Contributor Spotlight: Dave Anderson

Dave Anderson has been part of the hearth industry since 2003, but his professional journey actually started in the backcountry—not behind a showroom counter. At the time, he was working full-time as a hunting and wilderness guide, spending his days packing into remote areas on horseback. During the off-season, he landed a short-term assignment at The Axmen in Missoula, Montana through a temp agency. On his very first installation, when asked to mount a thermostat, Dave responded by asking for a level—an early moment that revealed his attention to detail and solidified his place within the company. Just one month in, he was offered a full-time position.

From that humble start, Dave’s career in the hearth industry took off. At The Axmen, he quickly moved into a lead installer role and learned from one of the best in the business, Mark Kindred (or “Mark-O”). The mindset at The Axmen was simple: If a customer wanted something installed and they sold it, they’d figure out how to make it happen. After The Axmen, Dave joined Falco’s in Spokane Valley, Washington, where he handled new construction installs and worked closely with the Falco family. From there, he spent 15 years at Aqua Rec’s in Tacoma, Washington, serving the store in nearly every capacity—from lead installer to service manager to sales associate. He filled in wherever needed, worked major events like the Western Washington Fair, and became the go-to guy for challenging installations and repairs. Today, Dave serves as the Pacific Northwest regional sales manager for Associated Energy Systems (AES), a company he proudly calls one of the best in the business. In a full-circle moment, all three of his former employers are now AES customers. With deep experience in installation, service, and sales, Dave brings first-hand knowledge to every conversation he has with dealers.

Reflecting on his journey, Dave admits he never expected to build a career in the hearth industry. But early on, he appreciated the flexibility the industry offered—a perfect fit for his lifestyle at the time. His advice for others, especially those just starting out, is to embrace the opportunities that the hearth industry has to offer. He describes the hearth world as fun, exciting, and rewarding, with plenty of room for growth. Having worked his way up from an installation helper to a regional sales manager, he encourages others to do the same and reminds them that their work matters. “You provide warmth, memories, and peace of mind for your customers,” he said, emphasizing that this is far more than just a job. He also advises industry newcomers to stick with good companies—especially family-run businesses that take care of their people—and to never burn bridges. “It’s a small world,” he noted.

Outside of work, Dave’s life is rooted in the outdoors and centered on his family. Before having kids, he spent nearly every spare minute hunting elk and mule deer across Washington, Wyoming, and Idaho, or fishing in the Pacific Ocean. These days, he reserves his weekends for time with his wife, Kristina, and their two boys, Ryland (7) and Barrett (5). The family hikes the mountains of Idaho, Montana, and Washington, setting trail cameras and scouting elk. In summer, they love swimming at Lake Pend Oreille, Priest Lake, or Coeur d’Alene. “My life revolves around my family,” Dave said—and any chance he gets, you’ll find him outdoors with his wife and sons.

Though the job comes with daily challenges, Dave genuinely loves what he does. “They say find something that you love to do, and you will never work a day in your life,” he said. That mindset carries into his work as a columnist for Northwest Sportsman Magazine, where he helps newcomers get started in hunting and fishing—especially those without a mentor. For Dave, it’s all about passing his passions on to the next generation.

In short, Dave’s journey—from wilderness guide to regional sales manager—is grounded in hard work, humility, and a deep love for both people and the outdoors. Thanks for sharing your story, Dave. The entire Fire Time Network appreciates your leadership, grit, and heart.