Once again it's time to prepare for the HPB Expo (Hearth, Patio & Barbecue).  March 19 - 21 in Reno, NV.

Every year since the early 1980's, the fireplace industry has hosted this event at different cities throughout the country.  Host cities have been Anaheim, Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Las Vegas, Louisville, Nashville, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and St. Louis.

As I reflect upon what's most important to me and what events and people have shaped my life, I realize that it was 12 years ago (March 1997) in Reno that I first met my good friend Gary Bowden, owner of Bowden's Fireside in Trenton, NJ.  By chance, we were seated at the same table at the Industry Reception.

Amazingly, we discovered that we were the same age, and as adolescents, worked in our father's fireplace businesses, assembling toolsets and grates; then later off to college (he to Penn State, me to Michigan State), getting married, having kids (I have more), making money (he's made more) and running a third generation owned fireplace shop.

Now, hardly a week goes by that we don't make contact via email.  And every year, we exchange notes (usually about five pages worth) on what we saw and learned at the HPB Expo.  Seeing all the new products and talking to suppliers is important, but developing friendships and sharing information with someone like Gary is priceless.

So, here's to you, my friend.  See you in Reno!