Employees Make the Difference Fireside Hearth and Home (retail
division) along with Fireside of Washington (builder division) are known in the industry as the largest suppliers and installers of fireplace products in the Pacific Northwest. Builders rely on us for our product supply and knowledge. Homeowners buy from Fireside Hearth and Home for reliability and technical service from factory-trained specialists. Nevertheless, Fireside’s success is due to our employees—it is our people that truly make the difference.

history of fireside

Fireside of Washington began in 1985 at a small location in Kent, Washington with just a handful of employees. Locally family-owned and operated, it currently employs over 50 people, and employee turnover throughout the years has been extremely low. Bill Nirk joined Fireside in early 1986 and became one of the owners later that year. Bill has continued his ownership in the company throughout the years. John Waterstraat, (Bill’s son-in-law) joined the company in 1998 and managed the new heating and air division. Bill and John purchased Fireside in 2005 and became partners in the business. Near the end of 2005, Fireside became a Fireside Hearth and Home store, and, in late 2007 expanded by opening a showcase showroom in Bellevue. From the original focus toward new construction to a now growing retail business, Fireside strives to keep its customers satisfied.

innovation grows the company

Known and respected throughout the hearth-product industry by manufacturers and dealers alike, Fireside has been a pioneer in keeping clients satisfied. Fireside’s 1993 Start-Up program was an innovative effort to give builders the assurance of a job done right. Under Start-Up, Fireside installed a fireplace during the rough-in process and then returned before owner occupancy to test and adjust all Fireside products. Still performed today, this program strengthens builder relationships and customer satisfaction. In fact, the entire industry now practices similar programs to ensure quality workmanship. Our manufacturers also turn to Fireside when testing new products and concepts, relying on knowledge from years in the trade for quality feedback. In 2005, Fireside joined the Alliance Program to partner with the manufacturer to assure reliable and quality products for our customers.