Dan Maddox, a veteran of the hearth industry, passed away on September 30, 2014, in Centerville, Ohio, after an extended illness. He was 87. He founded The Maddox Company in Columbus and Products Marketing Group in Dayton.

In 1989, Maddox founded a manufacturing business designing and producing outdoor firepits and controls for gas log fireplaces. This company became Hearth Products Controls (HPC) in 2001. Maddox also served on the board of directors and as president for the MidStates Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (MSHPBA). In 2011, he was named board member emeritus of MSHPBA for his many contributions to the industry.

Maddox retired in 2010, at the age of 82, after selling HPC, to relax and enjoy life. Maddox’s vision of fire and water in an outdoor firepit materialized and won awards as best outdoor hearth product and best in show during the 2013 HPBExpo. He is survived by his wife, Connie; his daughters, Karen Huffman and Kim Dietz; and his stepdaughters, Cindy Sheley and Susan Sheley, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.