Ryan has been in the hearth industry for 12 years, and he’s a second-generation hearth guy. His dad helped open the shop in the early ’90s, when it was a store called Consolidated East, and then bought the business in 2010. Ryan’s own path into the family business wasn’t a straight line. Growing up, he worked a couple of dishwashing jobs, spent some time in restaurants, and worked at a plant nursery. Then, he came into the family business and earned his gas fitter’s license. Once he had it, he went out on his own for a couple of years, working for himself. “It wasn’t fulfilling,” he said, “and I wanted to be part of the family business, so I came back into it.” Today, Ryan is the owner of Plymouth Fireplace in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

When asked what advice he would offer to others in the industry, Ryan kept it simple: “Keep your head up and keep trucking along.” He was quick to admit that it’s easier said than done. “It’s tough. We’re in an industry that requires a ton of knowledge and a lot of customer expertise, and it’s demanding, mentally and physically,” he said. “So keep your head up, do the best that you can every day, try to learn, and… be the company that your community needs you to be.”

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Alana, and his two dogs, Marloe and Juna. He also makes time for family and for enjoying the seasons that New England has to offer.

When asked if there was anything else he wanted to share, Ryan pointed to what the work does for customers. “This is an awesome industry, and what we do really contributes to positivity in people’s lives,” he said. “We come in and make them warm, safe, and happy. It doesn’t get much better than that. And it’s a specifically gratifying part of our job that other trades don’t get to share.”

Thanks for sharing your perspective with Fire Time readers this month, Ryan. The entire Fire Time team appreciates you!