Keynote Address
Sponsored By:
OPENING SESSION – NEW FORMAT!
Tuesday, February 13 | 8:30–10AM
Join Jill McClure, President & CEO of HPBA, and Tim Reed, Co-Founder of The Fire Time Network, as they guide you through an innovative session featuring three of the industry’s trailblazing companies!
Following the opening remarks, immerse yourself in three dynamic keynotes, and stay for a brief annual meeting led by HPBA Chair Henry Hall.
PRESENTERS
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Sarah Wellcome
Vice President of Human Resources Hearth & Home Technologies
Unlocking Talent: The Path to Developing Exceptional Employees
Sarah Wellcome, Vice President of Human Resources for Hearth & Home Technologies (HHT), has over 20 years of progressive human resources leadership experience and is a change agent in the areas of improving team culture and optimizing organization structure to achieve results. Sarah leads the team responsible for finding, developing, engaging, and retaining HHT’s greatest asset- their team members. Her team partners with the business to shape thinking and decision-making in ways that unlock pathways for growth. Sarah’s previous experience as a Plant Manager and General Manager also gave her the opportunity to learn, firsthand, the impact that business decisions can have on team members’ experiences.
Kip Rumens
Vice President of Sales Travis Industries
Growing Your Business’ Profitability in 2024
In 1982, Kip Rumens began his career in the industry working for the Lopi Stove Company. Kip undertook various roles within the factory over the course of seven years. In 1989, he established KJR Enterprises, an independent representative firm for Travis Industries. For three decades, Kip played a pivotal role as their Northwest Sales Rep, fostering relationships and assisting dealers in expanding their hearth businesses. Transitioning from a “Road Warrior” after 30 years, Kip assumed the role of Vice President of Sales at Travis Industries in 2020. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Kip actively contributed to the Northwest Hearth Products Association Board, holding the position of President from 2014 to 2016. Furthermore, he has been a dedicated member of the HPBA National Association’s Expo Committee for the past seven years. With 42 years in the industry, Kip is looking forward to the next 42.
Chris Schroeter
Co-Chief Executive Officer Napoleon
Understanding Tomorrow’s Consumer
Chris Schroeter, Co-CEO of Napoleon has helped build Napoleon into a global brand, well known for its innovation and quality. As a part of a dynamic family of grill and hearth experts, he has played an integral role in expanding Napoleon to be the largest privately owned manufacturer of grills and hearth in North America. Chris and the Napoleon team are always looking to the future for the next idea and searching for insights among customers and consumers from around the world. At HPBA Expo, Chris will explain how dealers can drive growth in their business. He will showcase current industry trends, new innovation, and the importance of sustainability. Chris will be joined by Garry Scott, Global Vice President, Marketing. Together, they will outline how dealers and service partners can capitalize on the consumer of tomorrow by knowing the future trends today.
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