Hearthlist Digest #77 - Sunday, December 14, 1997 20 Years before the fire by Craig Issod <[email protected]>
(back) Subject: 20 Years before the fire From: Craig Issod <[email protected]> Date: Sun, 14 Dec 1997 15:27:00 -0400 Great article by Dan Melcon in this months H&H magazine.....20 years before the fire tells the story of some of our industry pioneers who are still trucking along today. As one who is entering my 20th year, the story strikes a lot of chords. Let's face it, thousands of us were in this thing together. We labored hard and righteously, often for 7 days a week.... Dan Melcom told me stories of sleeping in his truck inthe Lopi parking lot while the shifts continued inside. I'm sure Kurt R was holed up somewhere inside the plant at the time... Since it's the right season, we should all give thanks to the sets of circumstances that allowed many (hopefully most) of us to prosper and create a livelihood in this fine industry. More than that...we actually created an industry which is helping people with their heating, energy and home comfort needs. As is usual with such innovation, the stars of the show were "little guys", small teams or individuals who were (and are still) willing to lay it all on the line for their dreams. Sure, the "biggies" like Textron (they made a cast-iron fireplace insert) and Sunbeam tried to enter the market...but they failed miserably. Such is also my prediction for the future. The companies that can project a personality stating "we care", that listen to the dealers and customers, and that offer outstanding customer service will ensure an expanding position in the marketplace. Oh! While you are reading H&H, be sure to check out Tim Nissens article about "How you know the season is really here".... I should tell you all about the fireplace that I'll be moving 18 inches to the right this monday morning...seems I centered it in the wall...but the customer thought I should have known he wanted it off-center! And the gas fireplace insert ($3000.00) that the customer told me to remove if I cannot get it working before their Sat Night Party (it is now working)... And the raised hearth that the customer decided they now want at floor level- making the custom-ordered mantel too short... Yes, Tim, you are correct, the season is here.... ------------------------------------------------------ Craig Issod HearthNet at http://www.hearth.com [email protected] Everything your Hearth Desires ------------------------------------------------------ Buddha says "avoid error" ------------------------------------------------------