Retailer Roundtables
Retailer Roundtables
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 2:30 – 4:30 PM
Retailer Roundtables are an exclusive benefit for HPBA Member Retailers and HPBA Member Service Companies, bringing together HPBA members to discuss the ideas, challenges, and solutions to shape and improve your business. These facilitated sessions—exclusive to retailers and guided by your input—focus on the topics you care about most. Kicking off the day before the exhibits open, Roundtables are the perfect way to start your HPBExpo week. There’s nothing like hearing from others who are walking in your same shoes!
| Time | Event |
| 2:30-3:20 PM | Session One |
| 3:20-3:30 PM | Break and Change Sessions |
| 3:30-4:20 PM | Session Two |
Facilitators
Ben Holt
President & Owner, Embers Custom Fireplace & Gas Products
Ben Holt is the President and Owner of Embers Custom Fireplace & Gas Products, founded in 2004 and operating two Northeast Ohio retail locations supported by a full-time service and installation department. He entered the hearth industry in 1995 as an inside sales associate for a small shop in Mentor, Ohio, and over time expanded his experience into service and installation. Ben holds NFI certifications in both wood and gas appliances (#147729).
He is a graduate of the HPBA Government Affairs Academy and has been actively involved with the Mid-States HPBA Affiliate. Ben has also served as an NFI class instructor at HPBExpo and as a member of the RH Peterson Customer Advisory Council. Outside of work, he is a husband, father, and serves on his local board of education.
Carol Tweed
Co-Owner, Mace Energy Supply
Carol Tweed is the Co-Owner of Mace Energy Supply in Smithsburg, MD, a family business that has been serving the hearth industry since 1946. What she loves most about her work is the interactions on the sales floor and the opportunity to educate new hearth friends, helping them learn exactly what they need to know. She and her husband and business partner, Tad, have had the honor of speaking twice at the Pellet Fuel Institute’s (PFI) annual Summer meetings, sharing insights with her customers as well as her industry peers.
Outside of work, she is the proud mother of 11 children and grandmother to 31 grandchildren, who are scattered across the country. Her favorite summer pastime is hitting the road to drive nearly 6,000 miles visiting as many as she can!
Jeff Harper
President & Co-Owner, Hot Stuff Hearth & Home
Jeff Harper is the President and Co-Owner of Hot Stuff Hearth & Home, where he has spent the past nine years leading the business with a strong focus on craftsmanship, customer care, and community values.
Originally from Texas, Jeff now calls the Rocky Mountains home, where he enjoys riding dirt bikes and exploring the outdoors. He is active in his local church and deeply involved in his community’s recovery network, offering encouragement and support to those on their healing journeys.
Jeff brings passion, resilience, and purpose to both his work and service. He remains committed to building lasting relationships—with customers, employees, and the broader community he serves.
Jennifer Harper
Co-Owner & Vice President, Hot Stuff Hearth & Home
Jennifer Harper is Co-Owner and Vice President of Hot Stuff Hearth & Home, where she brings strong leadership, compassion, and a steady vision to the family business. A graduate of Baylor University with a degree in Public Health, she also holds an AAS in Diagnostic Ultrasound and spent 20 years working in the hospital setting.
Now, she serves her community through SELAH, a nonprofit pregnancy crisis center in Steamboat Springs, supporting women and families in need. Jennifer recently launched the podcast Healing Unscripted with a couple of friends, which has already made a significant impact on people in their community. Originally from Texas, she is active in her church and the recovery community, and enjoys exploring the Rocky Mountains and riding her side-by-side with her husband, Jeff.
Laurie Pirini
Sales Manager, Warm Solutions
Laurie Pirini began her career in the hearth industry in 1989, working with a chimney sweep in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. After relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1990, Laurie transitioned into the technology sector, where she built a successful career before returning to her roots in hearth and chimney work.
In 1997, her husband launched Warm Solutions, Inc. and American Chimney Services, and by 2002, Laurie joined him full-time to help manage and grow their retail and service operations.
More than two decades later, Laurie remains dedicated to providing the San Francisco Bay Area with reliable, high-quality hearth and chimney solutions—continuing a commitment that began over 35 years ago.
Mark Taylor
Chief Operating Officer, Acme Stove
Mark Taylor has served as Chief Operating Officer of Acme Stove since 2023, overseeing operations at both the Rockville, MD, and Fairfax, VA locations.
He began his career in 2006 as an installer and technician, dedicating himself to mastering the hearth trade. Over the years, he earned technical certifications and a Master Gasfitter license, advancing into management in 2015.
Since then, Mark has expanded his expertise to all aspects of the industry, including sales, marketing, and business operations. A longtime participant in HPBExpo as a retailer, he remains committed to continuous learning and helping others succeed in the hearth and home industry.
Melissa Womack
Founder, CDR Fireplaces
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.
Ryan O'Donnell
President, Hearth & Home
Ryan O’Donnell grew up in the hearth industry, working in his family’s fireplace and outdoor living store in Mt. Prospect, IL. After earning Finance and Marketing degrees from Marquette University and starting his career in banking, he returned to the family business in 2011.
He has held roles across operations and customer service and now serves as President of Hearth & Home Inc. Ryan is NFI certified in gas and wood and is a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. He has served on the Midwest HPBA board since 2019 and became its President in 2025.
