Patio Renaissance Adds New VP of US Operations
On October 23, 2013, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA - Patio Renaissance has added Mark Gorr to its team. As vice president of U.S. Operations, Gorr will oversee the production and distribution of domestic operations in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif, and Charlotte, NC.
Gorr has extensive knowledge and experience in the casual furniture industry, with previous tenures at Z Line Designs and Tropitone Furniture.
Gorr joins a company founded in 1992. And for more than a decade, Patio Renaissance has dedicated its production of fine furniture to be the “Renaissance of the American family.”
Products include weather wicker furniture, cast aluminum furniture, tubular aluminum…
NorthCape Unveils Redesigned Web Site for Better User Experience
On October 22, 2013, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
ALSIP, IL – With the aim of providing an improved user experience and better resources for dealers, outdoor furniture and accessories manufacturer NorthCape International has redesigned its corporate Web site.
“We’ve invested in developing a corporate website that is not just pretty to look at, but is also easy to use and provides easy access to the resources that our dealers ask for most frequently,” said Tom Murray, president of NorthCape.
The new Web site, found at www.northcapeoutdoors.com, includes the following site enhancements:
• Optimized layouts for desktop computers, tablets and mobile devices:…
Innovative Hearth Products Launches Envy™ Direct-Vent Gas Fireplace
On October 21, 2013, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
NASHVILLE, TN - The Envy™ direct-vent gas fireplace from Innovative Hearth Products (IHP), manufacturer of FMI Products and Lennox Hearth Products, is off to a strong start in the retail marketplace.
Released last month, the Envy incorporates:
• new and enhanced fireplace technologies;
• improved design aesthetics including a new log set style;
• flame and glow presentation; increased energy efficiency;
• reduced emissions;
• enhanced safety features; and
• a fully developed line of accessories.
The new Envy fireplace, part of a family of six units,…
Summer Classics President Receives Allan J. McDonald International Entrepreneur Award
On October 18, 2013, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
Toronto, ON - Summer Classics President and CEO, William Bew White, III recently received the Allan J. McDonald International Entrepreneur Award for 2013. The award was presented to White by the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF) at a ceremony on October 5th in Toronto, Ontario.
Created by the SIBF Class of 1987, this award serves to commemorate Allan J. McDonald, who both supported the organization and made major accomplishments in the field of international entrepreneurship.
When asked to comment on receiving the Allan J. McDonald International Entrepreneur Award, White stated: “I am truly honored by this award, particularly…
Celebrating Dan Shimek: A Hearth Industry Legend Passes
On October 16, 2013, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
MINNEAPOLIS - Outdoor GreatRoom Company™ founder, and hearth industry veteran, Daniel C. Shimek, passed away October 11, 2013, in his Apple Valley, Minn, home at the age of 65.
In 1975, Dan and Ron Shimek (Dan’s brother) had an inspiration for indoor wood and gas fireplaces that changed an industry and became the foundation of Heat & Glo® Fireplaces. Starting out small in a garage and building from the ground up to a $600 million dollar business, Dan and Ron became successful entrepreneurs and visionaries in the hearth industry.
Brothers Steve and Gerry joined them soon after, and…
The Big Green Egg Company Optimizes Several Key Positions
On October 15, 2013, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
ATLANTA - Promotions and expanded staff positions at the Big Green Egg Company are positioning the Atlanta-based mainstay for continued growth of the Big Green Egg brand in 2014 and beyond.
The Sales Department has been restructured, resulting in two new positions. Each position will be responsible for key areas of the distribution network in terms of growth and support.
• Lou West, formerly sales manager, will assume a new role as distributor services manager;
• Jerry Stone, formerly assistant sales manager will take on a new role as business development manager.
Jodi Burson (pictured),…
OW Lee to Exhibit for First Time at High Point
On October 11, 2013, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
ONTARIO, CA – OW Lee, a manufacturer of high-end outdoor furniture, fire pits, and accessories located in Ontario, Calif, will be exhibiting at High Point for the first time this October. The High Point show takes place later this month (Oct 19-24) in High Point, North Carolina. OW Lee will be in the popular Showplace building, at space #1630.
OW Lee will show pieces from its most popular collections, including Casual Fireside© Fire Pits and its popular Monterra deep seating (pictured), as well as new product for 2014.
“We are very excited to participate in the…
Solair’s Retail Awning Display Available for Specialty Stores
On October 07, 2013, In Industry News by Staff
Solair® Shade Solutions introduces an exciting new display option for dealers who want to transform their in-store awning-sales experience for customers. Showcasing the retractable awnings in a new light, the retail awning display, RAD, was developed to help retailers look more like they are in the awning-sales business.
Rett Haigler, business manager of Solair, explains, “While traditionally, awnings have been installed on store walls, there has been a concern that the products can get lost in the decor of the store. This can make it difficult for consumers to identify the awning as a product that is actually for…
