration for indoor wood and gas fireplaces that changed an industry and became the foundation ofHeat&Glo® Fireplaces. Starting out small (in a garage) and building the company, from the ground up, into a $600 million business, Dan and Ron Shimek became successful entrepreneurs and visionaries in the hearth industry.

Brothers Steve andGerry Shimek joined them soon after, and in 1996, the Shimek brothers merged their company with Heatilator® to formHearth&Home Technologies™(HHT), the largest manufacturer of hearth products in North America, withDan Shimek as president of the company. Together, Dan and Ron Shimek heldmore than 30 patents.

In 2002, Shimek retired from HHT, but not long after, he started Fire StoneHome Products. Fire Stone originally started out as a business focused on grills and evolved into an outdoor-living company. The company changed its name in 2008, becoming TheOutdoorGreatRoom Company and focusing on providing high-end gas firepits, outdoor fireplaces, grills, pergolas, furniture, and more. In 2012, the company began a division for indoor electric fireplaces (to provide products for every season of the year) called GreatCo.

Shimek recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of The Outdoor GreatRoom Company. After 10 years of hard work and countless challenges, 2013 had been a year of growth and success. Shimek could be proud of his legacy. There is no doubt that Shimek’s extraordinary vision and passion for the hearth industry will be a model for future entrepreneurs. His advances and creativity in the hearth industry will not be forgotten. The Outdoor Great Room Company will continue Shimek’s vision of providing innovative, high-quality products while treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Shimek was preceded in death by his parents,George and Laura Shimek, and by his brother, Ron Shimek. Survivors include his wife, Kay; his children, Jessica Shimek, Danielle Dhaliwal, Kent Shimek, and Richelle Shimek; and his siblings, SueDeFore, Rosemary Moore, Carol Lenhart, Steve Shimek, and Gerald Shimek. Donations can be made in Shimek’s name at www.justgive.org/danshimek