Contributor Spotlight: Clay Dennis

Clay has been part of the hearth industry since 1995. In May of that year, Tommy and David Lancaster of Lancaster Gas Service in Greensboro, N.C. recruited him while searching for an experienced salesperson. Clay started in sales at Lancaster Gas Service, and he was ultimately promoted to Sales Manager. When he moved his family to Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1999, Tom Lancaster (Tommy and David’s dad) offered him a partnership opportunity to open his own store. They remained partners until Clay eventually bought Tom out in 2006. Clay served as President and CEO of Southern Hearth & Patio Inc. for 17 years, where his team was repeatedly recognized nationally among multiple industries and even named “Small Business of the Year” by the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce in 2010. Clay sold his business to a national propane company in 2017. Since then, he’s been fully focused on his consulting firm, Part Time Business Partners.

No matter where Clay’s worked, he’s always been committed to serving others. For example, he served his country in the United States Navy during Operation Desert Storm, earning multiple recognitions and commendations. He’s also served his community for more than 20 years by volunteering with The Rotary Club of Chattanooga, The Boy Scouts of America, The Veterans Entrepreneurial Program at UTC, and The National Medal of Honor Museum & Heritage Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

When asked what advice he would offer to others in the industry, Clay emphasized the importance of training others and finding mentors. “Training will get you ahead—and keep you ahead—of much of your competition,” he said. He further insisted that finding a good mentor can do wonders as you develop your business strategies, train your employees, and create a company you can sell someday. 

When asked if there was anything else he wanted to share with the industry, Clay offered these words of wisdom: “For years, I thought my life’s work was to safely install appliances into people’s homes. And for a while, I suppose it was. But now, looking back, I can see that God was teaching me about looking out for others, developing people, and creating financial stability, especially in business. When I thought it was time to retire, I was quickly shown that I had an obligation to help other people work through many day-to-day challenges, as so many had done for me.”

Thanks for having such a huge heart for service, Clay. You’re truly an inspiration for The Fire Time Magazine team and all of our readers!