Ambiance: The Art of Innovation

Innovating is a priority for the United Buyers Group and to such an extent that, in 2010, the group had the confidence to veer off the beaten track and create a range of fireplaces (and, today, barbecues too) that really meet the wants and needs of their customers. How did they achieve this? They found strength through unity.

The United Buyers Group consists of over 250 retailers who sell fireplaces, stoves, grills and accessories in Canada and the United States. While each retailer is a key group member, they all remain independent merchants, proud of their companies and their history. Around 100 members of the group worked together to define the fireplace of the future.

An Unusual Process

Ideas within the group began for flow seven years ago. They make the most of the annual event at the Buyers' University in Nashville to ask their members two questions, including, "If this fireplace was installed in your home, how should it be different to what’s currently available on the market?". Their objective was to design the best gas fireplace based on what consumers really want and at more affordable price.

In doing this, they used an unusual process to innovate, accessing specialist knowledge from people who sell and use these devices every day. They were lucky enough to have access to families through their members. Rich Hendrickson, owner of Burlington Fireplace & Solar based in Burlington, believes that this leads to a sense of pride and a sense of belonging. "Being part of the design and quality control process (for Ambiance) makes you feel like you own the brand," says Hendrickson. He continued by saying, "Consumers know that you care just as much about the product as if it were your own".

Fireplace Innovations

Since starting out in 2012, Ambiance has received many complimentary reviews. Above all, the brand has evolved to ensure it stays at the cutting edge and always relates to its customers.

What makes these products different? According to Dominique Pagé, Director of Merchant Development at the United Buyers Group, fireplaces differ in both style and energy efficiency:

  • Fireplaces are made with the largest glass viewing area for their respective category. "Customers want to see their fire so we make sure they have the best view," says Pagé.
  • Purchased directly from the manufacturer, there are many types of decorative doors offered in a wide variety of colors.
  • Ambiance Gas Fireplaces rank very high when it comes to energy efficiency. "Customers in Oregon and British Columbia can benefit from governement tax credits when choosing higher efficiency fireplaces. In the future, other regions will offer this type of initiative, so it is important for Ambiance Fireplaces to aim at leading the pack on efficiency " says the Director of Merchant Development.

Innovation in Barbecues

In 2017, Ambiance also entered the barbecue market, bringing with it several improvements. Collaborative work has always been one of their priorities and this time was no exception. The group teamed up with Napoleon to offer customers a fully featured barbecue at a competitive price.

The Ambiance Grill comes with a charcoal enameled lid and matching doors. "Stainless steel doors get stained by the rain splashing off the ground and a stainless-steel lid finish may turn blue or brown over time, whereas the charcoal enameled finish will looks like brand-new for years," explains Mr. Pagé.

The Ambiance BBQ has other features such as a stainless steel grid over the side burner, which is a feature typically only available on the Napoleon Prestige Pro Series, sold at a much higher price.

Below is a list of fireplace and grill stores that service Ohio (OH)

Erlanger, KY

TateBuilder's Supply, LLC
3511 Dixie Highway
Erlanger, KY 41018

TateBuilder's Supply, LLC LogoVisit Store Page

Canfield, OH

Youngstown Propane, Inc.
4445 Boardman-Canfield Rd.
Canfield, OH 44406

Youngstown Propane, Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

Columbus, OH

Blackburns Chimney Sweeps
4644 Kenny Road
Columbus, OH 43220

Columbus, OH

Aspen Fireplace & Patio
5156 Sinclair Rd.
Columbus, OH 43229

Aspen Fireplace & Patio LogoVisit Store Page

North Canton, OH

Custom Fireplace Shop
5537 Whipple Ave NW
North Canton, OH 44720

Custom Fireplace Shop LogoVisit Store Page

North Ridgeville, OH

Heat Exchange Hearth & Patio Shoppe
34205 Lorain Road
North Ridgeville, OH 44039

Heat Exchange Hearth & Patio Shoppe LogoVisit Store Page

North Royalton, OH

Country Stove Co.
6669 Royalton Road
North Royalton, OH 44133

Country Stove Co. LogoVisit Store Page

Painesville, OH

American Home and Energy Products Inc.
1270 Mentor Ave
Painesville, OH 44077

St. Henry, OH

Buschur's Refrigeration, Inc.
541 N Eastern Avenue
St. Henry, OH 45883

Buschur's Refrigeration, Inc. LogoVisit Store Page

For more information, contact your local fireplace and grill store..

2 Responses

  1. arrive
    Right heгe is the right blog for anybody who really wants to find out aboսt this tоpic. You realize ѕo much its almost hard to argue ѡith you (not that I actuɑlly would want to…HaНа). Yoս certainly put a fresh spin on a subject which hаs been written about for many yearѕ. Excellent stuff, just great!
    • We Love Fireplaces and Grills
      We are so glad you like our blog! If you wish, you may follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WeLoveFire/) or any other social media accounts we have (see the links directly on our website: https://welovefireplacesandgrills.com/). We add approximately 2 articles a week and we post about it to let our readers know :)

Leave a comment