Contributor Spotlight: Phil Connor

Contributor Spotlight: Phil Connor 

During his eleven years in the hearth industry, Phil Connor did just about everything: He called on retailers, distributors, and builders in various sales roles; he led sales teams; and he even managed a 16-person call center handling consumer issues. Along the way, he earned his NFI Certified Master Hearth Professional designation and volunteered as the Education Committee Chair for MAHPBA.

For the past five years, Phil has written “Firepower with Phil Connor,” a monthly column designed to challenge readers and equip them with tools to improve their lives—both professionally and personally.

When we asked Phil what advice he’d give others in the industry, he zeroed in on something simple yet powerful: speak to customers in their language. “Customers say they are buying a fireplace, but are they really?” Phil asked. “In my experience, consumers often want a point of connection to share memories and events with others. The opportunity for all of us is to think about how we can help them solve that problem with a fireplace.”

Outside of the magazine, Phil runs Ignition Laboratories, where he helps people focus on what they can control and pursue superior results for their companies and families. He’s also an avid outdoorsman who loves camping and hiking with his family.

In 2021, Phil’s perspective shifted dramatically when he was diagnosed with a sacral chordoma. The tumor was successfully removed, but the surgery was invasive, and it was followed by four months in bed and many hours of physical therapy. This experience has profoundly shaped both his outlook and his writing. As Phil put it, “I love speaking to groups and sharing lessons I have learned during my journey, and I hope that in sharing these ideas and stories, others can level up their impact on the world around them.”

Thanks for sharing your wisdom and passion with Fire Time readers, Phil. Our entire team appreciates you!