HPBExpo27 Education Speakers
Who’s Speaking at HPBExpo27
Filter by track, or search by name, company, or session. More speakers are added as sessions are confirmed. Days and times will be posted when the schedule is final.
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Eric Adair
Senior Manager, Codes & Standards
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue AssociationTechnicalBio & session details coming soon -
Brian Barclay
Vice President of Sales
KW USA
RM ManifoldTechnicalSessionEvery Breath You Take: Makeup Air in Today’s Tight HomesDay & time to be announcedAbout Brian
Brian Barclay is Vice President of Sales – Hearth at RM Manifold, overseeing the expansion of KW Draft Fans, Makeup Air Systems, and accessories throughout the Stove, Fireplace, Sweep, and Venting industry across the Americas and beyond. Brian served in the United States Coast Guard, becoming one of the last USCG Certified Lighthouse Technicians. After 12 years, he transferred to the United States Air Force Reserve and managed Training Protocol that integrated USAF Reserves with Active Duty personnel, retiring with 23 years of service as a Master Sergeant. Brian has grown multiple product lines and managed sales across multiple states, overseeing Big Box and Farm & Home customers including Home Depot, Lowe's, and Tractor Supply Co. He has managed nearly $40 million in annual sales and built over 28 years of commitment to the fireplace industry.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
Today’s energy-efficient homes are tighter than ever, which is great for efficiency, but it can create an unexpected challenge: negative pressure. Powerful range hoods, fireplaces, bathroom fans, and other exhaust systems all remove air from the home. If replacement air can’t get in, performance and safety can suffer. This session explores why makeup air matters, what can happen when it’s overlooked, and how properly designed makeup air systems can help balance the home. Learn how tighter construction is changing the way hearth professionals need to think about airflow.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Darin Bricker
Owner
Picks GalleryBusinessSessionMr. Roboto: Putting AI to Work in Your Hearth BusinessDay & time to be announcedAbout Darin
Darin (D.J.) Bricker got into the hearth business in 1995 and has co-owned Picks Gallery, a specialty building supply company in central Missouri, since 2010. Somewhere along the way he decided that if AI was going to take over the world, it might as well start by doing his paperwork. He's spent the last couple of years figuring out where AI actually helps a hearth retailer, where it's just an expensive way to be wrong faster, and he's here to share the difference.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
AI isn’t just a buzzword; it can be a practical tool for reducing busywork and helping your team move faster. In this interactive, live-demo session, you’ll see AI tackle real hearth-industry challenges, from messy manufacturer PDFs and product specifications to lead follow-up and marketing. Bring a real business problem and watch the process unfold on stage. You’ll learn how to turn information into usable tools, build better prompts, and explore AI agents that can support sales, marketing, and day-to-day operations.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Isabella Brodzinski
Standards Project Manager
UL Standards & EngagementTechnicalSessionCome Together: Inside ULSE Standards Development and the Annual Updatewith Laura WernerDay & time to be announcedAbout Isabella
Isabella Brodzinski began working at ULSE February 2021. She graduated from Columbia College with a Bachelor's in Management Information Systems and Business in 2019. Her portfolio focuses on solid-fuel burning appliances and chimneys & venting.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
Standards don’t change by themselves, and knowing how they’re developed can help your business stay ahead of those changes. This session takes you inside ULSE’s standards development process, including how proposals move forward and how industry professionals can participate in the committees shaping the standards. We’ll also cover recently published documents and highlight current and upcoming projects relevant to the hearth industry. Whether you’re new to standards development or already involved, you’ll leave with a clearer view of what’s changing and how to engage.
Co-presented with Laura Werner.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Jesse Doucette
Owner
Crown ChimneyBusinessSessionR-E-S-P-E-C-T: Earning Trust Inside the Customer’s HomeDay & time to be announcedAbout Jesse
Jesse has been applying his vast knowledge, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving skills to benefit the industry since 2006. Jesse is the proud owner of Crown Chimney and is a true ambassador of the chimney trade. Jesse currently serves as the Chairman of the NH Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board and the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Jesse has served on the NEHPBA Board for the last four years. Passionate about continuing education, Jesse inspires others to embrace collaboration, community, and connection through teaching others.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
Walking through a customer’s front door means entering more than a worksite, you’re entering someone’s home. This session looks at the customer experience from the other side of that door and explores how communication, appearance, body language, personal space, boundaries, and respect shape trust. We’ll discuss practical ways to help homeowners feel comfortable, informed, and respected throughout a service visit. You’ll leave with simple behaviors you can put into practice immediately, along with a better understanding of how professionalism can influence the entire customer experience.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Jonathan Erdman
Education Director
National Chimney Sweep Guild
Rooftop SafetySafety & LiabilitySessionsDanger Zone: Smarter Fall Protection at HeightsTakin' Care of Business: Guide to Chimney InspectionsDay & time to be announcedAbout Jonathan
Jonathan Erdman is Education Director at the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and the owner of Rooftop Safety USA. A certified chimney sweep, Jonathan has spent many years in the chimney industry, serving roles ranging from Apprentice to Lead Technician, Production Manager, and General Manager. Beyond the hearth industry, he is an active member of the National Safety Council and a certified OSHA instructor. Prior to entering the chimney field, Jonathan worked in Walmart Logistics, specializing in Safety, Compliance, and Asset Protection.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
Session 1: Danger Zone: Smarter Fall Protection at Heights
Working at heights doesn’t leave much room for improvisation. This session takes a practical look at fall protection methods that help teams work safely while keeping jobs efficient. We’ll break down OSHA requirements, discuss ways to put effective fall protection into practice, and examine the recent settlement between OSHA and the National Chimney Sweep Guild. The focus is on moving beyond “winging it” and toward practical systems that protect your team, meet applicable requirements, and make working at heights safer and more manageable.
Session 2: Takin' Care of Business: Guide to Chimney Inspections
You install the appliance, but the chimney system it vents into can determine whether that installation ultimately works as intended. This session gives hearth professionals a practical understanding of chimney inspections, including the three inspection levels, what triggers each one, and what a thorough inspection should actually look like. From the initial assessment through documentation, you’ll learn what to expect, what to look for, and how to recognize the difference between a rushed inspection and a professional one. You’ll also be better equipped to understand inspection reports and communicate expectations with customers.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Adam Fairweather
Business Director
Hearthworx SolutionsTechnicalSessionLand of Confusion: Common Installation Questions and Standards ExplainedDay & time to be announcedAbout Adam
Adam Fairweather has been a professional fireplace designer and certifier for over 20 years, working with manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and homeowners across the industry. He is guided by the values of communication, continuous learning, sharing knowledge, and helping others succeed. Over the past decade, Adam has advocated for the fireplace industry, supporting the growth and adoption of renewable natural gas and contributing to the development of specialized gas fireplace training programs. He has also played an active role in developing industry training programs and resources aimed at improving safety, technical knowledge, and professionalism within the hearth industry.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
Today’s fireplace installations are encountering materials and conditions that traditional installation practices, and sometimes even existing standards, weren’t designed to address. From vinyl flooring and fire-rated drywall to evolving composite building materials, this session examines common installation mistakes and the challenges they create. We’ll look at why these materials matter, how fireplaces are tested and certified, what the safety standards actually require, and where installers may need to ask better questions before the project begins.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Ryan Hall
Senior Tech, Field Operations Chief
Winston's ChimneySafety & LiabilitySessionStep by Step: Level 1 & Level 2 Inspections That Build Trust and SalesDay & time to be announcedAbout Ryan
Ryan Hall has been in the chimney and hearth industry since 1999 and is currently the Field Operations Chief and Sales Manager at Winston’s Chimney Service in the Metro DC area. He is a certified chimney sweep and has his FIRE certification as well as being a Master Chimney Technician (NCSG). He is also an Ambassador for National Chimney Supply Company and teaches sales techniques across the country to hearth shops and chimney service companies.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
An inspection can be more than a technical requirement; it can open the door to a better customer conversation. In this session, Ryan breaks down Level 1 and Level 2 inspections, explains the differences between them, and walks through proper inspection techniques. You’ll learn how a structured inspection process can help establish credibility, uncover customer needs, and create opportunities for meaningful conversations about the system and its future. The result is a more informed customer, clearer expectations, and a sales process built on trust rather than pressure.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Deborah Hannig
President & Independent Sales Representative
Hannig Marketing Inc.BusinessSessionWalk this Way: 5 Steps to Showroom SuccessDay & time to be announcedAbout Deborah
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 30+ years in the hearth industry, she started by managing her family’s retail store before spending two decades as a manufacturer’s 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.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
Your showroom is saying something about your business before a salesperson ever says a word. Is it sending the right message? This session explores five practical steps for creating a showroom that reflects your culture, expertise, professionalism, and commitment to the customer. From layout and presentation to the experience you create, you’ll learn how to turn your retail space into a powerful part of your marketing strategy, and help customers feel confident choosing you for their fireplace project.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Carter Harkins
Vice President of the Hearth and Chimney Division
FutureNow Marketing by AdeptPlusBusinessSessionThese Boots Are Made for Walkin’: Winning Back Customers Who Leavewith Taylor HillDay & time to be announcedAbout Carter
Carter Harkins is Vice President of the Hearth and Chimney Division at FutureNow Marketing by AdeptPlus, where he helps hearth and chimney companies effectively leverage marketing, technology, and artificial intelligence. With decades of experience in digital marketing and entrepreneurship, Carter has helped businesses adapt through major shifts in marketing and customer communication. Carter is the co-author of Blue Collar Proud: Ten Principles for Building a Kickass Business You Love and co-host of the Blue Collar Proud podcast. Known for identifying where customer behavior and technology are headed next, he focuses on helping business owners cut through complexity and understand what changes actually matter - and what they should do about them.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
Not every customer who leaves without buying is a lost sale. In the hearth industry, high-ticket purchases often involve research, comparisons, and weeks, or months, of consideration. This session explores why measuring success by same-day close rates can leave revenue on the table. Learn how shopper behavior, smart contact capture, and thoughtful follow-up can turn “I need to think about it” into a future sale. You’ll discover practical ways to stay connected with prospects instead of paying to attract them and then letting them walk away.
Co-presented with Taylor Hill.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Hailey Hasek
Hearth and Patio Specialist & Buyer
Maschino’sBusinessSessionDon’t Stop Believin’: Consistency Over Perfection in Social MediaDay & time to be announcedAbout Hailey
Hailey Hasek is a Hearth/Patio Specialist at Maschinos in Springfield, Missouri, working across electric, gas, and wood fireplace, patio, outdoor kitchens, and upholstery. She came to the industry in 2020, after the pandemic pulled her into her family's business, and has spent the six years since becoming fluent across the full range of hearth and patio products, rather than just one corner of it. Hailey believes hearth and patio are the true soul of a home. Off the clock, you can usually find her on the golf course, soaking up the sunshine.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
You don’t need to become a social media expert to show up consistently. You need a simple plan, the right tools, and a process you can actually maintain. In this hands-on session, Hailey breaks down the essentials for posting consistently on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn without spending hours every week creating content. You’ll see the practical tools and workflow she uses to simplify the process, and even help edit a reel using footage from the trade show floor. Walk away with a more manageable approach to staying visible online.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Taylor Hill
Vice President of the Hearth and Chimney Division
FutureNow Marketing by AdeptPlusBusinessSessionThese Boots Are Made for Walkin’: Winning Back Customers Who Leavewith Carter HarkinsDay & time to be announcedAbout Taylor
Taylor Hill is the Vice President of the Hearth and Chimney Division at FutureNow Marketing by AdeptPlus, where he helps hearth, chimney, and home service companies make sense of modern marketing, lead tracking, local search, and AI-driven visibility. With more than three decades of marketing experience, Taylor has worked alongside service business owners through major shifts in websites, SEO, Google Business Profiles, paid ads, automation, and now AI-powered search. Taylor is the co-author of Blue Collar Proud: Ten Principles for Building a Kickass Business You Love and co-host of the Blue Collar Proud podcast. He is known for taking complicated marketing and technology changes and translating them into plain-English strategies business owners can actually use.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
Not every customer who leaves without buying is a lost sale. In the hearth industry, high-ticket purchases often involve research, comparisons, and weeks, or months, of consideration. This session explores why measuring success by same-day close rates can leave revenue on the table. Learn how shopper behavior, smart contact capture, and thoughtful follow-up can turn “I need to think about it” into a future sale. You’ll discover practical ways to stay connected with prospects instead of paying to attract them and then letting them walk away.
Co-presented with Carter Harkins.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Gideon Honeycutt
Sales Representative
Valor Fireplaces
Miles Industries Ltd.BusinessBio & session details coming soon -
Jerry Isenhour
President
CVC Success GroupBusinessSessionI Can See Clearly Now: Finding the Profit Hiding in WasteDay & time to be announcedAbout Jerry
Jerry E. Isenhour is the owner of CVC Coaching Inc. and serves as lead coach for CVC Success Group and lead consultant for Chimney & Venting Consultants. He is a nationally recognized expert in chimney services, venting systems, hearth product sales, installation, and industry standards of care. With over 40 years of experience, Jerry has served as CEO of multiple companies, including The Chimney Doctor Inc. and The Fire Place, Patio & Grill. He is a certified speaker, teacher, and coach with the John Maxwell Group and a certified sales coach with the Jeffrey Gitomer Group. Jerry has authored 5 books and co-authored 5 others and hosts The CVC Home Service Success Network podcast. Today, he provides coaching, consulting, expert witness services, and training through the CVC Virtual Academy, supporting clients nationwide. Jerry is also HPBA's 2026 Excellence in Education award recipient.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
Profits don’t always disappear in one big expense. Sometimes it leaks away through wasted materials, unnecessary labor hours, inefficient processes, and small operational losses that add up. This session takes a practical look at where those dollars go and how to find them. You’ll learn how to identify, track, and measure waste; apply Lean operating principles; and understand the financial impact of inefficiency. The goal is straightforward: turn wasted time and resources into stronger margins, better decisions, and more profitable operations.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Jill McClure
President & CEO
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue AssociationBusinessBio & session details coming soon -
Vi Rapp
Department Deputy & Staff Scientist
Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryTechnicalSessionWhat's Going On: Using Data to Diagnose Chimney PerformanceDay & time to be announcedAbout Vi
Dr. Vi Rapp partners with wood heating manufacturers and HPBA to develop practical, science-based solutions that improve wood heater performance and strengthen the industry. As a Department Deputy and Staff Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, she leads collaborative research, builds high-performing teams, and fosters partnerships that deliver measurable, real-world results.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
When chimney draft goes wrong, the symptoms can be familiar, but the cause isn’t always obvious. Poor combustion, smoke spillage, and callbacks are often diagnosed through experience and trial and error. This session takes a more data-driven approach. Learn the physics behind chimney performance and see how the open-source MC Chimney Draft Tool translates chimney design, fire characteristics, room pressure, and outdoor conditions into useful performance data. The result: a clearer way to evaluate designs, identify risks, and troubleshoot draft problems.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Tim Reed
President
WhyFire and The Fire Time NetworkBusinessSessionsBe Solvers - Not Sellers: How the Local Hearth Shop Wins in the Age of AI7 Steps to Win the SaleDay & time to be announcedAbout Tim
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 The Fire Time Podcast have become go-to resources, helping thousands rethink their approach and grow in a changing industry.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
Session 1: Be Solvers - Not Sellers: How the Local Hearth Shop Wins in the Age of AI
For twenty years, Google rewarded the biggest wallet. AI plays by different rules, and they favor you. Google finds products. AI solves problems, and so do you. Ask ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini where to get a gas fireplace installed, and it points to the local specialist, because a fireplace means permits, chimneys, finish work, and someone who picks up the phone next winter. The customers are already coming. Tim Reed shows you the three moves that make your shop easy for AI to find, trust, and recommend, so you can win back the market share big box and e-commerce took.
Session 2: 7 Steps to Win the Sale
Most hearth shops don't lose sales to competitors. They lose them to the lack of a process. Sales, at its core, is communicating wisdom until a customer is ready to decide. No arm-wrestling, no objection-crushing, no upsell gymnastics. What you need is a simple route that tells every salesperson which direction to drive while leaving the speed and the stops up to them. Tim Reed shares the seven steps that took him from installation helper to multi-store manager, and that he now teaches in showrooms across North America. Practice them weekly for four to six months, and your revenue can double without another advertising dollar.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Dave Rettinger
President
Rettinger FireplaceBusinessBio & session details coming soon -
Patrick Ryan
Owner
The Stove Shop Fireplace ExpertsBusinessSession9 to 5: Make Google Your Hardest-Working EmployeeDay & time to be announcedAbout Patrick
Patrick Ryan is a third-generation owner of The Stove Shop in Phoenixville, PA. He attended Penn State Smeal College of Business for Marketing, was President of the Penn State Marketing Association and worked with YouTube and other major content partners to create content distribution platforms. Patrick's ambition is to act as a steward of his grandfather and parents’ hard work. Patrick believes investing in his people is the key to The Stove Shop’s success. His unique contribution has been to create leads and sales systems to optimize their business opportunity.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
Your Google Ads budget should work as hard as you do. This session takes you behind the scenes of online advertising from the perspective of a real-world retail business owner. Learn how to spot wasted ad spend, understand what makes campaigns effective, and ask better questions of your marketing team or agency. You’ll also explore how industry-specific knowledge can improve the content customers see, and the leads it generates. Whether you manage your own Google Ads or oversee someone who does, you’ll leave better equipped to make smarter decisions with your advertising dollars.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
John Steinert
Vice President Appliances Division
PFS TECO and NFPA Global Solutions CompanyTechnicalSessionThe Times They Are A-Changin': What’s Next for EPA Wood Heater CertificationDay & time to be announcedAbout John
John Steinert is a Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) executive with nearly 20 years of experience building and leading accredited conformity assessment programs for the hearth and appliance industries. John has deep expertise in EPA emissions regulation, safety standards, and accredited quality systems. In 2010, he founded Dirigo Laboratories, a test lab specializing in EPA emissions testing and certification. In 2018, Dirigo was acquired by PFS-TECO, expanding testing for both safety and emissions in wood and gas appliances. John is actively involved with the EPA on method development and can speak to the various methods EPA is currently considering, as well as the new requirements under the CFR regarding third-party certification, manufacturer QA requirements, reporting requirements and five-year renewals.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
EPA’s wood heater certification requirements are evolving, and manufacturers and test labs need to know what’s coming. This session breaks down the latest developments, from new cordwood test methods and third-party certification to CFR requirements and quality assurance. We’ll also look ahead to the proposed shift to five-year certification renewals and what it could mean for product support. Drawing on more than 20 years of hands-on testing experience, this session offers practical insight into preparing for what’s next.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Mark Stoner
Business Owner & Entrepreneur
Ashbusters Chimney ServiceBusinessBio & session details coming soon -
Jason Tolleson
Senior Director, Government Affairs
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue AssociationBusinessBio & session details coming soon -
Eben Waugh
Technical Support and Training Representative
Ray Murray, Inc.TechnicalSessionUnder Pressure: Smarter Troubleshooting for Gas AppliancesDay & time to be announcedAbout Eben
Eben Waugh is a third-generation propane professional with over 30 years of experience with propane appliances and gas systems. Currently providing technical support and training for Ray Murray Inc. on hearth, grill and propane systems.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
When a gas appliance isn’t performing as expected, the right tools, and knowing how to use them, can make all the difference. This session focuses on practical troubleshooting techniques that help technicians diagnose problems more efficiently and approach repairs with greater confidence. We’ll explore how to use multimeters, manometers, manufacturer manuals, and other resources as part of a systematic problem-solving process. Instead of guessing your way through a service call, learn how to gather the right information, identify the problem, and determine the next step.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Laura Werner
Standards Technical Committee Chair
UL Standards & EngagementTechnicalSessionCome Together: Inside ULSE Standards Development and the Annual Updatewith Isabella BrodzinskiDay & time to be announcedAbout Laura
Laura Werner is the chair of the UL Standards technical committees for subject groups related to: Oil & Gas; Chimneys & Venting; Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances; and Cannabis Facility Safety. She received her Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo in Canada and has previous work experience in manufacturing and M&E engineering consulting. She collaborates with industry experts, trade associations, and regulatory bodies across municipal, state, provincial, territorial, and federal levels to align standards with evolving environmental and safety priorities.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
Standards don’t change by themselves, and knowing how they’re developed can help your business stay ahead of those changes. This session takes you inside ULSE’s standards development process, including how proposals move forward and how industry professionals can participate in the committees shaping the standards. We’ll also cover recently published documents and highlight current and upcoming projects relevant to the hearth industry. Whether you’re new to standards development or already involved, you’ll leave with a clearer view of what’s changing and how to engage.
Co-presented with Isabella Brodzinski.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Chris Wolfe
Manager of Technical Support and Training
Ray Murray, Inc.TechnicalSessionWalk the Line: Navigating Gas Codes with ConfidenceDay & time to be announcedAbout Chris
Chris Wolfe, Manager of Technical Support and Training at Ray Murray Inc. and Past 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 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. Chris is also HPBA's 2026 Trainer of the Year award recipient.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
Codes can be intimidating but understanding how to navigate them can make working with your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) much easier. Using the 2024 editions of NFPA 54 and the IFGC as references, this session breaks down the gas codes most relevant to the hearth industry. We’ll explore how to read the anatomy of a code book, identify which codes your jurisdiction has adopted, and work through common interpretation challenges. The goal is practical: to give you the confidence to find the information you need and have more productive conversations with your AHJ.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized. -
Melissa Womack
President
CDR FireplacesSafety & LiabilitySessionThe Sound of Silence: Carbon Monoxide and Other Hidden HazardsDay & time to be announcedAbout Melissa
Melissa Womack is the Founder of CDR Fireplaces and Vesta Hearth Academy in Texas. With over 25 years of field experience and a background in fire suppression, she is passionate about education, training and raising industry standards. A Master Hearth Professional and certified F.I.R.E. Inspector, Melissa believes certifications are vital for building trust, ensuring safety, and demonstrating true professionalism. She takes pride in helping young individuals grow into skilled, confident, and compassionate technicians. Active within the hearth community, Melissa serves on several industry boards, participates in the Women’s Mentoring Program, and is a 2025 GALA Participant, continuing her mission to inspire and elevate the next generation of hearth professionals. Melissa is also HPBA’s 2026 Retailer of the Year award recipient.
Welcome to Music City! The titles may be musical, but the content is all business. In honor of our Nashville host city, some of this year’s education sessions take their cues from iconic song titles.
About the session
Some of the most serious hazards in the hearth industry are the ones you can’t see. This session takes a practical look at carbon monoxide: where it comes from, how it moves through a home, why exposure is dangerous, and what professionals can do to help prevent incidents. We’ll also explore other safety risks associated with hearth product sales, service, and installation. The goal is more than awareness, it’s understanding the hazards, recognizing potential warning signs, and taking practical steps to protect customers, employees, and yourself.
When & where: Session day, time and room will be posted when the education schedule is finalized.
Speakers, sessions, days and times are subject to change. See the full show schedule.
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