Interview with Jodi Connors-Harrington, Classic Stoves & Fireplaces Ltd.
Can you tell me a bit about how your business began? Are you one of the founders or when did you join the business?
I am the daughter of one of the co-founders Andy Connors, he and my older brother Jared Connors are now co-owners of the business together! We’ve been open since 1994 servicing Fredericton and surrounding areas. I joined the business when my brother became co-owner in 2015 and gradually became the purchasing manager and marketing director.
Tell me about your business? What does your business do? What products and services do you offer?
We sell and install gas, pellet, wood and electric stoves and fireplaces. We carry trusted brands, many of which are made in Canada. We also are Fredericton’s Grill-It-Yourself destination, as we carry a variety of gas grills, charcoal kamados, pellet smokers, pizza ovens, spices, sauces and so much more. We also have a huge variety of outdoor living products, such as patio furniture, fire pits, and Chilly Moose coolers and drinkware.
Tell me a bit about your clientele, who are the people who use and buy your products?
We can install our units in new build houses as well as existing homes. So our cilentele is anyone looking to have an alternative source of heat in their home! Many of our customers are looking for beautiful ambiance, units that work without power, and back up sources of heat.
How many staff do you employ?
We employ 7 full time employees and 2 part time.
What are you most proud of in your business?
I am most proud of the feedback we hear from our customers after an installation job is complete. Our crew is very professional and thorough and we always hear amazing comments from our customers. It is also so special seeing customer’s photos of their finished products, we love knowing we help keep families warm and cozy!
What is the biggest risk facing your business or industry?
The biggest risk we face is the “electrification” push for renovations and new homes. We offer extreme low emission, low operation cost products that can properly heat in New Brunswick’s climate but sometimes those solutions can get lost in the noise of Heat Pumps and HVAC solutions.
What’s next for your business, any exciting projects you want to tell us about?
We are thrilled to officially be Fredericton’s CR Plastics outdoor furniture dealer! They are Canadian made, fully recycled outdoor furniture that comes with a 25 year warranty. Adirondacks, Deep Seating, Dining Sets and more. We are excited to be offering this new line and expanding our customer base.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about your business?
We are so much more than just stoves & fireplaces! We offer a ton of our outdoor living products, grills, BBQ accessories, sauces, spices, and more!
Any final remarks?
We are family owned and operated and our customers are our number one priority. We try to make shopping for a new unit easy and painless. We know it can be overwhelming, so we are here to help!”