Claim OwnershipThe Fire Time Podcast
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Are you tired of presentations that are only half relevant to your business? Many speakers are not practitioners of their material, simply teachers—not so with The Fire Time Podcast. This podcast is for the hearth industry and by the hearth industry. Host Tim Reed has over a decade of experience in the hearth industry, making conversations with guests relevant and extremely practical. In Season One, Tim speaks with twelve hearth industry leaders and provides content relevant to any position, whether on the retail or manufacturing side. Hearth companies everywhere are lost because the landscape of business has changed dramatically in the last ten years. They are trying hard, but they just don’t know what to do. The Fire Time Podcast equips hearth companies to win by sharing ideas and innovation from the best minds in our industry. This podcast will give you the tools to move the needle in your company and win in the changing landscape. This podcast is the first of its kind—specific to the business that you work in every day and simple enough to teach you what’s needed to succeed. Do not miss out on The Fire Time Podcast, available for Apple and Droid devices or at www.itsfiretime.com/podcast. The simple and repeatable steps provided will empower you to grow the bottom line of your company and inspire the team that you lead. ABOUT: Tim Reed is the Retail Sales Leader at Fireside Home Solutions in the Pacific Northwest where he helps his team members make it so stupidly easy to buy from them that there is no excuse not to. Starting as individual salesperson in an empty warehouse, he has grown Fireside’s Retail division by millions (after cutting his marketing budget by 90%). Tim has been invited all over the country to teach companies how to market effectively to their customers and sell more than ever before. His YouTube videos, sales blog, and “Fire Time Podcast” have become a resource for the industry and are actively helping thousands of people rethink their paradigms so that they can grow their businesses in the changing landscape. Tim learned “just enough to be dangerous” about sales, marketing, web development, and leadership from years of playing guitar in a failing punk band—which he swears has uniquely qualified him for his job today. Now considered one of the most innovative minds and compelling communicators in the industry, Tim uses his platform to serve others, helping them create clear messages that are wildly compelling to their audiences. Tim lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife, Jessica, two children, Olivia and Luke, and his 90 pound Golden Retriever, Walter. He still plays guitar in a failing punk band. CONTACT: tim@itsfiretime.com | www.itsfiretime.com
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“If aliens came to earth and demanded to know everything about the hearth industry and we had to promote a liaison - that’s how I explained Tim.”
At the end of Season 14, Tim trades places with Gideon and takes a turn in the interview hot seat to answer questions about his journey and the things that have shaped him and his career.
Check out the Season 14 finale to hear the (non)hostile takeover of the Fire Time Podcast and learn amore about your usual host and his life experiences - from delivering pizzas and scraping together gas money for the band van, to being a sales manager, to founding the Fire Time Network.
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Become a supporter of The Fire Time Network and get access to awesome rewards: https://itsfiretime.com/join
To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Read The Fire Time Magazine Reader Edition online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
Download The Fire Time Magazine app to get full access to the magazine (for free): https://www.itsfiretime.com/app
While we prepare Season 16 of the podcast, Tim will be giving weekly rapid reactions to audio articles from The Fire Time Magazine. In this week's episode, Tim reacts to an article he just wrote titled, "The Journey: Part 2" (released in the February 2026 issue of The Fire Time Magazine).
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To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine: https://www.itsfiretime.com/subscribe
Support The Fire Time Podcast financially: https://www.itsfiretime.com/join
While we prepare Season 16 of the podcast, Tim will be giving weekly rapid reactions to audio articles from The Fire Time Magazine. In this week's episode, Tim reacts to an article by Ryan Przybylski titled, "5 Building Blocks of a Strong Company Culture" (released in the February 2025 issue of The Fire Time Magazine).
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To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Read The Fire Time Magazine Reader Edition online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
Download The Fire Time Magazine app to get full access to the magazine (for free): https://www.itsfiretime.com/app
Support The Fire Time Podcast financially: https://www.patreon.com/itsfiretime
While we prepare Season 16 of the podcast, Tim will be giving weekly rapid reactions to audio articles from The Fire Time Magazine. In this week's episode, Tim reacts to an article by Kim Davis titled, " Value First, Discounts Second" (released in the November 2025 issue of The Fire Time Magazine).
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To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Read The Fire Time Magazine Reader Edition online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
Download The Fire Time Magazine app to get full access to the magazine (for free): https://www.itsfiretime.com/app
Support The Fire Time Podcast financially: https://www.patreon.com/itsfiretime
This week, Tim walks through the Fire Time Guide to the 2026 HPBExpo in New Orleans (March 18-21), breaking down day-by-day strategies to maximize your time at the industry's biggest annual event. From affiliate parties to education sessions to the first-ever Fire Time Karaoke After Party, Tim explains how to attack the show with intentionality to make the most of it.
In this episode, Tim covers:
Why Wednesday's affiliate parties and retailer roundtables are your first chance to forge relationships that matter.
How Thursday's education lineup is so stacked that you may need to split up your team—Gideon Honeycutt, Kenneth Walker, and Tim all teach back-to-back sessions.
What makes the outdoor burn area Industry Street Party is going to be off the hook this year.
Why Friday's Ultimate Awards Show is something that no one can miss.
How to guarantee entry to the Fire Time Karaoke After Party at The Den with golden tickets (sign up to sing or donate to Stove Team International before 8:30pm)
Don't miss this tactical guide to turning expo inspiration into actual business results—because the real work starts when you debrief and create your implementation plan before the daily grind makes you forget everything.
Links from today's Episode:
Download the Fire Time Guide to the 2026 HPBExpo
RSVP for The Fire Time Karaoke After Party
RSVP for the Women's Breakfast & Roundtable Event
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To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Subscribe to The Fire Time Magazine: https://itsfiretime.com/subscribe
Support The Fire Time Podcast financially: https://www.itsfiretime.com/join
While we prepare Season 16 of the podcast, Tim will be giving weekly rapid reactions to audio articles from The Fire Time Magazine. In this week's episode, Tim reacts to an article by Dax Johnston titled, "3 Tips to Transform Industry Rookies Into Hearth Pros" (released in the September 2025 issue of The Fire Time Magazine).
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To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Read The Fire Time Magazine Reader Edition online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
Download The Fire Time Magazine app to get full access to the magazine (for free): https://www.itsfiretime.com/app
Support The Fire Time Podcast financially: https://www.patreon.com/itsfiretime
While we prepare Season 16 of the podcast, Tim will be giving weekly rapid reactions to audio articles from The Fire Time Magazine. In this week's episode, Tim reacts to an article by Peter Parsons titled, "Let’s Rethink Efficiency in the Hearth Industry" (released in the October 2025 issue of The Fire Time Magazine).
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To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Read The Fire Time Magazine Reader Edition online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
Download The Fire Time Magazine app to get full access to the magazine (for free): https://www.itsfiretime.com/app
Support The Fire Time Podcast financially: https://www.patreon.com/itsfiretime
While we prepare Season 16 of the podcast, Tim will be giving weekly rapid reactions to audio articles from The Fire Time Magazine. In this week's episode, Tim reacts to his article "Starting Well - How Putting First Things First Drives Meaningful Results" (released in the February 2024 issue of The Fire Time Magazine).
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To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Read The Fire Time Magazine Reader Edition online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
Download The Fire Time Magazine app to get full access to the magazine (for free): https://www.itsfiretime.com/app
Support The Fire Time Podcast financially: https://www.patreon.com/itsfiretime
While we prepare Season 16 of the podcast, Tim will be giving weekly rapid reactions to audio articles from The Fire Time Magazine. In this week's episode, Tim reacts to Clay Dennis' article "168 Hours: Reclaiming Balance Between Work and Family" (released in the November 2025 issue of The Fire Time Magazine).
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To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Read The Fire Time Magazine Reader Edition online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
Download The Fire Time Magazine app to get full access to the magazine (for free): https://www.itsfiretime.com/app
Support The Fire Time Podcast financially: https://www.patreon.com/itsfiretime
Tim wraps up Season 15 of the Fire Time Podcast with the holiday tradition of a Question and Answer episode where he reviews submissions from listeners and responds to a wide range of topics from this season of the podcast.
Questions include:
What should the average margin be on fireplaces and stoves and how to do the math when pricing a job?
"The ability from deep through comes from reading." Does this mean that people who can't or don't read aren't able to think as deeply?
How do you decide which brands to focus on in a showroom when you have a lot that are really good?
How do I keep business strong when the season changes and the weather gets warmer?
How is it that do you don't have email on your phone?
How do I keep from losing work when there is someone locally who undercuts everyone's prices?
How do I get my team to use a sales process?
Don't miss the Season 15 finale to hear the answers to these great questions from listeners like you!
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Become a supporter of The Fire Time Network and get access to awesome rewards: https://itsfiretime.com/join
To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Read The Fire Time Magazine Reader Edition online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
Download The Fire Time Magazine app to get full access to the magazine (for free): https://www.itsfiretime.com/app
"AI should do your laundry and dishes so you can do art and writing."
This week, Tim sits down with Matt Bradley (Partnership Manager at WhyFire and editor of The Fire Time Magazine) to discuss the thoughtful use of AI in business—and the critical distinction between tools that enhance our humanity versus those that erode it.
In this episode, Tim and Matt discuss:
Why kale, cold showers, and AI all triggered the same stubborn response—and what changed Matt's mind about it
Where AI can be used within every hearth business to save time and free up capacity for other things.
What to understand about training AI to give you the results you need.
How AI is turning us into "pancake people" who are wide but shallow—and what one activity actually prevents it
Don't miss this conversation that balances practical AI application with philosophical warning about what we risk losing if we outsource our thinking to artificial intelligence.
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Links from this episode:
Is Google Making Us Stupid?
Proust and the Squid
The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains
Become a supporter of The Fire Time Network and get access to awesome rewards: https://itsfiretime.com/join
Subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine for free: https://www.itsfiretime.com/subscribe
Read The Fire Time Magazine online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
"Try to win the games that no one else realizes they're playing."
This week , Tim dives into one of his favorite quotes with its proverbist, Grant Falco, President of Falcos Spokane. They explore everything from greeting customers, to effort towards finding answers, to how your parking lot looks, in order to win ten points and make the sale - because everything your business does is either gaining points or losing points.
Tune in now to hear why the race to ten is not that hard if you understand the game and why you should do the small things the same way you do the big things.
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Become a supporter of The Fire Time Network and get access to awesome rewards: https://itsfiretime.com/join
To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Read The Fire Time Magazine Reader Edition online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
Download The Fire Time Magazine app to get full access to the magazine (for free): https://www.itsfiretime.com/app
"Money does not buy security. Money does not buy freedom. It does buy flexibility."
This week , Tim sits down with Steve Marshman to talk about financial investing to create wealth future wealth. In a change of pace from podcast topics of sales, marketing, or leadership, they dive into thinking about the future, planning for retirement, and being wise.
Tim and Steve discuss:
Planning for the future when you are running a business and busy dealing with daily operations, problems, or responsibilities.
Where to start and the Top Four Rules of Investing: 1) Diversify your investments. 2) Know your fees. 3) Have a "time horizon." 4) Emotion is your biggest enemy.
How to think about market volatility, the pros/cons of a financial advisor, and index funds vs. actively managed funds.
Happiness, being a successful investor over time, teaching others to invest, and teaching others to give.
Don't miss this unique and practical episode to hear what you should be putting in place for yourself, or the people that work within your organization, to build wealth and create flexibility for the future.
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Become a supporter of The Fire Time Network and get access to awesome rewards: https://itsfiretime.com/join
To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Read The Fire Time Magazine Reader Edition online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
Download The Fire Time Magazine app to get full access to the magazine (for free): https://www.itsfiretime.com/app
"At the core - every interaction, every connection that we make, we try not to ever look at an order as just another dollar. It's an interaction with someone."
In this episode, Tim is joined by Gary Yoder, President of Sales and CMO at Stoll Industries, to discuss generosity and their notoriously positive approach to business. In the heart of the season, they talk about the purpose of business and stewardship of our resources, in order to be generous to the people around us.
Tim and Gary cover:
Relationships being at the core of what you do and having your impression and impact be more than just dollars and cents.
Making wise and sustainable decisions in how and what you give back to the community.
How an approach of generosity inspires people, builds momentum, and fuels team member engagement.
Challenges that come with having an approach of service and generosity.
Check out Stoll at https://www.stollindustries.com and don't miss this episode to hear how harnessing generosity as a superpower supports your team, grows deep customer loyalty, and can be a force for good.
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Become a supporter of The Fire Time Network and get access to awesome rewards: https://itsfiretime.com/join
To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Read The Fire Time Magazine Reader Edition online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
Download The Fire Time Magazine app to get full access to the magazine (for free): https://www.itsfiretime.com/app
"How do we make the most of the time that we have, realizing that there are so many things pulling at us for our focus and attention?"
This week, Tim shares one of his courses from the 2025 Digital Fire Time Summit.
In his course, Tim talks about:
Managing the tension of the "whirlwind" and the wildly important work that has to get done.
The axis scale of urgent vs. important and the four quadrants of work.
"The Tim Rethlake Time Ratio" and the benefit of investing the time to understand a customer's problem and advise a solution.
Prioritizing the 4 Critical Tasks of a Sales Person: 1.) Sit down with every customer and complete an Understanding Form. 2.) Write an estimate for every customer before they leave. 3.) Follow up with 15 customers each week. 4.) Send thank-you cards to your customers every month.
Tune in now to experience this live class and learn how to have more capacity on the back end by being diligent on the front end.
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Become a supporter of The Fire Time Network and get access to awesome rewards: https://itsfiretime.com/join
To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Read The Fire Time Magazine Reader Edition online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
Download The Fire Time Magazine app to get full access to the magazine (for free): https://www.itsfiretime.com/app
"We're treating people the way we want to be treated."
This week, Tim and Kenneth Walker pull a hat trick for a Part 3 of their discussion about the process of building a winning showroom.
In this episode, Tim and Kenneth wrap up the showroom miniseries answering questions and talking about:
What to think about in the early phases of building a showroom: finding a location, venting, staffing, hours, and knowing the difference between "retail" and "showroom."
When and how to determine your product lines while considering your space, product positioning/placement, and variety balance before looking into models or manufacturer availability.
How to maximize a small showroom by thinking about what your area supports, what kid of products you can comfortably sell, and where you can grow down the road.
Items that should be on a Showroom Build Checklist and a Showroom Execution Checklist: 1. Weekly Traffic Counter, 2. Customer Understanding Form, 3. Showroom Basics List, 4. Easy Estimate Solution, and 5. Repeatable Sales Process.
Finish this showroom episode trifecta to hear what should be in place when starting a showroom and how execute a plan with tools and confidence.
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Become a supporter of The Fire Time Network and get access to awesome rewards: https://itsfiretime.com/join
To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Read The Fire Time Magazine Reader Edition online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
Download The Fire Time Magazine app to get full access to the magazine (for free): https://www.itsfiretime.com/app
"Sales is a 30-minute love affair."
This week, Tim shares lessons from Pat Butson, a hearth industry legend who became Tim's sales mentor in his retirement. With four decades of experience at Vermont Castings, Majestic, and Whitfield—plus a legendary handshake as a national arm wrestling champion—Pat combined fierce confidence with gentle compassion that made him unstoppable on the sales floor.
In this episode, Tim shares Pat's wisdom through stories and practical lessons:
The three-step sales hierarchy that changes everything: First sell yourself, second sell your company, third sell your product—in that exact order.
The 30-minute love affair philosophy: Pat fell in love with every customer, giving everything of himself during their time together rather than treating them with jaded indifference.
First person to talk loses: After sliding your quote across the table and stating the price, shut your mouth and let the customer respond—they'll reveal whether you have a sale or need to address objections.
Don't miss this tribute episode honoring a sales master who proved that confidence without compassion means nothing, and that finding ways to give customers a win will always beat protecting margin on every transaction.
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Become a supporter of The Fire Time Network and get access to awesome rewards: https://itsfiretime.com/join
To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
"Pick the story first, then go find the brands to fit it."
This week, Kenneth Walker returns and is joined by podcast and industry veteran Mark Stoner, President of Ashbusters, to have a practical conversation about the process of building an actual showroom.
In this episode, Tim, Mark, and Kenneth discuss:
Product positioning in your showroom so that they tell a cohesive story and make it easier for customers to understand both what they are and how they can solve their particular problem.
The Good/Better/Best display approach: Good - cost effective with a few basic options. Better - "Bang for the buck." Best - Premium look with the most design flexibility.
Showroom elements, layout, and coming up with a plan/sticking to it; displays, digital design centers, music, and how to balance those things effectively.
What are we doing with the opportunities that we have? Using foundational metrics to turn intentional marketing dollars into estimates and sales.
The planned follow-up for showroom visits and "Explaining the Process" to customers, while maintaining the goal of getting into the home.
Don't miss this follow-up to last week's episode to hear why applying the sales and marketing process to a showroom in a new way can make you a better service company.
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Become a supporter of The Fire Time Network and get access to awesome rewards: https://itsfiretime.com/join
To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
Read The Fire Time Magazine Reader Edition online: https://magazine.itsfiretime.com
Download The Fire Time Magazine app to get full access to the magazine (for free): https://www.itsfiretime.com/app
"The purpose of your showroom is to sell the in-home visit."
This week, Tim welcomes Kenneth Walker, independent sales rep for Fire Walker Sales covering nine states, to break down the five principles every winning fireplace showroom needs. Kenneth has seen hundreds of showrooms—from thriving retail operations to struggling chimney service companies trying to break into retail—and shares exactly what separates success from failure.
In this episode, Tim and Kenneth discuss:
Why marketing your showroom is step one: Most customers don't randomly walk into hearth stores—they're destination shopping, which means if you don't tell them you exist with clear CTAs, QR codes on trucks, and explicit messaging, they'll never find you.
Simple and thoughtful always beats big and fancy: A tight 20x20 showroom with strategic product placement will outsell a massive space with 40 wood stoves and 17 brands where customers get lost and salespeople can't become experts on anything.
Product positioning is your secret weapon: Stop trying to show everything from every brand and instead build a clear price ladder using each vendor's strengths—like the taco truck with beef, chicken, and fish tacos, not 45 varieties of beef.
Signage and pricing eliminate customer anxiety: Posting average installed price ranges shows customers the full ladder from $4,000 to $9,500, takes price off the table as an objection, and naturally wins the sit-down estimate without awkward budget conversations.
In-home appointments are where you actually sell fireplaces: The showroom sells the home visit, the home visit sells the fireplace—and charging customers $250 to come measure means you're tripping over hundred dollar bills trying to pick up pennies.
Don't miss this tactical guide to building a showroom that creates buying experiences instead of browsing experiences.
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Become a supporter of The Fire Time Network and get access to awesome rewards: https://itsfiretime.com/join
To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
"The work starts when you make the sale."
This week, Tim does a deep-dive into the intricacies of sales with his friend Seth Fultz, Regional Sales Manages at Bridgewell Resources, who talks about his experience wearing multiple hats within his role - from inventory management and in/outbound logistics, to truck driver manager and even amateur psychologist.
In this episode, Tim and Seth cover:
Selling on price, value, and service when your product is the same as your competitors or you are competing against manufacturers.
Developing a sales process and why sales is ultimately about service.
Behaviors that every salesperson should adopt and pursuing business that hasn't closed yet.
Persistence, sticking with a process, and being comfortable with rejection in order to make it long-term.
Tune in now to hear this unique perspective from a completely different industry and how it relates to your business and sales process.
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Become a supporter of The Fire Time Network and get access to awesome rewards: https://itsfiretime.com/join
To hear more audio articles from our magazine, subscribe to the Fire Time Magazine Podcast: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine
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