Mark Hawkins, president and owner of hearth-products distributor Sand Hill Wholesale & Mfg. Inc. (Columbus, Ohio), has just completed the purchase of the 26,000–square-foot facility where the company is currently operating. The decision to purchase was made after considering the benefits of ownership versus leasing. This purchase allows Sand Hill Wholesale greater flexibility to respond to growth needs, in addition to the freedom to change the facility as needed for improved operations. Hawkins feels that this move positions Sand Hill Wholesale for greater stability in today’s competitive marketplace.