Introducing Gilbert Fireplaces and BBQs
Where did you grow up? How long have you lived in the area? Tell us about your family.
I was born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, and have built a life in Fountain Hills and Gilbert over the last 40+ years. I have been happily married for 38 years to my wife, Therese and together we have 3 children - Hannah, Ryan, and Kayla. I have 2 granddaughters, 1 grandson, and 3 granddogs.
Tell us about the events that led up to where you are now…
When I was a junior at Coronado High School I got my first real job as a cook at the Cork N Cleaver Restaurant in Phoenix. After working in the restaurant industry for a few years and then meeting my wife Therese, who also had a love for cooking, we decided to open our own business in Fountain Hills called Barney’s Bakery. After 7 years we closed the bakery and went up north to Payson. In Payson, we opened a Bed & Breakfast and a fine dining restaurant called Michael’s at the Inn. Ultimately, we bit off a bit more than we could chew and after 3 years we put aside entrepreneurship and focused on raising our 3 children with a steady paycheck. That is when I got a job working as a sales associate at The Great Indoors. This is where I learned about the nicer appliances inside and outside the home. I spent 6 years there. I bounced around a little for a couple of years and then worked for Arizona Fireplaces Gilbert location for a couple of years and then assumed the lease and purchased inventory in August of 2008.
What is your business, how/why did you start your business?
Gilbert Fireplaces & BBQ’S is a retail store located in Gilbert Town Square. We specialize in the sale, service, and installation of specialty outdoor kitchen equipment and fireplaces. I was inspired to sell fireplaces, BBQs, and fire pits, as well as accessories all under one roof. Our goal has always been to offer great customer service with knowledge of the products we sell.
What is unique about your business?
I think most people need to see and be educated on the products out there. We are geared mostly to products made in the USA. We service what we sell, because parts are easier to get and the life span of the product is much longer. Our customers do not want to spend thousands of dollars on structures for the appliance and then turn around and put in a subpar BBQ or fireplace product that will need to be replaced in a few years time.
Given your business expertise and the nature of what you do, what advice can you offer to the residents?
Please be careful with gas appliances. Make sure there is a shut-off valve that you can get to and your BBQ island has air vents. Make sure when connecting a propane tank that the fitting that attaches to the tank is attached securely; spray bottle of soapy water onto the connections is advised as a way to detect leaks. Proactive is way better than reactive. Reactive is the fire Department and may be medics in your house or backyard!
What else we should know about you, your family, or your business?
Can I brag? When someone comes in or calls on the phone, whoever answers or greets them - Hannah, Kayla, Ryan, Mike, Drew, Sean, or Mike is going to be able to answer most questions about products and services. 16 years in business as listeners and not just order takers is big in my book. We truly enjoy being a part of something that helps to create lasting memories for families because of the services we provide.
To shop for your next fireplace or BBQ:
Stop by their store located at 1150 S Gilbert Rd #101, Gilbert, 85296.
Call 480-635-1227, www.gilbertfireplacesbbqs.com,
Follow them on instagram: @gilbertfireplacesandbbqs
Watch their highly entertaining and educational videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/GilbertFireplacesBBQs