Contributor Spotlight: Patrick Ryan

Patrick Ryan’s connection to the hearth industry didn’t start with a job application or a chance encounter—it started before he was born. In fact, he was conceived during a snowstorm at the 1989 HPBA convention in Reno. The moment is even documented in the Family of Fire book under the title “Productive Show.” His father, Bill Ryan, remembers it fondly: “The best trade show I ever attended was in Reno in 1989. We skied at Tahoe. Got sunburned. We conceived our son Patrick watching March Madness!”

The Ryans’ roots in the hearth industry run deep. Patrick’s grandfather opened The Stove Shop in 1977, his dad owned and operated it for 40 years, and Patrick now runs it as the third-generation owner. But his path back to the family business wasn’t a straight line. Before taking over The Stove Shop, Patrick built a career as a self-employed software project manager, working with major clients like PlutoTV, Xumo, Comcast, and YouTube. That tech background gave him a unique lens on what small businesses need—and it shows in his advice to others in the industry.

When asked what guidance he’d offer fellow hearth professionals, Patrick kept it simple: “Working in your business is natural. Your business likely needs you to work on it more than in it.” He also shared a broader conviction about the industry’s place in the world. “I believe if the world had more hearth shops, it would be a better place,” he said. More fireplaces equals more warmth, and “more well-run hearth shops equals more great jobs for our local communities.”

Outside of work, Patrick’s life revolves around his family: Julia, Hazel, and Phoebe. He’s also into video games, anime, trading cards, and Brandon Sanderson novels. And when he’s not spending time with his family or enjoying his hobbies, you’ll likely find him writing on his fireplaceexperts.com blog—yet another outlet for his passion for the hearth industry.

Thanks for contributing to The Fire Time Magazine, Patrick! Our industry is lucky to have you.