Brian Richards, founder of Canned Heat had his start in the Fireplace industry over three decades ago when he worked as an installer in Calgary, AB. Brian’s strong work ethic was amplified when he worked buying and selling fireplaces to builders in order to put himself through College and University where he acquired a degree in Marketing. After University, Brian joined the ECCO team in Langly, British Columbia where he was hired as the Branch Manager. Brian excelled at this position and expanded their fireplace business into 4 major cities leading him to deserve a promotion to become their Marketing Manager. From their head office in Langly, Brian oversaw the operations of four retail branches in addition to his Marketing Manager responsibilities. Brian left ECCO and took a position with Empress Fireplace Manufacturers in Toronto. Two years later, he became the representative and distributor for the newly formed CFM Instaflame and managed an extensive territory consisting of Western Canada and Western USA. In 1985 Canned Heat Distribution was formed.As gas fireplaces grew in popularity so did CFM Instaflame and Canned Heat. Leaders in their industry, both companies were recognized for two years running by Profit Magazine in 1993 and 1994 in the top ten of the top 100 Fastest Growing Companies List.The focus of Canned Heat evolved into becoming a strong representative and distributor for a number of hearth, barbecue, infrared and patio manufacturing companies - a solid tradition that continues today.In 2011, Brian Richards became a manufacturer and distributor of the newest line of Wall Mountable and Built-In Electric Fireplaces. Amantii is the culmination of over 30 years in the industry and Brian is proud to represent this diverse new line of electric fireplaces which all feature state of the art flame technology.Specialties: In addition to Amantii, Canned Heat is proud to represent the following companies: Bromic Patio heaters, Elmira Cook Stoves, Fmi Fireplaces, Hearth product controls/outdoor fire pits, Kozy Heat Gas Fireplaces, Morso Wood Stoves, Prairie Stone, and Schwank Patio Heaters. Canned Heat also:• aligns companies direct to manufacturers acting as agents • offers exceptional customer service and training for all your hearth, barbecue, infrared and patio requirements.
Listed skills include Sales Management, Fireplaces, New Business Development, Heating, and 21 others.
