SANDSTON, VA – Jensen Outdoor, a North American sustainable luxury wood furniture manufacturer, has appointed Bryan Echols as president, effective immediately. Echols assumes the role as part of a planned leadership transition, succeeding Eric Parsons, who will continue with the company as chairman and strategic advisor.

Echols brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the outdoor furnishings industry and joined Jensen Outdoor in 2025. Since his arrival, he has worked closely with the leadership team to support growth across retail, design trade, and hospitality channels while reinforcing Jensen Outdoor’s long-standing commitment to sustainable craftsmanship and enduring partnerships.

“Bryan…

HIGH POINT, N.C. - California-based contemporary home furnishings brand Armen Living has purchased North Carolina outdoor manufacturer Uwharrie Chair Company. (pronounced you-WAH-ree) which is named after the Uwharrie National Forest and River near High Point, N.C.

“We are excited to share the news of our purchase of the Uwharrie Chair Company, and to grow the Armen Living family by joining forces with their team,” said Kevin Kevonian, owner, president, and CEO. “This change in ownership will unlock limitless possibilities in design and add significant fuel to the future growth of their company. Providing new resources to their business, and…

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — AMD Direct, the parent company behind outdoor-living brands including Summerset Grills, TrueFlame and SunFire, have entered a strategic partnership with celebrated pitmaster Johan “Big Swede BBQ” Magnusson.

Magnusson will serve as Corporate Chef & Culinary Ambassador, collaborating on recipe development, live and virtual cooking demonstrations, brand content creation, and consumer events across the company’s complete product portfolio.

Magnusson has built a devoted following among outdoor cooking enthusiasts worldwide through his Big Swede BBQ cooking classes, award-winning rubs and acclaimed cookbook, Badass Backyard Cooking. His expertise in fire-cooking techniques and engaging teaching style…

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — AMD Direct, a leader in premium outdoor living products, has partnered with expert craftsman, designer, and TV personality Chip Wade to elevate The Perch at Pinhoti Peak, Georgia’s most anticipated modern mountain retreat.

The collaboration sees select offerings from AMD brands Summerset and Firegear featured in three uniquely designed luxury treehouses, each blending stunning views, craftsmanship and comfort in the North Georgia mountains.

The Perch, crafted by the creative vision of the Wade Works Creative team, spotlights The Tom, The Jenny and The Jake treehouses. Each a masterpiece of architectural ingenuity and…

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — AMD Direct, a manufacturer of premium outdoor kitchen and outdoor living products, has established partnership with Micah Dennis, the designer, educator and creative force behind the popular YouTube channel The Backyard Design Guy. Through this collaboration, Dennis will showcase TrueFlame, one of AMD Direct’s signature brands, by integrating its high-performance appliances and accessories into real-world backyard transformations.

As part of the partnership, Dennis will feature TrueFlame products in a range of content throughout 2026, including custom outdoor kitchen builds, product spotlights and design walkthroughs. Known for his approachable and educational style, Dennis brings clarity and creativity…

NEW YORK — Ultraleather, the residential brand by Ultrafabrics — showcased its latest indoor and outdoor residential collections designed to meet the needs of modern living spaces at Interwoven Textile Fair by ITA.

“Ultraleather was thrilled to highlight its versatility across indoor and outdoor spaces at Interwoven,” says Sergio Prosperino, senior vice president of Sales, Marketing and Brand at Ultraleather. “Our latest collections prove that professionals serving the residential design space never have to compromise comfort, durability, or design, whether you’re inside or enjoying the outdoors.”

Ultraleather booth highlights included a preview of forthcoming colorways for Summit — giving…

KENTUCKY — Just because the temperatures drop doesn’t mean the grilling stops. “Outdoor living isn’t just for the summer anymore,” says Garry Scott, vice president of Marketing at Napoleon. “With the right heating, homeowners can extend their patio season into the crisp days and cool nights of fall – including those evenings spent grilling or entertaining outdoors.”

Homeowners can keep their outdoor spaces warm and inviting this fall with the Phantom® Freestand Electric Heater. The Napoleon product is a sleek, portable option designed for cozy comfort. Powered by a standard 120V outlet, its 1500W infrared output provides consistent, directional heat…

NEW ORLEANS - The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) has announced that HPBExpo26 will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, from March 18–21, 2026. HPBExpo is the premier North American event for the hearth, barbecue, and outdoor living industry, bringing together retailers, manufacturers, distributors, builders, and service professionals to explore new products, evaluate market trends, and prepare for the 2026 sales year.

This is a trade-only event and is not open to the general public. “By seeing what’s new, meeting the right partners, and earning fresh knowledge and credentials, HPBExpo attendees invest in the growth of their businesses,…