Table of Contents

July/August: Vol 3, No 4

Industry Spotlight -ICFA: A New Alliance for a New Era
By Kimberly Rodgers
Dudley Flanders, president of Lloyd/Flanders andchair of the new International Casual Furnishings Association, elaborates on why ICFA was created and how it will help unite the industry.

Marketing Maneuvers - A Focus on Family
By Kimberly Rodgers
A primary reason that customers keep coming back to Bassemier’s Fireplace, Patio & Spas is because of the personal relationships they develop with its employees.

Hearth Retailer Profile - Fresh Start Builds on Success
By Sharon Sanders
A major expansion of Black Swan Fireside Hearth & Home has breathed new life into a business that was already a well-known fixture in the community.

Barbecue/Grill Retailer Profile - Hot Off the Grill
By Amanda Daus
Based in Hollywood, Fla., The BBQ Depot is one of the most comprehensive barbecue retailers in the country, offering high-quality products and parts, outdoor-kitchen consultation and a repair service.

Showroom Showcase - Carls Patio: A Powerhouse Retailer
By Sharon Sanders
Multistore chain Carls Patio is growing by leaps and bounds through acquisitions in California and expansion in Florida.

As I See It - Daring to Be Different
By Michele Jerome
Bob Gaylord, president of Agio International, shares his thoughts about the casual-furniture industry, as well as what specialty retailers can do to grow their businesses.

My Turn - The Power of Vignettes
By Sharon Sanders
Fireside Hearth & Home helps its retailers develop realistic vignettes to show customers how they can enhance their homes with hearth-related products.

Product Innovation - Bull Outdoor: Ahead of Its Time
By Kimberly Rodgers
One of the first companies to manufacture its own barbecue islands and grills in the United States, Bull Outdoor Products has grown to be one of the biggest companies of its kind, with more than 100 employees and two manufacturing plants.

Last Word - A Well-deserved Honor
By Kimberly Rodgers
Catherine A. Galbreath, last year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at the 48th Annual Apollo Awards Banquet and owner of ABSCO Fireplace & Patio in Birmingham, Ala., reflects on what earning this distinguished honor meant to her.