Reposted from HPBA Hot News December 2022
December marks the final month with Jack as the President and CEO of HPBA. His run has been impressive – 16 years as CEO, 22 years at HPBA total.
The staff joins with the members of this organization to say thank you and wish him well. He will be missed as he begins his well-deserved retirement.
Read Jack’s farewell letter:
My retirement as president & CEO of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association is quickly approaching. Before I ride my bike into the sunset, I wanted to thank all of you for a wonderful 22 years working on your behalf.
When I joined the then-Hearth Products Association in 2000 under Carter Keithley, I had no idea that I would retire from the organization two decades later. The reason why I stayed? The industry – and more specifically, the people in the industry. You, your colleagues, and your competitors – HPBA’s members – work hard, are decent and sincere, and have the best interests of the industry at heart. I’ve worked with many of you on committees, HPBA’s Board, and the Affiliates, and you have all shown me that the values of hard work and collaboration are still going strong. And I’ve made a lot of good friends along the way.
The other highlight of working at HPBA has been what we provide consumers: comfort, gathering, good food – and good memories. Our products make people warm, well-fed, and content, and beautify their homes (inside and out). Not everyone can say that about their industry’s products.
This is not to say that our industry doesn’t face significant challenges; it does. But the staff at HPBA are here to do their best to ensure that the industry remains healthy. And that’s the bottom line: I’m leaving, but the solid team that remains behind will continue to work to protect the industry. HPBA will continue to have a lot to offer its members: Expo, government affairs, research, communications and promotion, and education. You are in good hands.
So thank you for giving me the professional highlight of my life. It has been an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,
Jack
