M&G DuraVent has announced the retirement of John Jacklich, who has been with the company for 56 years in many respected positions (including president). “M&G DuraVent has deep appreciation of John’s efforts and achievements,” a company statement reads. “He and his contributions will be missed.”

Jacklich joined DuraVent in the research/development department and developed its chimney line. In 1958, DuraVent expanded its product lines, adding 14- through 30-inch round commercial vent products; introducing 4- and 5-inch oval gas vents; and developing a triple-wall, factory-built chimney product line for oil-fired boilers, furnaces, metal rain gutters, and downspouts.

In 1962, Jacklich became a salesperson for DuraVent’s Northwest territory. DuraVent expanded its sales to all 50 states and added freestanding and zero-clearance fireplaces. By 1966, Alex Boutacoff had become president of DuraVent. With the desire no longer to be a subsidiary of another company, he and the employees of DuraVent purchased the company in April 1966. DuraVent was now on its own in the marketplace.

From 1962 to 1967, Jacklich moved to sales in Seattle, Washington; Kentucky; New Jersey; and then back to California. After returning to California, Jacklich and his partners left DuraVent in 1968 and formed Royal Manufacturing. In 1969, George Bissell merged Royal into DuraVent. At this time, Jacklich became president of DuraVent.

During the 1970s, DuraVent focused its efforts on the wood-burning industry. Several new product lines were developed, including single-wall (black pipe) and double-wall (DVL) products, as well as the first metal relining system for masonry chimneys (Renew-a-Flue). When the energy crisis hit in the 1970s and wood stoves became popular, DuraVent enjoyed tremendous growth in sales and opened another factory location in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Unfortunately, the wood-stove fad ended with the energy crisis, leaving DuraVent with bulging inventories of raw materials and finished goods, several warehouses, and declining sales. In 1981, DuraVent filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. At this time, Bissell left DuraVent.

In April 1982, Jacklich contacted Simpson Manufacturing Company, which purchased DuraVent out of bankruptcy and began an intensive and complete rebuilding program to turn the company around (and back into an industry leader). In 1984, the old Redwood City facility was moved into a modern, newly constructed plant in Vacaville, California. Key management positions in sales and marketing, finance, and plant management were filled with professionals as the transformation of DuraVent was underway, and Jacklich took over research/development.

Production lines were automated, and new tooling and machinery were brought online to improve quality and dependability. Between 1985 and 1990, Jacklich completed the upgrade and redesign needed for the company to achieve a leadership position in the industry. New product lines were introduced, with patented features that captured the attention of the industry. New production lines included DuraPlus chimney, DuraLiner for relining masonry chimneys, PelletVent for the new pellet stoves, and DuraConnect for quick installation for venting gas appliances.

In 1993, DuraVent introduced Direct Vent for the gas-stove/fireplace market at a time when there was little or no competition; this is a position that the company is attempting to maintain. Through OEM relationships with certain stove manufacturers and through the gas-vent distribution network, Direct Vent has skyrocketed to a position as the number-two product line for DuraVent. It has also been one of the most challenging, due to the increased need for new items as gas stoves and fireplaces gradually take market share from the wood-burning industry.

During the past few years, Jacklich has worked on new products and on helping to redesign old ones. Jacklich has had a successful life at DuraVent and extends many thanks to the people with whom he has worked. He is now relaxing and enjoying his well-deserved retirement.