Speaker Bios

Eric J. Adair, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association

Eric Adair, Senior Manager of Codes and Standards for HPBA, has been in the hearth industry for over 25 years. He has developed products through research and testing, performed liability analysis on product failures, and served on multiple committees related to product safety, performance, and service certifications. In his role, Eric works to ensure the safe manufacture, installation, and use of hearth-related products. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA. He is a Professional Engineer in California and a designer of record on multiple patents for hearth-related products.  

Rebecca (Becke) Arline, Hearth & Home Technologies

Rebecca Arline is the Stove Innovation Lab Director at Hearth & Home Technologies (HHT) and has been with the company for three years, focusing on new product development. Before joining HHT, she spent 16 years in the electronics industry, holding roles in supply chain, demand management, and new product development.

Amanda Cohen, BAC Fireside Group and Amanda’s Fireplace LLC

Amanda Cohen is the Principal and CEO of BAC Fireside Group and Amanda’s Fireplace LLC. BAC Fireside Group, a hearth distribution business started by her parents over 50 years ago, was purchased by Amanda in 2008. She has worked in all aspects of the business, including outside and inside sales, warranty, accounts payable, and billing. Amanda also owns a retail store, Amanda’s Fireplace, in Hudson, NY, where she sells top industry brands and stays connected with changing consumer needs.

Roy Dilliplane, Hearth & Home Technologies

Roy Dilliplane is a Tech Specialist at Hearth & Home Technologies (HHT) with over 15 years of experience in the hearth industry. Beginning his career in 2008 with a hands-on background from high school and welding school, Roy has worked across teams in quality, engineering, technical service, and learning and development. 

Russ Dimmitt, Lindemann Chimney Supply

Russ Dimmitt is the Director of Product Development for Lindemann Chimney Supply and has been involved in the chimney and hearth industry for over 35 years. Prior to his current role, he served as the Director of Education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Over the first 30 years of his career, Russ held various positions with a large distributor and manufacturer of chimney and hearth products. He is actively involved in numerous industry boards, including the National Chimney Sweep Guild, National Fireplace Institute, National Chimney Hearth & Patio Builders Association, and the Chimney and Appliance Technical Education committee. 

Matt Ellis, Chimney Safety Institute of America

Matt Ellis is the Director of Education and Technical Training at the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), where he has been for the past three years. Before joining CSIA, Matt served as the Technical Manager at Copperfield Chimney Supply, collaborating with professionals on installations, codes, and products. With extensive experience in manufacturing, he has contributed to product development in the hearth and chimney industry. Matt is also a Master Chimney Sweep through CSIA and holds National Fireplace Institute credentials.




                  

Dale Feb, F.I.R.E. Associates 

Dale Feb is the Lead Investigator and Senior Inspector at F.I.R.E. Associates, with over 45 years of experience in the fireplace and chimney industry. He provides nationwide consulting for fireplaces, chimneys, and venting applications, and has contributed to building codes, product development, and training. Dale is an IAAI Certified Fire Investigator, former Chairman of the NFPA 211 Committee, and CEO of the F.I.R.E. Service Training Program. He holds multiple certifications, including ICC and California State Building Inspector, and specializes in fire investigation, product failure analysis, and code enforcement.                  

Jacob Feb, F.I.R.E. Associates 

Jacob Feb is the Education Coordinator at F.I.R.E. Service, where he co-authored training and certification programs for inspectors, technicians, and mechanics. He has been in the fireplace and chimney industry since 2004 and joined F.I.R.E. Associates full-time in 2018 as an inspector, consultant, and fire investigator. Jacob is a F.I.R.E. Certified Fireplace and Chimney Inspector and an active member of the NFPA 211 Standards Committee. He has co-presented multiple sessions for hearth professionals, property inspectors, and fire investigators across the country.                   

Bob Ferrari, National Chimney Sweep Guild 

Bob Ferrari works as the Director of Education for the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). He has been a leader in the chimney and hearth industry for nearly four decades. He served on the NCSG Board for eight years and was part of the task force that met with OSHA in Washington, D.C. A recognized expert in safety, Bob has taught roped roof safety classes nationwide. He founded his chimney business in 1984, growing it to seven trucks and two locations before selling it in 2021. As the 1000th NCSG member in 1986, his lifelong dedication to the industry continues through education and mentorship. 

Dan Freeman, Freeman Fire Inspectors

Daniel Freeman has worked and works as a technician, inspector and business owner in the hearth and chimney industry for more than a decade. He holds certifications as a CSIA Certified Chimney Specialist, F.I.R.E. Certified Fireplace and Chimney Inspector, NFI Master Hearth Professional, NCSG Honorary Mastery Chimney Professional, along with several others. Daniel is also an IAAI-FIT Certified Fire Investigation Technician and serves on several industry committees, including UL, ICC, and the NFPA211. As an instructor with Copperfield Academy, Daniel frequently teaches hands on classes and provides training on industry standards, inspection protocols, and technical procedures to improve efficiency and reduce liability across the U.S.  

Tag Gilkeson, Tag & Associates, LLC

Tag Gilkeson is the CEO of Tag & Associates, LLC, where he specializes in custom home design. He began his real estate and construction career in 1999 as a Texas REALTOR® where he focused on investment properties, fix-and-flips, and rentals. In 2009, he deepened his expertise by earning an associate degree in architecture and a bachelor’s degree in construction management. 

Deborah Hannig, Hannig Marketing

Deborah Hannig, President and Independent Sales Representative of Hannig Marketing Inc., represents Valor Fireplaces and Z-Flex chimney systems in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. With 31 years in the hearth industry, she started by managing her family’s retail store before spending two decades as a manufacturer representative for brands like Town & Country Fireplaces, RSF, and Jotul North America. As a board member of the Northwest Hearth Products Association (NWHPBA) and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Advisory Council, she is a dedicated advocate for hearth retailers and installers.

Carter Harkins, FutureNow Marketing

Carter Harkins, cofounder of FutureNow Marketing, is a business growth expert and podcaster who specializes in helping service businesses grow through effective marketing strategies. He is known for his expertise in storytelling and design, and his soothing voice has earned him the title of “our very own Morgan Freeman.” He speaks regularly at trade shows and conferences across the country.

Taylor Hill, FutureNow Marketing

Taylor Hill, cofounder of FutureNow Marketing, where he leads a team of creatives helping service business owners navigate online marketing. Though passionate about the work, Taylor jokes about his inability to spell and relishes in the challenge of guiding business owners through the complexities of the digital world.

Andrew Ingram, Woodland Direct

Andrew Ingram is the President of Woodland Direct, Inc., a retailer in the hearth industry.  

Andrew Ingram grew up in the hearth industry, working alongside his father in a fireplace and chimney service business. In 2004, Andrew founded Woodland Direct, which offers a wide range of products for indoor and outdoor settings. Woodland Direct is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan.  

Jeff Jones, What the Grill

Jeff Jones is the owner of What the Grill, The Ultimate Grilling Destination, located in the Wilmington, NC market. With over 30 years in the hearth and grilling industry, Jeff’s journey began by accident and has seen him wear many hats—from chimney helper to distributor and manufacturer sales manager, to store owner. He is both CSIA and NFI certified. 

Bill Kinnard, Grandy & Associates

Bill Kinnard is president and owner of Grandy & Associates. He has over 40 years of experience in the trade industry. Since 2005, he has used this expertise to help contractors better understand their businesses and become more profitable. Bill’s knowledge, experience, and lessons learned have contributed to Grandy & Associates’ products and services, to improve the profitability of clients’ companies and lives.

George LeBlanc, Maritime Fireplaces

George LeBlanc is the general manager at Maritime Fireplaces in New Brunswick, Canada. He serves as a committee member for the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada’s Education Committee where he is responsible for helping to develop educational programming and facilitating education and training.   

Elizabeth Margles, Ortal

Elizabeth (Liz) Margles is the CEO of Ortal, a design-based product developer and manufacturer of architectural fireplaces. Liz previously served as CMO for Caesarstone North America, where she expanded brand awareness and led collaborations with top designers. She has also held roles as CMO and EVP at Humanscale and Material Bank, focusing on marketing and community building within the architecture and design industries.

Jill McClure, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association 

Jill McClure, CAE, is the President & CEO of the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HPBA). Jill has 20 years’ experience in leadership roles in association management. With a master’s in advertising from the University of Texas and extensive experience in advertising, trade shows, and association management, she has held leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer at the Colorado Oil & Gas Association and worked for the Texas Association of School Boards. 

Kristetta Miller, Louisiana Fireplace

Kristetta Miller is the co-owner at Louisiana Fireplace. She has a degree in Marketing and Organizational Communications. She and her husband have owned a retail and service business since 2015, fulfilling a dream they began as business students in college. Kristetta enjoys using her education and life experience to help build their unique business and team.






 

Brian Noe, Osaic Wealth, Inc 

As a private wealth advisor, Brian Noe helps clients use their wealth to define future transitions. With 40+ years of experience in economics, business, government, and volunteer work, he provides expertise beyond investment management. Brian’s career focus is to help people protect themselves from adversity and discover new possibilities.  

Joan Nutting, Maschino’s

Joan Nutting is the Store Manager of Maschino’s Patio, Fire, and BBQ in Springfield, Missouri. Joan has been in the fireplace industry for over 12 years. She developed the grill island division at Maschino’s, growing their outdoor kitchen sales. Joan is committed to promoting safety and proper installation, advocating for industry standards at the local level, and currently serves on the MidWest Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) and HPBA boards.

Tom Parks, COASTROAD Hearth & Patio

Tom Parks has been Vice President and General Manager at COASTROAD Hearth & Patio since 1998. His residential, commercial, and industrial design, engineering, and construction background allows him to assist clients with their fireplace and outdoor living projects. Tom is a National Fireplace Institute® certified Master Hearth Professional and has been an NFI instructor since 2008.



 

Tim Reed, WhyFire, LLC and The Fire Time Network

Tim Reed is the President of WhyFire, LLC and The Fire Time Network, where he helps hearth industry leaders take control of their sales process. Starting as an installer and later moving into sales and leadership, he grew his company’s retail division by millions while building a strong team. Now, he travels across North America teaching businesses how to market effectively and making it easy for customers to buy. His YouTube videos, digital magazine, and Fire Time Podcast have become go-to resources, helping thousands rethink their approach and grow in a changing industry. 

Bill Ryan, Ryan and Sun Chimney Contractors

Bill Ryan is the owner of Ryan and Sun Chimney Contractors in Landing, New Jersey, and an instructor at the Copperfield Academy. As a leading consultant and educator in the chimney and hearth industry, Bill specializes in chimney inspections, expert witness work, and liability reduction. He was honored as the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation (HPBEF) 2024 Trainer of the Year. In 2007, Bill also served as the founding Chairman of the International Association of Fireplace and Chimney Inspectors.

Michael Segerstrom, Bridgewater Chimney Sweeps LLC

Michael Segerstrom is the Service & Operations Manager at Bridgewater Chimney Sweeps LLC. He has been servicing chimneys and venting systems since 1997. He is a C.S.I.A. Certified Sweep, F.I.R.E. Service Certified Chimney Inspector, and N.F.I. Certified Woodburning and Pellet Specialist. Michael serves as the National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council Chair and is an instructor for various industry training programs.

Jason Tolleson, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association 

Jason Tolleson joined HPBA as Senior Director of Government Affairs in 2024. He has over 20 years of experience in advocacy, having worked for Harley-Davidson and on Capitol Hill. Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and has led industry initiatives and safety campaigns.

Monica Turner, The Outdoor GreatRoom Company 

Monica Turner is the Director of Marketing at The Outdoor GreatRoom Company. With a strong marketing background, she has played a key role in the success of the outdoor fire feature market. Monica’s efforts have focused on bringing outdoor fire to consumers in a way that is easy to use and enjoy. 

Jacob Wiltshire, Wolf Steel Ltd

Jacob Wiltshire, R&D Global Lab Supervisor at Wolf Steel Ltd., is an Electrical Engineering Technologist specializing in electrical heating solutions and LED lighting. With over a decade in the hearth industry, he has played a key role in developing electric fireplaces, gas fireplace control systems, and HVAC systems. A two-time Vesta Award winner in the Electric Hearth Category, Jacob has gained hands-on experience installing electric fireplaces, creating guides and videos to support the industry.  

Chris Wolfe, Ray Murray, Inc 

Chris Wolfe, Manager of Technical Support and Training at Ray Murray Inc. and President of the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association (PAPGA), has been in the propane industry since the late 1980s. A strong advocate for propane as a clean, renewable energy source, he has held key roles with the Propane Education & Research Council, the National Propane Gas Association, and state education and training committees. He is passionate about promoting safety and technical training within the propane, hearth, and HVAC industries.   

Tim Cummings, Empire Comfort Systems 

Tim Cummings is a Product Manager at Empire Comfort Systems, based in Belleville, Illinois. With a strong background in the hearth industry, Tim previously served as a National Service Trainer at Empire Comfort Systems and held various positions at Byler’s Stove Shoppe. His journey began in high school with a side job at Byler’s Country Store, which led to a transition into the stove shop, where he gained hands-on experience as a fireplace and stove installer. Over the years, he advanced to Lead Installer and later moved into sales before taking on an operations role, where he now provides oversight and support to the team. Tim holds the Master Hearth Professional certification, the highest level of accreditation from the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). 

Vi Rapp, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 

Vi Rapp, Ph.D. is a Research Scientist and Department Deputy at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, specializing in zero and low-carbon heat and power technologies. Her work includes advancing clean energy solutions for industrial and developing regions, applying machine learning to improve air quality, and developing CO₂-free hydrogen production methods. She holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and previously worked in aerospace, analyzing flight control systems for commercial aircraft. 

Karen DiVerdi, Enchanted Fireside 

Karen DiVerdi is the co-founder of Enchanted Fireside, a hearth retail store and service operation in Central Massachusetts, which she and her husband, Rocco, started in 1995. After 9/11, Karen shifted from a career in software engineering to lead the business full-time, applying her expertise in sales, finance, and IT. Over the years, she has helped build Enchanted Fireside into a successful operation through strong leadership and efficient processes. Karen also serves on the board of the Northeast Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (NEHPBA) and works with organizations like NFI to promote safety and certification standards in the hearth industry. 

Evan Stritsman, Best Fire Hearth & Patio 

Evan Stritsman is the Co-Owner of Best Fire Hearth & Patio, a family-owned business in Albany, New York. With over 25 years of experience, he has helped grow the company his father founded 48 years ago, offering high-quality hearth solutions like fireplaces, stoves, gas fire pits, and stylish patio furniture. As a second-generation owner, Evan helps lead a team of 35+ employees to create exceptional indoor and outdoor living spaces.  

Mark Taylor, Acme Stove 

Mark Taylor has served as the Chief Operating Officer of Acme Stove since 2023, overseeing operations at the Rockville, MD, and Fairfax, VA locations. Starting his career in 2006 as an installer and technician, Mark committed to mastering the hearth trade, earning multiple technical certifications and a Master Gasfitter license. He transitioned into management in 2015, broadening his expertise to include sales, marketing, and business operations. 

Melissa Womack, CDR Fireplaces 

Melissa Womack, founder and owner of CDR Fireplaces, brings 24 years of experience to the hearth industry. A first-generation hearth professional, she holds both an NFI Master Hearth Certificate and a F.I.R.E. Inspector Certificate. With a background in fire suppression and fire science, Melissa has built a strong foundation of expertise in the field. Outside of her work on fireplaces, she enjoys fishing, camping, woodworking, and spending time outdoors. 

Daniel Hammer, Sutter Home and Hearth

Daniel Hammer is the President of Sutter Home and Hearth. He has worked in our industry since 2001 and has filled most roles in hearth specialty retail from warehouse to management. Daniel has particular interest in operational and people management as well as a strong commitment to advocacy for our industry particularly in legislative and regulatory areas. He has served on the NWHPBA Board since 2013, is a graduate of the Government Affairs Academy, and has been proudly published in the Fire Time Journal. Daniel has a BA in business management from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. He has been committed to this industry for his entire professional life because of the freedom it grants to do good, meaningful work for those in our industry as well as for those we serve.