Meet Our Staff
Clay Dennis
President and CEO
National Fireplace Institute Master Hearth Professional, N.F.I. Certified Instructor, Licensed Master Gas Fitter, Licensed Journeyman, Kansas City BBQ Certified Judge, Rotarian, Scoutmaster
He has made a name for himself for his beliefs and support of American Made products, as well as HPBA (Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association) technical and sales training programs. One of only a few N.F.I. Certified specialists with "Master" classification (Wood, Gas & Pellet) in the southeast United States, Clay is now 1 of only 2 certified Instructor –Trainers in the state of Tennessee. In 2005, he was invited to join Hearth Masters, an organization of industry professionals with more than 10 years in the fireplace industry. In 2008 Clay was invited to join the board of directors of the Southeast Hearth Patio & Barbeque Association. In 2009, Clay developed and certified educational courses for local code officials, architects and builders, in an effort to promote awareness of newer, better, cleaner technologies, as well as safety standards.
Charlotte Dennis
Office Manager / Human Resources Officer
Charlotte was able to resign her position of “Director of Implementations’” with a regional Medical software business in 2006, solidifying the term “family business”. With more than 20 years experience in the computer and software implementation business, she was the perfect fit for a growing company in need of human resources attention. Her joining the team, and providing additional financial oversight has allowed Clay the ability to focus more on training and marketing projects, as well as afford her more time with their young son, Ryan, who is, of course, a Boy Scout.
Heath Blalock
Licensend General Contractor
Heath is the heart of our design / build business of outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and firepits. A 2nd generation contractor, Heath is meticulous in his efforts toward safety, combustible clearances, and overall user friendliness. If it has to be built, we build it right, and Heath is the craftsman that makes it all come together.
Brian "Gramps" Chandler
Installation and Service Manager
Licensed Master Gas Fitter / Licensed Journeyman
N.F.I. Master Certified - Gas Fuel Fireplace Systems, Pellet Systems & Wood and Solid Fuel Systems, Kansas City BBQ Certified Judge
Brian is one of the most experienced fireplace installers in the business, with more than 15 years on the job training. He has completed certification programs from Jotul (wood stoves), Hayward (pool heaters), Rinnai (water heaters), Mendota Fireplaces, Napoleon Fireplaces, and R.H. Peterson gas logs. He has held a Master Gas Fitter's and Journeyman's license for the past 11 years in the city, county and state. Brian is also one of only a handful of installers in the southeast region N.F.I. certified in all 3 classifications (Gas Fueled fireplace systems, Pellet Systems and Wood and Solid Fuel Systems) and is a constant source of information for contractors, and architects alike.
Liz Regnitz
Shipping & Recieving
Now a seasoned employee with more than 4 years with SHP, Liz handles the inventory and warranty part of our business. She's the one that gets your orders in and processed for installation.
An amature guitarist and songwriter, she has promised not to forget us "little people" when she makes the big time. Liz recently suprised Rocky (the dumpster raccoon) while taking out some trash. While the sight of Rocky chasing her across the parking lot was one of the funniest things we ever saw (I have the security film to prove it), we had to have Rocky sent to a safer environment. We didn't think his heart could take another run in.
Marc Ermer
Lead Installer / N.F.I. Certified Installer, Licensed Journeyman
Marc has proven to be one of the most detailed technicians we've ever seen. A self taught mechanic, Marc understands the importance and exacting nature of gas pressures, air mixing ratios, and even milivolt valve systems. We look for Marc to achieve a Master Installer certification in the coming years.Marc is a self made man. Repairing cars since his teens, he's been known to help stranded motorists when he can. He's also recently married with a baby on the way!
Biscuit
Front door Greeter, Baby sitter, Food disposal expert.
Biscuit is our 6 1/2 year old Golden Retriever and comes to work with Clay nearly everyday. He's a reliable worker who is always ready to help entertain bored kids and clean up paper plates from our grilling classes. His favorite day is, of course, Friday, when we empty out the employee's lounge refrigerator.
Davis Ermer
Installation Apprentice / Service Technition / N.F.I. Certified Technition, Licensed Journeyman
Davis is the man we go to when a job is too high or too heavy for anyone else. He's on a fast track to an N.F.I. Master Certification, and in line for a service "lead" position.
A native to Chattanooga, he's a devoted father and husband who enjoys rebuilding classic Mustangs.
