Friends of Build Magazine

Renovating A Family Business with Don Richardson of Arizona Fireplaces

Episode Summary

Ted speaks with Don Richardson, founder of Arizona Fireplaces, who brings us back to the beginning of his business when times were tough. We hear how Don made it through, and how he brought his sons on board along the way. Family businesses can be a challenge, but they’re part of the American spirit. This multi-generational family business is continuing to thrive, grow, and succeed.

Episode Notes

Today Ted speaks with Don Richardson, founder of Arizona Fireplaces - a family business that has been operating for over 40 years. 

Don shares the struggles he went through to help his business succeed through different economies, national events, and growth spurts. His success is grounded in his family values, and he’s proud to talk about his sons continuing his legacy for years to come. 

Ted and Don cover how it all began and where it’s headed next. Join us as Don touches on innovation, hard work, and knowing when it’s time to transition.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• [2:08] Marriage
• [5:45] The people you never forget
• [11:30] Innovation and the American Spirit
• [16:45] Why winning all the time can be boring
• [18:30] College football
• [20:56] Starting a business during a recession
• [24:45] How Arizona Fireplaces began
• [26:15] Struggling through dark times
• [31:00] Bringing the kids into the family business
• [35:10] What have your children taught you?
• [47:50] Get comfortable being uncomfortable
• [52:30] What story do you tell to inspire people?
• [56:35] Quality time remaining

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KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• Well we can't get the green tag on the framing final until that stupid fireplace guy installs the fireplace. Zero clearance fireplace, which is the last thing that goes in on a framing file. But they had no control. So I said why don't we hook you up with the builder supply? Can we supply these? They were cheapy woodburners back then. Can we supply you the fireplace? We could pay for you. Get our framing final. That's what created Arizona fireplaces. It's the craziest silly story, but it's the truth.
• And so you really get into  a dark spot, financially and even.When you're in the financial dark, spot it it affects you emotionally and you wake up two in the morning, sweating, not wanting the sun to come up. I mean, anyone who's been in that position knows exactly what I'm thinking.
• But those years I would have never– I would have lost forever and I wouldn't even know about it, that I lost them, because I did. They wouldn't have existed. So I looked back and I go, wow, that was a moment that I could have really messed things up. So right then, I said, ”You will never do something that would put us in a position to where I have to sacrifice my family and sacrifice my parenting.”