Matt Reed has been in the hearth industry for 12 years. He got his start at Total Hearth, where he served as sales manager under Alan Newkirk, a man he still counts as a mentor today. When Brion Barnhill called, Matt joined Barnhill Chimney in Lexington, Kentucky, where he now serves as General Manager. In that role, he runs the business day to day, and that’s exactly the vantage point he writes from in this month’s “President’s Perspective.”

Matt’s advice to his fellow retailers comes straight out of that piece, and it’s compelling: “Anyone trying to stay the same size and just coast will struggle to swim in this pond, but the companies that pay what it costs to provide wonderful service, take care of their staff, and invest in their community can’t help but win.” The market changes so fast now, he says, that every other year is an investment year. “The opportunity is yours—now and always—to distinguish yourself from others around you.”

Outside of work, Matt’s life revolves around his family: his wife, Sarah, and their daughters, Abigail and Madeline, who are involved in as many things as they can be. One of the girls is an excellent crocheter with a business of her own, so Matt sets up at markets with her, and the two of them are avid readers of all things together. The youngest keeps him running to choir events, band events, and basketball practice, where he coaches her team, and both girls play softball. As Matt puts it, “If I’m not running the business at Barnhill, I am running to keep up with my family at home.”

Thanks for sharing your hard-won lessons with Fire Time readers, Matt. Our entire team appreciates you!