Homecrest Outdoor Living recently hired Michael Mettendorf as vice president of global sales. Mettendorf has more than 25 years’ experience in consumer- product sales, with 10 years spent in the casual-furniture industry. From 2005 though 2012, he was the general manager/vice president of sales and marketing for New River Casual Furniture, starting and building its North American operations. In addition, Mettendorf has been in senior sales/marketing leadership roles with Terra Flame Home, Surya, Fox River Mills, Daka Designs, and Sara Lee Corp.

Mettendorf brings the company a strong appreciation for the Homecrest brand (made in the United States), in…

The Ambiance CLX award-winning electric fireplace from Modern Flames was featured on the elaborate NBC set for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. As an architect of the original linear electric fireplace, Modern Flames is a pioneer and innovator in the field of contemporary electric fireplaces.

A well-known set-design company, based in New York, New York, chose the Modern Flames Ambiance model AL100CLX, a 100-inch electric fireplace, for the NBC set of Bob Costas. The face of the fireplace— originally a smooth, shiny black—was customized to deter the reflection cast by camera lighting.

The vibrant-orange naturalistic flame,…

Alfresco Home, manufacturer of distinctive casual furniture and garden accents (and the exclusive North American distributor of the Fornetto™ wood-fired dual-purpose oven and smoker), has named Rick Baker as gourmet brand manager. An industry veteran, Baker has vast knowledge and expertise in the world of outdoor living, and these are integral to establishing Alfresco Home and its Outdoor Gourmet division.

Joseph Cilio, CEO of Alfresco Home, says, “Since the launch of our Outdoor Gourmet category with the Fornetto product line, I’ve realized that as the brand develops at retail, we would need a brand leader. Rick and I have…

Members of the digital marketing team of California-based Infratech have retooled the company’s website (infratech- usa.com), giving users an opportunity to explore expanded information about the company’s many products. As the maker of stylish heating systems, the company now has a website that matches the beauty of its products. An extensive photo gallery features gorgeous installations on architectural homes and commercial properties.

John A. Mazzotta, president of Infratech, says, “Infratech has been a pioneer and leader in infrared technology for more than 50 years. We offer a wide range of products for comfort heat, automotive curing, and industrial/commercial heat…

For Napoleon Products, an immediate expansion of facilities and personnel in Europe is underway to accommodate record growth and surging demand for its products. Wolf Steel Group’s European operations will be moving into a larger, 85,000–square-foot distribution center in Geldermalsen, Netherlands; at the same time, the company will be moving its Austrian division to a larger facility at Weistrach. In order to enhance and streamline delivery to its customers, Wolf Steel Austria and Wolf Steel Holland will be combined into Wolf Steel Europe BV.

Wolfgang Schroeter, CEO of Wolf Steel Group, says, “We are very pleased by the success…

Operation BBQ Relief will expand its relief efforts, thanks to a customdesigned truck donated by Heat & Glo®Fireplaces. The truck, which includes a 14-foot box fully equipped with thermostatically controlled ovens and refrigerators, will allow Operation BBQ Relief to serve more individuals better, in more locations, after disaster strikes.

Operation BBQ Relief is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that was founded in May 2011, when competition barbecue teams from eight states banded together to feed tornado stricken residents of Joplin, Missouri. Since that time, Operation BBQ Relief has expanded to offer meals, hope, and friendship to communities across the United…

TUSCALOOSA, AL - Phifer Inc will soon return as an exhibitor to International Textile Market Association (ITMA) Showtime, scheduled for June 1-4, 2014.

New stock line additions of the Alabama-based company’s distinctive line of designer outdoor fabrics—GeoBella eco-friendly, plush cushion fabrics and Phifertex, sleek sling fabrics—will be on display in SMS (Suites at Market Square) 1-534.

Phifer Inc will also present its sprawling collection of high-performance indoor/outdoor cushion and classic sling fabrics, including new additions to the DesignedFabrics stock line. Crafted with more enthusiasm for color, this year’s stock line offers both traditional and contemporary options suitable for…

MILAN, IT - Parà has appointed Jeff Jimison (pictured) as national sales Manager for Tempotest USA to lead sales for the company’s line of performance fabrics for awning, casual furniture and marine applications.

Jeff has an extensive background in outdoor performance fabric, having been involved in these markets for 15 years. Jeff’s previous position was vice president of Business Development for Sattler Corp, where he was instrumental in the development and growth of the Outdura brand. 

“I am excited and honored to be chosen to lead Parà’s sales team in North America and to be associated with such…