It’s time to heat up the nights. Here’s how the beauty of a custom fireplace can be yours.
Nothing makes your home homier than a hearth. Whether a roaring fire or softly glowing embers, the perfect fireplace sets the ambiance in any room, and outdoors. Since 1952, the knowledgeable staff at The Hearth Shop in Westlake have earned a reputation for brightening people’s homes and businesses with burning products that fit their usage and lifestyle.
“What makes us unique is that we are a true turnkey operation,” says owner John Anghilante. “Our amazing designers on staff can help create a unique fireplace, our expert installers are seasoned, and we also do minor and major repair and maintenance to fireplaces through our sister operation, Chimney and Masonry Company.”
The companies completed the design and installation on several notable commercial jobs, including The Lumen apartments at Playhouse Square downtown, as well as some impressive summer estates along the Lake Erie shores.
What are the Emerging Trends?
The Hearth Shop’s showroom features vignettes to fit any style, rustic to contemporary. John explains that fireplace design has evolved over the years to reflect people’s changing tastes, through custom-designed shapes and sizes.
“What’s also changed are the artful accent pieces we place within the firebox, called media,” he adds. “Beyond realistic-looking logs, we can use fire glass, fire gems, twigs or rocks to create different effects.”
Whether wood-burning, gas-burning electric or pellet-fueled, the shop offers a range of brands they’ve come to trust, including Ortal, Montigo and Napoleon, Blaze King, Stuv and more. In addition to fireplaces, they offer high-performance grills and pizza ovens.
“This time of year, as you might be turning on your indoor fireplace again on chilly nights, I hope homeowners recognize the importance of getting an annual clean and check, just as you do with your furnace,” he says. “It lengthens the life of your product and ensures safety.”
Even though outdoor temps might be free falling this month, John reports they can still install highly efficient outdoor heaters to pave the way for year-round patio enjoyment.
Best Left to the Pros
When it comes to installing a fireplace or fire feature in your home, John says this is a job best left to the professionals.
“Our certified techs undergo extensive training to offer the utmost in safety and precise installation,” he says. “We are always on the lookout for people who are interested in this rewarding career path. I believe that you don’t necessarily have to go to college to have a successful career. Our techs enjoy full benefits, retirement plans and training.”
A Nationally Recognized Expert
After his many years in the industry, John has never been satisfied to simply run his own business. He leads with his heart and is actively involved within his industry, serving as vice president of the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA), and crisscrosses the nation giving speeches and seminars to others in the field.
Earlier this year, he was tapped to speak before the State House in Columbus about the relevance and cost-efficiency of natural gas. He presented a strong case against banning this necessary resource. Fortunately, a bill was introduced to make all sources of energy available for Ohioans, including natural gas, solar and wind energy.
In the long run, his proactive efforts essentially helped save the state millions of dollars.
What does the future hold? John has opened another location on the eastern border of Ohio and sees his business expanding to more locations going forward.
“There are an estimated 12 to 15 million fireplace systems in this country that are inoperable and obsolete,” he says. “I’m hopeful my industry—and my stores—will help change that.”