Something New Under the Sun

The patio and hearth industry is a cauldron of competition, and the intensity that comes with it can be either daunting or motivating. Sean Steimle, CEO of HPC Fire Inspired (Dayton, Ohio), saw the crowded field, accepted the challenge, and ended up sparking real innovation.

With a talented team of designers and engineers, Steimle fostered a culture that built upon the company’s already solid foundation and elevated it to award-winning status. The fruits of those labors came together earlier this year at the HPBExpo in New Orleans, where the HPC Fire Inspired Universal Gas Orifice earned a coveted VESTA Award for Hearth/Barbecue Components & Controls. The Universal Gas Orifice converts both gas types (LP to NG or NG to LP) in seconds.

The Universal Gas Orifice solidified HPC’s stellar reputation among gas fire pit manufacturers, but Steimle and his team did not stop there. In a move that showed the depth of their commitment to product and process innovation, the Ohio-based company took it a step further with the TK Torch w/ SmartArc™ Technology.

“SmartArc™ Technology improves electronic ignition without the use of a flame sensor,” Steimle explains. “This new technology simplifies and makes the ignition system much more robust. Typically, flames have a thermocouple to sense heat, and we had an opportunity to eliminate that thermo-couple. Now there’s just an arc that goes off about every four seconds that monitors the arc to ensure the ignition of the gas. If the main burner gets blown out, it gets relighted by the arc. This revolutionary technology will become the standard in ignition systems for years to come in the fire industry.”

The industry took notice and the TK Torch w/ SmartArc™Technology was a finalist for a VESTA Award. The recognition is a testament to Steimle’s forward-thinking philosophy that began in 2018 after an acquisition partnership. After working with the previous owner for six months, Steimle took the reins as CEO and immediately looked to bolster the company’s rigorous commitment to quality in the manufacturing of fireplace components, pits, inserts, burners, bowls, rings, and flame control systems.

Consistent craftsmanship is a hallmark of all HPC products, with the entire quality-control process certified through the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), an organization dedicated to global standards development. “CSA is known for their gas experience,” says Steimle, who earned his MBA at Cleveland State University. “A lot of times, we see our competitors who have pieces and parts separately certified. Our products are 100% certified at assembly, and every unit is tested before it leaves our facility.”

New company-wide messaging (Inspired by Safety, Innovated For Your Lifestyle) hammers home the philosophy that has been embraced by distributors, dealers, installers, and consumers. Steimle’s ethos sits well with specialty retailers who are not afraid of the difficult work of sales.

Prior to earning his MBA at Cleveland State, Steimle attended Ohio Northern University in Ada where he attained a Business Management degree, all while running crisp routes as a receiver on the football team. Suffice it to say that he’s used to being pursued by large people looking to crush him.

And while it’s true that the patio and hearth industry is known to be collegial, the tough mindset cultivated during a career in sales and on the gridiron has undoubtedly helped. When he wasn’t catching passes, Steimle was in the trenches blocking for teammates, all the while learning that success comes from excelling at the fundamentals and building great teams.

He explains: “Our engineering team has more than 100 years of experience. They are NFI-certified, with everything from electrical engineers to aeronautic engineers and mechanical engineers. We have vast experience. The company itself has 45 years of fire experience, which certainly helps us in developing technology safely and reliably for our customers.”

Entering into the fall of 2020, Steimle is intent on keeping the focus on technology. While hesitant to divulge too much of the playbook to competitors, he reveals that HPC is actively upgrading smart apps to include relevant flame diagnostics such as flame height. “We also have interactive 3D instructions through BILT, a third party,” he says. “You can download the app and easily walk through installing or troubleshooting a fire feature. It will walk you through a 3D automation, and we’re continuing to build on that platform. There will be additional technology built around our smart and home automation platform.”

Combining enduring beauty and practicality with a modern sensibility is the continuing goal for all manufacturers in the fire space, and it’s a challenge that Steimle is keen to accept. “Our product appeals to technology users and the folks who like to use smartphones, smart apps, and home automation features such as Alexa or Google that integrate these systems,” he says. “The folks who rely on our products know that it will work every time and it will be safe. We make sure it’s reliable and safe, but then we also create technology that is beautiful and centers on people’s wants and lifestyles.”